How Much Does It Cost to Develop eCommerce App for Android & iOS?

Published on January 3rd, 2024

Developing an e-commerce app for both Android and iOS is not only a crucial step but also a smart move in today’s digital world. With the rapidly increasing trend of online shopping, businesses are actively shifting their focus towards mobile applications to tap into a wider audience base. By having a presence on both platforms, businesses can ensure maximum reach and engagement with their customers.

However, it’s important to note that creating an app for both Android and iOS requires a significant investment, not just in terms of money but also time and resources. The cost of developing an e-commerce app can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the app, the specific features required, the desired functionality, the design aesthetics, and the size of the development team. Each of these factors contributes to the overall cost and timeline of the app development process.

In conclusion, while there are challenges and investments involved in building an e-commerce app for both Android and iOS, the potential benefits and opportunities are immense. By catering to the growing mobile audience, businesses can establish a strong digital presence, enhance customer experience, and ultimately drive growth and success in the competitive online marketplace.

What Features Users See In The Mobile Ecommerce App?

When it comes to e-commerce apps, user experience is key. In order to attract and retain customers, your app needs to have a wide range of essential features that provide convenience, security and an enjoyable shopping experience. Some common features that users expect in mobile e-commerce apps include:

• Intuitive User Interface (UI): A well-designed interface with easy navigation, simple layout, and clear calls-to-action can greatly enhance the user experience.
• Login/Registration: This feature allows users to create a personal account, save their information and track their orders for a smoother shopping process.
• Product Catalog: The ability to browse through different categories of products, view product images, descriptions and prices is crucial for users to make informed purchase decisions.
• Search Bar: A search function helps users find specific products quickly and easily, improving their overall shopping experience.
• Shopping Cart and Checkout: These features allow users to add items to their cart, review their purchases, choose payment options and complete the purchase process seamlessly.
• Payment Gateway Integration: This facilitates secure online transactions by allowing customers to make payments using a variety of methods like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, etc.
• Order Tracking: Users can track their orders and receive real-time updates on the status of their purchases through this feature.
• Push Notifications: Sending timely notifications to users about new products, discounts, promotions or order updates helps businesses stay connected with their customers and drive sales.

Related: 30+ Best eCommerce Platforms

Factors That Determine the Android & iOS E-Commerce App Cost

The cost of developing an e-commerce app for both Android and iOS platforms can vary significantly depending on various factors. Some of the key factors that determine the overall cost include:

i) App development team

The cost of an e-commerce app depends on the development team’s size, experience, and location. Hiring a team of experienced developers can increase the overall cost, while working with freelance developers or offshore teams may be more budget-friendly.

ii) Technical complexity

The technical complexity of an e-commerce app can impact its development cost. If the app requires advanced features like augmented reality, machine learning, or integration with third-party services, the development cost will be higher.

iii) Backend development

A robust backend is essential for an e-commerce app to function seamlessly. The cost of backend development depends on the database setup, server-side scripting, and API integration required for the app.

iv) Niche third-party integrations

Integrations with third-party services like payment gateways, analytics tools, and social media platforms can add to the overall cost of an e-commerce app.

v) In-application purchases

In-app purchases allow customers to buy additional products or services within the app. Implementing in-app purchases can increase the overall cost of an e-commerce app.

vi) Custom designs and animations

Custom designs and animations can enhance the user experience of an e-commerce app. However, they also add to the development cost.

vii) Post-release expenses

After the initial development of an e-commerce app, there are various ongoing expenses that need to be considered in order to ensure its long-term success. These expenses include regular maintenance to ensure the app runs smoothly and efficiently, frequent updates to keep up with evolving technologies and user needs, and bug fixes to address any issues that may arise.

Regular maintenance involves monitoring the app’s performance, optimizing its speed and responsiveness, and ensuring that all features and functionalities are working correctly. This not only helps to provide a seamless user experience but also helps to prevent any potential issues or downtime that could negatively impact the app’s reputation.

Frequent updates are crucial to keep the app up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. This includes adding new features, improving existing ones, and adapting to changes in user preferences and behavior. By staying ahead of the curve, you can ensure that your app remains competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape and continues to meet the evolving needs of your users.

Bug fixes are an inevitable part of app development. Despite thorough testing and quality assurance measures, issues can still arise that need to be addressed promptly. This could be anything from minor glitches to more significant problems that affect the app’s functionality or security. By promptly addressing and fixing these bugs, you can maintain the app’s reliability and user satisfaction.

It’s crucial to factor in these post-release expenses when estimating the cost of creating an e-commerce app. While the initial development cost is important, it’s equally important to consider the ongoing expenses that contribute to the overall investment required for long-term success and user satisfaction. By accounting for these additional details and allocating resources accordingly, you can make more accurate projections and ensure the sustainable growth of your e-commerce app.

So, How Much Does It Cost To Create An E-commerce App?

The cost of developing an e-commerce app depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the app, the features and functionalities included, and the platform(s) it will be available on.

On average, creating an Android & iOS e-commerce app can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $250,000 or more. This range can vary significantly based on your specific needs and preferences. For example, a simple e-commerce app with basic features may cost around $30,000 to $50,000, while a more complex app with advanced functionalities could cost upwards of $250,000.

Some other factors that can influence the cost of creating an e-commerce app include:

• Design: The design of your app plays a significant role in its cost. If you want a custom design with unique features and elements, it will likely be more expensive compared to using pre-made templates or designs. Custom designs require more time and effort from designers to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that aligns with your brand identity. Additionally, unique features and elements may require additional coding and customization, which can increase the overall cost.
• Development team: The size and expertise of your development team can also impact the cost. Hiring experienced developers may cost more upfront but could result in a higher quality app and potentially save money on long-term maintenance costs. A larger development team can handle complex projects more efficiently, but it may come at a higher cost. Skilled developers with expertise in specific technologies or frameworks may also demand higher rates, but their knowledge and experience can contribute to a smoother development process and a more robust and reliable app.
• Features and functionalities: The more features and functionalities you want to include in your app, the higher the cost will be. Popular features such as push notifications, in-app messaging, and social media integration can significantly impact the overall cost. Each additional feature requires time and effort to develop, test, and integrate into the app. Complex functionalities, like payment gateways or real-time data synchronization, may require additional third-party integrations or backend development, which can further increase the cost.
• Platform(s): Developing an e-commerce app for both Android and iOS will generally cost more compared to focusing on just one platform. Each platform has its own development process and requirements, which can add to the overall cost. Developing for multiple platforms requires adapting the app’s design and functionality to each platform’s guidelines and limitations, as well as testing and ensuring compatibility across different devices and operating systems. This extra effort and resources needed for multi-platform development contribute to the higher cost.

Overall, the cost to develop an e-commerce app is a significant investment. However, it is essential to consider that a well-designed and functional app can lead to increased sales and revenue for your business.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Shopping Apps to Explore

Benefits of Android eCommerce application

Aside from the potential increase in sales and revenue, there are several other benefits to developing an Android e-commerce application for your business.

• Reach a larger audience: With over 2.5 billion active monthly users, the Android platform has a significantly broader reach compared to iOS. By catering to this extensive market of Android users, you can potentially attract a vast customer base and expand your business exponentially. With such a massive user base, the opportunities for growth and success are virtually limitless.
• Cost-effective: Developing an Android app is generally less expensive compared to iOS due to the lower cost of development tools and the open-source nature of the platform. This cost advantage can be a game-changer for businesses, especially startups or small enterprises, who want to develop a high-quality app without stretching their budget too thin. By saving on development costs, you can allocate more resources to other critical aspects of your business, such as marketing and customer acquisition.
• Customization options: The Android platform offers unparalleled customization options compared to iOS, empowering developers to create innovative and unique apps that truly stand out in a highly competitive market. With Android, you have the freedom to unleash your creativity and design apps that align perfectly with your business’s brand identity and user preferences. This level of customization can give you a significant edge over your competitors and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.
• Integration with Google services: As an Android app, your e-commerce app will have seamless integration with various Google services and tools such as Google Pay, Maps, and Analytics. These integrations can elevate the overall user experience by providing convenient payment options, reliable navigation services, and valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. By leveraging the power of Google services, you can optimize your app’s functionality, enhance customer satisfaction, and make data-driven decisions to drive your business forward.

Embracing the Android platform for your e-commerce app can unlock a myriad of opportunities and advantages that can fuel your business growth and success. From reaching a vast audience to enjoying cost-effective development, customization options, and integration with Google services, Android offers a comprehensive solution that caters to the needs of modern businesses.

Comparison between ecommerce application  development in Android and iOS

While both Android and iOS offer robust platforms for app development, they have notable differences that can impact the cost of developing an e-commerce app. Here are some key points to consider when comparing the cost of developing an e-commerce app on these two platforms:

• Market share: As mentioned earlier, Android has a significantly larger market share than iOS. This means that by choosing Android, you can reach a wider audience and potentially generate more sales. However, if your target audience primarily uses iOS devices, it may be worth investing in an iOS app to cater to their needs.
• Development tools: Both Android and iOS have their own set of development tools and programming languages. While both platforms offer free development tools, the cost of hiring developers with the required skills and expertise may vary. It is crucial to consider whether you have in-house developers who are proficient in these tools or if you need to outsource the development.
• App features: The complexity and number of features you want your e-commerce app to have can significantly impact the cost of development. Android offers more flexibility in terms of customization and integration with third-party services, which can be more cost-effective compared to iOS.
• Design: The design of your app also plays a significant role in its development cost. Generally, iOS offers a more consistent and streamlined design language compared to Android. This may result in higher costs for developing an aesthetically pleasing app on the iOS platform.
• App maintenance: After launching your e-commerce app, you will need to constantly update and maintain it to ensure a smooth user experience. The cost of app maintenance may vary depending on the complexity of your app’s features and its compatibility with new versions of the operating system.
• Testing: Both Android and iOS apps need to undergo rigorous testing before they can be launched. While both platforms have their own testing tools, it is essential to allocate a budget for testing your app to ensure it functions flawlessly on different devices and operating systems.
• App marketing: Once your e-commerce app is ready, you will need to invest in marketing strategies to reach your target audience. This can include paid advertisements, social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and more.

Suggested: Top Mobile App Development Technologies Used To Develop Mobile Applications

How can iTechnolabs help you build an ecommerce application?

At iTechnolabs, we understand that every business has unique requirements and budget constraints when it comes to developing an e-commerce app. Our team of experienced developers and designers works closely with our clients to create a tailor-made solution that meets their specific needs.

We offer end-to-end services for e-commerce app development, from ideation to launch and maintenance. Our team stays updated with the latest trends and technologies in app development to ensure that your app is modern, user-friendly, and scalable.

• Requirement Analysis: At iTechnolabs, we begin by understanding your business needs and requirements. This helps us to craft an e-commerce application that not only appeals to your target audience but also aligns with your business model.
• Experienced Team: Our team of seasoned developers, designers, and project managers bring a wealth of experience on the table. They are proficient in using the latest tools and technologies which ensures your app is up-to-date with the latest market trends.
• Customizable Solutions: We understand that each business has unique needs. Therefore, we provide customizable solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, enabling you to stand out in the competitive e-commerce space.
• Quality Assurance: We strictly adhere to international quality standards and have an independent quality assurance team. They rigorously test your app on various parameters to ensure it functions seamlessly and provides an exceptional user experience.
• Post-Launch Support: Our work doesn’t end with the app launch. We provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure your app is always running smoothly and stays updated with the latest operating system versions and features.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Understanding the concern around the cost to develop an eCommerce app, we offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality of the application. We ensure you get the best return on your investment.

Are you looking for ecommerce app development company?

At iTechnolabs, we place a strong emphasis on the user experience (UX), as we recognize its pivotal role in determining the success of an e-commerce app. An intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface, coupled with smooth functionality, can significantly enhance user satisfaction, leading to higher engagement and increased customer loyalty. Our skilled UX/UI designers diligently work on every aspect of the app, from information architecture to interactive design, to create a delightful and seamless user experience. This, in turn, ensures the app resonates with your audience, ultimately leading to an increase in conversion rates. By focusing on UX, we also ensure the cost to develop an eCommerce app reaps rewarding returns in terms of user engagement and retention.

• User-Centric Approach: iTechnolabs prioritizes a user-centric approach in developing an eCommerce app. By aligning the design and features with user expectations and preferences, we create an app that is not only functional but also user-friendly, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
• Intuitive UI/UX Design: Our team at iTechnolabs excels in creating a simple and intuitive User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) that makes navigation within the app effortless. This boosts user engagement and encourages them to spend more time exploring the app’s offerings.
• Increased Customer Retention: With a seamless and enjoyable user experience, customers are more likely to return to the app for their shopping needs. This improves customer retention and loyalty, thereby enhancing the overall success of your eCommerce app.
• Positive Brand Image: A well-designed app with a smooth user experience reflects positively on your brand. By ensuring a high-quality user experience, iTechnolabs helps you build a positive brand image, which can lead to increased trust, credibility, and customer loyalty.
• Cost-Effective User Experience: iTechnolabs understands the importance of balancing quality with cost. By optimizing the user experience, we ensure that the cost to develop an eCommerce app brings valuable returns through increased user engagement and retention.
• Adaptability: At iTechnolabs, we design our eCommerce apps to be adaptable to both Android and iOS platforms, ensuring a consistent user experience across different devices. This adaptability also factors into the cost to develop an eCommerce app, providing you with a comprehensive solution.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, investing in a well-designed app with an intuitive user experience can increase customer retention, enhance your brand image, and provide a cost-effective solution. At iTechnolabs, we understand the importance of balancing quality and cost in creating an eCommerce app that meets your business needs while providing users with an enjoyable shopping experience.