In today’s e-commerce era, online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives. With companies such as Amazon and Alibaba pulling out all the stops to entice customers into making a purchase, e-commerce mobile apps have come to play a vital role in helping online shoppers make informed decisions. With mobile app development becoming more and more advanced over time, e-commerce mobile apps are also getting better with each passing day. In this blog, we will cover factors that are included in ecommerce mobile app development cost.
The e-commerce industry is growing rapidly with a yearly 23% growth rate. Revenue in the eCommerce market is projected to reach US$4.11tn in 2023 as per Statista.
The e-commerce market has become more diverse, with several platforms and businesses providing online shopping services to customers from around the world. Online shopping has become an essential part of life for many people, especially those living in developed countries.
These days, consumers prefer e-commerce platforms that provide them with a wide variety of products at a reasonable price and an easy checkout experience. These factors have driven the development of e-commerce apps as customers now prefer a mobile app for shopping over a traditional web store.
Popular eCommerce apps include Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Alibaba website. These apps allow customers to browse online store offerings and make purchases effortlessly from their mobile devices.
Importance of mobile apps in eCommerce
Mobile eCommerce apps are increasingly popular for eCommerce businesses, due to their convenience and ability to save time and reduce cost. Mobile app development involves choosing the right mobile app development platform and functionalities, which can affect the cost of development. In addition to app functionalities such as checkout and user authentication, mobile eCommerce applications also offer advanced shopping features such as product reviews and recommendations, allowing customers to easily find what they want without having to search through a large catalog of products which is the main advantage of ecommerce platform.
These mobile application features make eCommerce mobile apps more engaging and user-friendly. Moreover, mobile eCommerce applications allow companies to reach customers across mobile platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. This flexibility makes mobile eCommerce apps an efficient way to increase business revenue.
A mobile eCommerce application is a digital product aimed at enhancing the shopping experience on phones. By providing quick and easy access to online shopping from anywhere with a mobile device, mobile eCommerce applications help companies grow their business by offering convenient options for customers who prefer to shop from the comfort of their mobile devices.
Factors Affecting the Cost of eCommerce Mobile App Development
The cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app depends on various factors. These include:
1. Platform (iOS, Android, Hybrid)
The platform on which the app will be developed can significantly impact the cost of development. Developing an app for both iOS and Android platforms can be more expensive than developing an app for one platform. Hybrid apps, which can work on both iOS and Android platforms, are a cost-effective alternative to developing separate apps for each platform.
2. Features and Functionality
The features and functionality of the app can impact the cost of development. More complex features such as advanced search, social media integration, push notifications, and chat support can increase the cost of development.
Make sure partner with a digital product development company that can help you understand all the cost related factors, so that you can use your resources in an optimum manner.
3. Design and User Experience
Design and user experience are critical factors in the success of an eCommerce mobile app. A well-designed app with an intuitive user interface can attract and retain customers. However, designing a high-quality app can be expensive.
4. Development Team
The cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app depends on the development team’s size and location. Hiring a large development team or a team from a developed country can significantly increase the cost of development.
Breakdown of Cost Elements for eCommerce Mobile App Development
The cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app can be broken down into the following elements:
1. Design Cost
Design cost includes the cost of designing the user interface, user experience, and overall look and feel of the app. The cost depends on the complexity of the design and the experience level of the designer.
It is recommended to hire mobile app design agency that understands your concepts and co-creates your idea with best possible UI/UX design.
2. Third-Party Integrations Cost
Third-party integrations such as payment gateways, social media integration, and analytics tools can increase the cost of development.
3. Testing and Quality Assurance Cost
Testing and quality assurance costs include the cost of testing the app for bugs and issues and ensuring its quality. The cost depends on the testing methods used and the size of the app.
4. Deployment and Launch Cost
Deployment and launch cost includes the cost of deploying the app to the app stores and marketing it to potential customers.
5. Development Team Cost
The development team cost includes the salaries and benefits of the development team members. The cost depends on the team’s size and location.
In general, hire mobile app developers or a team from a developers from nations where hourly rates are low.
Cost Range for eCommerce digital platform
When it comes to the cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The total cost of the project can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, including the app’s complexity, functionality, design, platform, and the development team’s location.
To give you a better idea of the cost range for eCommerce mobile app development, let’s break down the costs into three categories: small and simple, mid-range, and large and complex.
1. Small and Simple App
A small and simple eCommerce mobile app is typically designed to showcase a few products, provide users with basic shopping functionalities, and offer simple navigation. Such an app is suitable for small businesses that are just starting in the eCommerce world and do not require advanced features.
The cost of developing a small and simple app can range between $10,000 to $50,000. The app will typically include features such as product listings, a shopping cart, payment gateway integration, and user accounts. The development team will likely use standard design templates and open-source frameworks to keep the cost down.
2. Mid-Range App
A mid-range eCommerce mobile app is more advanced than a small and simple app, as it typically includes features such as push notifications, social media integration, product recommendations, and analytics. This type of app is suitable for mid-sized businesses that require more advanced functionalities to grow their online presence.
The cost of developing a mid-range app can range between $50,000 to $100,000. The development team will need to create custom design templates, integrate advanced features, and perform rigorous testing to ensure the app’s quality and performance.
3. Large and Complex App
A large and complex eCommerce mobile app is designed to provide users with a highly personalized and immersive shopping experience. This type of app includes advanced features such as augmented reality, virtual try-on, chatbots, and AI-powered recommendations. It is suitable for large businesses with a significant online presence and a large customer base.
The cost of developing a large and complex app can range from $250,000 or more. The development team will need to create custom design templates, integrate advanced features, perform extensive testing, and optimize the app for multiple platforms to ensure its quality and performance.
It’s essential to note that the above costs are rough estimates, and the actual cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app can vary depending on various factors. For instance, the cost can increase if you require a custom backend solution, integration with third-party software, or additional security features. Also, the cost can vary depending on the location of the development team. Developers in countries with a high cost of living charge more for their services than those in countries with a lower cost of living.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing an eCommerce Mobile App
The cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app can vary significantly depending on various factors, including:
1. App Complexity
The complexity of the app is one of the most significant factors that affect the cost of development. The more complex the app, the higher the cost of development. eCommerce apps with advanced features like AI-powered chatbots, AR/VR integration, and complex payment gateways will cost more than a basic eCommerce app with standard features.
2. Platform
Another factor that affects the cost of eCommerce app development is the platform on which the app will be developed. Developing an app for a single platform like iOS or Android will cost less than developing an app for multiple platforms.
3. Development Team
The cost of eCommerce app development will also depend on the development team’s experience and expertise. Hiring a team with extensive experience in eCommerce app development will cost more than hiring a team with less experience.
4. Location of the Development Team
The location of the development team is another factor that can affect the cost of eCommerce app development. Hiring a development team from a developed country like the USA or the UK will cost more than hiring a team from a developing country like India or Pakistan.
5. Timeframe
The timeframe for developing an eCommerce mobile app can also affect the cost of development. Rushing the development process to meet a tight deadline can increase the cost of development due to the need for more resources.
Conclusion
Developing an eCommerce mobile app can be a challenging and expensive process. The cost of development depends on various factors, including app complexity, platform, development team, location of the development team, and timeframe. To ensure a successful eCommerce app development project, it is essential to define a clear vision, conduct thorough market research, and work with a skilled and experienced development team. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, businesses can develop an eCommerce mobile app that meets their needs and budget.
Looking for a skilled and experienced development team to help you create a successful eCommerce mobile app? Look no further! Contact us today to learn more about our portfolio and how we can help turn your vision into a reality.
