How to Build a Shopping App Like CIDER?

Last updated on March 27th, 2024

Introduction

In today’s digital age, where technological advancements continuously shape our consumer habits, the landscape of retail has undergone a significant transformation. This shift can be attributed to the exponential growth of online shopping, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. The ease of making purchases from the comfort of our homes has captivated a wide audience, leading to a notable rise in the adoption of online shopping platforms. Among these platforms, CIDER stands out as a frontrunner, specializing in curating rare and unique fashion items that cater to a discerning clientele.

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to tap into the thriving online shopping market, especially in the niche sector of exclusive fashion, following in the footsteps of CIDER can pave the way for success. By understanding the key strategies and nuances that have contributed to CIDER’s triumph, you can embark on a rewarding journey in developing your own shopping app. This guide offers a detailed exploration of the essential steps and critical considerations involved in creating a compelling shopping platform that resonates with the success and appeal of CIDER.

What is CIDER App?

CIDER, a cutting-edge mobile shopping app revolutionizing the fashion industry, showcases an exclusive selection of high-end fashion products. Its range goes beyond clothing and shoes to include a diverse array of accessories, from statement jewelry to chic handbags. Founded in November 2015 by a trio of fashion-forward friends from bustling New York City, CIDER prides itself on leading the way by offering unique designer pieces at affordable prices. The app’s innovative user interface and seamless navigation tools have captured the attention of a loyal and varied customer base, appealing to fashion enthusiasts of all kinds, from trendsetting influencers to A-list celebrities.

Also Read: How To Create An Online Shopping Apps Like Shopee

Market Stats of the Online Shopping Industry

• The global online shopping market size was valued at approximately $4 trillion in 2022, with projections indicating a surge to over $6 trillion by 2024.
• E-commerce accounts for nearly 18% of all retail sales worldwide, a number that is expected to grow consistently in the coming years.
• In the United States alone, over 263 million consumers shopped online in 2021, highlighting the massive reach and potential of e-commerce platforms.
• Fashion and apparel sector is one of the fastest-growing segments within online shopping, with an annual growth rate surpassing 10%.
• Mobile commerce (m-commerce) makes up over 70% of the total e-commerce traffic, underscoring the importance of mobile-friendly shopping platforms like CIDER.
• Consumer expectations for free shipping, fast delivery times, and easy return policies are increasingly influencing shopping habits and platform loyalty.
• Social media platforms have emerged as significant drivers of online shopping, with nearly 55% of consumers discovering products on social media.

6 Major Steps to Build A Shopping App Like CIDER

1. Market & Competitor Analysis

Before diving into the development process of your online shopping platform, it is vital to conduct comprehensive market research to gain valuable insights. By analyzing your competitors, understanding consumer behavior, identifying market gaps, and learning from successful strategies of industry players, you can position your business for success in the competitive online retail landscape.

2. Attractive UX and UI Design

An intuitive and visually appealing user interface (UI) is essential for the success of any e-commerce application. When designing your shopping platform, it is crucial to ensure that it not only looks good but also functions seamlessly. The interface should be user-friendly, making it easy for customers to navigate through different sections, find products effortlessly, and enjoy a hassle-free shopping journey from browsing to checkout. By focusing on enhancing the user experience (UX), you can create a compelling environment that keeps your customers engaged, encourages repeat purchases, and fosters loyalty to your brand.

3. Advanced Technology Integration

To build a robust online shopping platform that meets the expectations of today’s tech-savvy shoppers, technology integration is crucial. The use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics can help personalize the shopping experience for customers, provide personalized product recommendations, and improve inventory management. Additionally, implementing secure payment gateways and encryption methods can safeguard sensitive customer information, build trust, and ensure a seamless checkout process. By staying updated with the latest technological advancements and integrating them into your e-commerce platform, you can deliver an enhanced shopping experience to your customers.

4. Develop the Backend 

A well-designed and efficient backend is the backbone of any e-commerce application. It includes the database, server, and application logic that enables smooth functioning of the front-end interface. When developing your platform’s backend, it is essential to consider scalability, security, and performance factors to accommodate increasing traffic and maintain a secure environment for customer information. By building a robust backend system, you can ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers and minimize any technical glitches that might hinder their purchasing journey. Consider working with experienced developers or investing in reliable e-commerce platforms that offer customizable backend solutions to create a strong foundation for your online store.

5. Testing and Launch

Before launching your e-commerce platform, it is crucial to dedicate ample time to thoroughly testing all its features and functionalities. By conducting comprehensive testing, you can ensure that the website is not just user-friendly, but also highly secure and completely free of any technical glitches that could hamper the user experience.

Moreover, consider the advantages of beta testing with a select group of targeted users. Their valuable feedback can offer crucial insights for further improvements and enhancements to elevate the platform’s performance.

In addition to functionality, don’t overlook the importance of assessing compatibility across various devices and browsers. Ensuring seamless performance regardless of the user’s choice of technology is key to maximizing reach and engagement. Also, conducting thorough speed tests to optimize loading times will contribute significantly to overall user satisfaction.

Once you have meticulously completed all necessary tests and fine-tuned every aspect of your e-commerce platform, you will be well-prepared to launch with confidence and effectively promote your offerings to potential customers.

6. Maintenance & Updates 

Launching your e-commerce platform is just the beginning; regular maintenance and updates are crucial to ensure its continued success. Technical glitches, compatibility issues, and outdated features can deter potential customers and negatively impact sales.

Make sure to regularly monitor website performance and user feedback to identify any areas for improvement or necessary bug fixes. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and incorporating new features or technologies can help keep your e-commerce platform competitive and appealing to customers.

Furthermore, regularly updating product information, prices, and promotions will keep your offerings relevant and engaging for customers. This also includes maintaining secure payment systems and addressing any potential security vulnerabilities promptly.

12 Incredible Features To Build An App Like CIDER

1. User Registration 

Allow users to register an account with your app using their email, phone number, or social media accounts. This will enable them to save their preferences, order history, and payment information for a seamless shopping experience.

2. Product Search and Filtering 

Implementing a robust search function is vital for enhancing user experience. By integrating a sophisticated search feature, users can effortlessly find specific products or categories they are looking for. Moreover, providing a wide range of filtering options such as price range, size, color, brand, and more will empower users to effectively narrow down their search results, ensuring a smooth and personalized browsing experience tailored to their preferences. This level of customization and precision in search capabilities can significantly boost user satisfaction and engagement on the platform.

3. Push Notifications 

Stay connected with your users by sending personalized push notifications tailored to their preferences and behaviors. These notifications are designed to keep users informed about the newest product releases, exclusive promotions, and exciting updates. By leveraging this feature, you not only enhance user engagement but also provide a gentle reminder for users with items in their cart, encouraging them to complete their purchase and indulge in their chosen products. This proactive approach fosters a more personalized and interactive user experience, strengthening the bond between your brand and its customers.

4. Shopping Cart and Checkout 

The shopping cart and checkout process is a crucial aspect of any e-commerce platform. It is the final step in converting a user’s browsing session into a successful transaction, making it essential to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience.

To achieve this, it is necessary to design an intuitive and straightforward shopping cart interface that enables users to easily add or remove items, adjust quantities, and review their total costs. Additionally, providing multiple payment options and secure checkout methods will instill trust in your customers, motivating them to complete their purchase.

5. Community Building 

Creating a sense of community among your users is an effective way to increase brand loyalty and encourage repeat purchases. By incorporating features such as user reviews, ratings, and forums, you can facilitate interactions between customers and foster a community around your brand. This not only provides valuable feedback for your products but also allows for organic promotion through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Furthermore, hosting events or offering rewards programs for active community members can further enhance the bond between your brand and its customers. This sense of belonging and exclusivity can improve customer retention and drive sales.

6. Payment Gateway Integration

Integrating a reliable and efficient payment gateway is crucial for any e-commerce platform. It ensures secure transaction processing, reducing the risk of fraud and chargebacks. Additionally, providing multiple payment options such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and online banking can cater to a wider range of customers’ preferences.

Moreover, payment gateway integration also allows for real-time tracking of transactions, making it easier to manage orders and refunds. By partnering with reputable payment gateways, you can build trust with your customers and streamline the checkout process.

7. Recovering the Abandoned Cart

Despite implementing a seamless checkout process, it is common for customers to abandon their carts before completing the purchase. This could be due to various reasons such as unexpected costs or technical difficulties. However, you can utilize strategies such as email reminders, retargeting ads, and offering incentives to recover these abandoned carts.

By analyzing customer behavior and understanding why they abandoned their cart, you can tailor your approach and increase the chances of converting them into paying customers.

8. Personalized Recommendations    

Personalization is becoming increasingly important in the e-commerce industry. By leveraging customer data such as purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographics, you can provide personalized product recommendations to your customers. This not only enhances their shopping experience but also increases the chances of making a sale.

Using machine learning algorithms, you can continuously improve and refine these recommendations to cater to each individual customer’s preferences. This can result in higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

9. Customer Support and Feedback 

Providing excellent customer support is vital for the success of any e-commerce business. This includes offering multiple channels of communication such as live chat, email, and phone support. Additionally, actively seeking feedback from customers can help you identify any pain points or areas for improvement.

By addressing customer concerns promptly and incorporating their feedback into your business strategies, you can build a strong relationship with your customers and increase their satisfaction.

10. Order Tracking and History 

Customers value transparency and being kept informed about the status of their orders. Implementing a tracking system that allows customers to monitor their order’s progress can improve their overall experience and reduce the number of inquiries to your customer support team.

Furthermore, providing access to order history allows customers to easily track previous purchases and make repeat orders, increasing customer retention and loyalty.

Overall, implementing these features can greatly enhance the customer experience and lead to long-term success for your e-commerce business.  So, it is important to continuously monitor and improve upon these aspects to stay competitive in the market. Always prioritize the needs and preferences of your customers to create a seamless and personalized shopping experience for them.

11.AR/VR Integration  

The use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the e-commerce industry is gaining momentum. By implementing these technologies, customers can have a more immersive shopping experience, as they can view products in a virtual environment similar to a physical store.

For example, furniture companies can allow customers to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their homes through AR technology. This not only enhances the customer’s shopping experience but also reduces the likelihood of returns due to mismatched expectations.

12. Live Video Shopping    

Live video shopping allows customers to interact with a sales associate in real-time, providing them with a personalized and informative shopping experience. Customers can ask questions, get recommendations, and see products being used or demonstrated.

This feature is particularly useful for industries such as beauty and fashion, where seeing the product in use can greatly influence purchasing decisions. It also provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase new products or limited edition items in a more engaging way.

Read More: How To Develop An App Like Shein?

5 Best Online Shopping Apps Like CIDER

1. Wish 

Wish is a popular shopping app that offers a wide variety of products at discounted prices. It has a user-friendly interface and allows customers to browse through millions of products from various categories including fashion, electronics, home decor, and more.

Customers can also take advantage of daily deals and promotions to save even more on their purchases. Wish also offers fast shipping options and an easy return process for customer convenience.

2. Shein    

Shein is a fashion-focused shopping app that offers trendy and affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and kids. Customers can find a wide range of styles from casual to formal wear at competitive prices.

The app also has a community feature where customers can share their reviews and photos of the products they have purchased, helping others make informed decisions. Shein also offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount and frequent sales and discounts.

3. AJIO 

AJIO is an Indian shopping app that offers a mix of local and international brands for fashion, beauty, and home products. Customers can shop from a curated selection of trendy and unique items at affordable prices.

The app also has a feature called “Just For You” where customers can receive personalized recommendations based on their browsing and purchase history. AJIO also offers express delivery options and easy returns for a hassle-free shopping experience.

4. eBay 

eBay is a popular online marketplace app that allows customers to buy and sell products from all over the world. Customers can find both new and used items at competitive prices, making it a great platform for bargain hunters.

The app also has various features such as bidding, best offer, and global shipping options for customer convenience. eBay also offers buyer protection policies to ensure a safe and secure shopping experience for its customers.

5. 6th Street 

6th Street is a Middle Eastern online shopping app that offers a wide range of fashion and beauty products from top brands. Customers can find everything from clothing and shoes to makeup and fragrances at 6th Street.

The app also has an easy-to-use interface and various payment options, including cash on delivery. 6th Street also regularly features exclusive discounts and promotions for its customers.

Cost to Build a Shopping App Like CIDER

The cost to build a shopping app similar to CIDER can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including design complexity, features, and the development team’s location. Below is a rough estimate of the possible costs involved, broken down by key components of the app development process.

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How Much Does It Cost To Maintain an App Like CIDER?

Maintaining an app similar to CIDER involves ongoing costs that are critical for its smooth operation, performance optimization, and ensuring the app stays up-to-date with user needs and technological advancements. The annual maintenance cost for an app of this nature typically ranges between 15% to 20% of the original development cost. Therefore, if the development cost is estimated between $41,000 to $130,000, the yearly maintenance cost can be expected to fall within the range of approximately $6,150 to $26,000. This includes server costs, cloud services, updates and improvements, bug fixes, and customer support.

Key Points on Maintaining an App Like CIDER:

• Ongoing Costs: Annual maintenance is crucial for keeping the app functional, user-friendly, and up-to-date. It is recommended to allocate around 15% to 20% of the initial development cost towards maintenance to ensure the app’s longevity and optimal performance.
• Range: Depending on the initial development expenses ranging from $41,000 to $130,000, the annual maintenance costs may vary between approximately $6,150 to $26,000. This range covers various aspects of maintenance to sustain the app’s efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Includes: Maintenance costs encompass server charges, cloud services, regular updates for enhanced performance and features, bug fixes, and responsive customer support to promptly address user concerns. These components collectively contribute to the app’s smooth operation and user engagement.
• Importance: Regular maintenance is essential for the app to stay competitive by incorporating user feedback, adapting to new technologies, and reducing downtime. The emphasis on maintenance significantly impacts user experience, leading to increased user retention rates and overall satisfaction.

How can iTechnolabs help you to Build a Shopping App Like CIDER?

At iTechnolabs, we understand the significance of maintenance and offer comprehensive solutions to ensure your shopping app stays up-to-date and fully functional. With our expert team of developers and designers, we can help you build a shopping app like CIDER that is user-friendly, visually appealing, and scalable.

Our maintenance package includes regular updates for bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements to keep your app running smoothly. We also offer 24/7 customer support to address any user concerns promptly, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

• Customized Development: Our team listens to your specific needs and tailors the shopping app to meet your unique business requirements, ensuring it stands out in the competitive market.
• Advanced Technology Integration: iTechnolabs utilizes the latest technology to ensure your app is not just current but also future-ready. This includes everything from AR experiences to AI-driven personalized shopping recommendations.
• Scalability: We build applications with scalability in mind, allowing your app to grow seamlessly as your business expands, without compromising performance or user experience.
• Market Analysis: Our strategic market analysis helps in identifying your target audience and tailoring your app’s features to meet their needs, ensuring higher engagement and user retention.
• Security Measures: Implementing advanced security protocols to protect user data and transactions, providing a safe and trustworthy shopping environment.
• Seamless UX/UI Design: Our expert designers focus on creating an intuitive and engaging user interface that enhances the overall user experience, leading to higher conversion rates.
• Ongoing Support and Maintenance: We provide continuous support and regular maintenance to ensure your app stays updated with the latest features and technology, keeping it competitive and functional.

Are you planning to build a shopping app like Cider?

Choosing iTechnolabs to develop your shopping app like CIDER brings a multitude of benefits that go beyond just technical expertise. Their approach ensures that your app is not only equipped with the latest technology but is also designed with the end-user in mind. The focus on creating a seamless UX/UI design translates to an intuitive shopping experience, significantly boosting user engagement and conversion rates. Furthermore, the aspect of customized development means that your app will not be a one-size-fits-all solution but a tailored platform that reflects your brand’s identity and meets your specific business objectives. The strategic market analysis provided by iTechnolabs helps in placing your app right in the center of your target market, ensuring that the features and functionalities are exactly what your users need. Additionally, the emphasis on scalability and ongoing support means that as your business grows, your app can easily adapt to new demands without losing operational efficiency or compromising on user experience. This comprehensive package of services provided by iTechnolabs positions your business to not only enter the competitive digital market confidently but also to sustain and grow in it effectively.

• Enhanced User Experience: At iTechnolabs, we place a strong emphasis on creating a user-friendly interface that not only allows customers to easily browse and purchase products but also ensures a seamless and delightful shopping journey. Our focus is on providing a satisfying and memorable experience for every user interaction.
• Customized Solutions: Our solutions are meticulously tailored to align perfectly with your unique business requirements, ensuring that the app not only resonates with your brand identity but also helps you achieve your specific objectives effectively and efficiently. We believe in crafting solutions that truly reflect your vision and goals.
• Scalability: The applications we develop are intelligently designed to be scalable, allowing them to effortlessly expand alongside your business growth. Whether it’s accommodating a wider range of products, services, or a surge in user traffic, our scalable solutions ensure that your app remains robust and responsive at all times.
• Market Analysis: Through comprehensive research and analysis, we delve deep into understanding your target market dynamics, enabling us to strategically position your app for maximum impact and engagement. Our insights-driven approach ensures that your app stands out amidst the competition and garners the attention it deserves.
• Latest Technologies: We are committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative features into your app, ensuring that it stays at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By leveraging the latest advancements, we empower your app to deliver exceptional performance, enhanced functionality, and a competitive edge in the market.
• Ongoing Support: Our dedication to providing reliable and continuous support means that you can trust us to handle any operational issues swiftly and effectively. We are committed to keeping your app updated, secure, and fully functional at all times, allowing you to focus on your business while we take care of the technicalities.

Important: Top 10 Best Shopping Apps to Explore

Conclusion:  

At our core, we are more than just a software development company – we are your partner in success. By combining our technical expertise with a customer-centric approach, we strive to deliver custom solutions that align with your business objectives and drive tangible results. Our commitment to excellence and passion for innovation sets us apart in the industry, making us the ideal choice for all your app development needs. Let’s work together to bring your ideas to life, unleash your app’s full potential, and achieve unprecedented success in the digital marketplace. Contact us today to get started!  So whether you are a startup looking to make a splash or an established business seeking to expand your digital footprint, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Question!

 Q1. What is An Online Shopping App? 

An online shopping app is a mobile application that allows users to browse and purchase products or services from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet. They typically offer a wide range of products from different merchants, making it easy for users to compare prices and find the best deals. These apps also often feature secure payment options, order tracking, and customer support for a seamless shopping experience.

Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like CIDER? 

The cost of building an app like CIDER will depend on various factors such as the complexity of features, design, platform compatibility, and development time. Generally, a simple shopping app can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 while more complex ones can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more. It’s best to consult with a professional app development company for an accurate cost estimate based on your specific requirements.

Q3. How Long Will It Take To Build A Shopping App Like CIDER? 

The development time for a shopping app like CIDER can vary depending on the features and complexity of the app. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for a basic app and up to a year or more for a more complex one. This timeline also depends on factors like the availability of resources, team size, and any unforeseen challenges that may arise during development.

Q4. How Do I Start My Own Online Store? 

Starting your own online store requires a few key steps. First, you will need to decide on the products or services you want to sell and determine your target market. Next, you will need to choose an ecommerce platform or build your own website. Then, you will need to source products, set up payment gateways, and create marketing strategies to promote your store. It’s also important to establish a support system and manage customer relationships to ensure the success of your online store.  Additionally, it can be helpful to research successful online stores in your industry and learn from their strategies and tactics.  Finally, creating a strong brand identity, providing high-quality products or services, and offering excellent customer service are essential for building a successful online store.

Q5. What Makes A Mobile App Successful? 

There are a few key factors that contribute to the success of a mobile app:

• User-Friendly Design: A successful mobile app should have a clean and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provides a smooth user experience.

• Valuable Features: The app should offer useful features that solve a problem or enhance the user’s life in some way. These features should be well-designed, regularly updated, and relevant to the target audience.

• Effective Marketing Strategy: In order for an app to be successful, it needs to reach its target audience. This requires a strategic marketing plan that utilizes various channels such as social media, influencer partnerships, and app store optimization.

• Performance and Stability: A successful mobile app should function well and have minimal bugs or crashes. Users expect a seamless experience when using an app, so it’s important for developers to regularly test and improve the app’s performance.

• Feedback and Adaptability: A successful app is one that takes user feedback into consideration and adapts to their needs. By listening to user reviews and implementing changes based on feedback, an app can improve and retain its user base.
• Monetization Options: While not all mobile apps are created for the purpose of making money, having monetization options such as in-app purchases or ads can help generate revenue and contribute to its overall success.