How To Make Food Delivery App Like Talabat: Features & Cost Estimation

Last updated on February 6th, 2024

Talabat, a widely recognized and highly popular food delivery app in the Middle East, has established its presence in several countries including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and more. Since its inception in 2004, Talabat has revolutionized the food delivery industry by offering customers an incredibly seamless and convenient platform to order delectable meals from an extensive array of their favorite restaurants. With its user-friendly interface and exceptional service, Talabat has become the go-to choice for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful dining experience right at their fingertips.

Different Ways to Develop an On-demand Delivery App

If you are looking to develop an on-demand delivery app, there are a few different ways you can go about it. One option is to develop a completely new app from scratch, which can be time-consuming and costly. Another option is to use a white label solution, which allows you to customize a pre-existing app with your own branding and features. Finally, you can ** also consider developing a clone app, which replicates the features and functionalities of an existing app like Talabat. Each approach has its pros and cons, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision.

1. Customer Food Delivery App

The first and most crucial component of an on-demand food delivery app is the customer-facing app. This is what users will see and interact with when they want to order food. Some of the key features to include in a customer app are:

• User registration and login
• Restaurant search and selection
• Menu browsing and customization options
• Payment processing
• Real-time order tracking
• Order history and reordering options
• Customer ratings and reviews for restaurants and delivery drivers

2. Seller Food Delivery App

In addition to developing a customer app, it is crucial to create a dedicated app for your restaurant partners or sellers. This app will serve as a comprehensive platform, empowering your partners with features like seamless order management, real-time inventory tracking, and efficient communication channels. By providing your partners with this tailored solution, you can enhance their operational efficiency and foster stronger collaboration between your restaurant and its valued partners. This app should have features such as:

• Restaurant registration and onboarding
• Menu management and customization
• Order management and tracking
• Real-time communication with customers and delivery drivers
• Sales analytics and reporting tools

3. Delivery Agent App

The third key component of an on-demand food delivery app is the delivery agent or driver app. This app enables your drivers to manage their orders, track their earnings, and communicate with customers and restaurants in real-time. Some essential features for this type of app are:

• User-friendly order management system
• GPS tracking for efficient navigation
• Earnings tracking and reporting tools
• Real-time communication with customers and restaurant partners
• Option for multiple delivery agents to handle a single order, improving efficiency and reducing delivery time.

4. Food Delivery App Admin Panel

To manage and monitor all the operations of your food delivery business, it is crucial to have a robust admin panel. This panel should serve as the central hub for overseeing orders, managing payments, tracking revenue and profits, monitoring customer and restaurant partner engagement, and generating reports for data-driven insights. Some key features to include in this panel are:

• Order management system with real-time updates
• Payment and commission tracking for restaurants, delivery agents, and your business
• Performance analytics and reporting tools
• Customer service management to address any issues or complaints quickly
• Content management system for updating menu items, offers, promotions, etc.

Total Cost Estimation of On-demand Delivery App

Now that we have discussed the key features and functionalities required for an on-demand food delivery app let’s look at the cost estimation. There are several factors to consider when estimating the cost of developing an app like Talabat, such as:

• Complexity of the app: The more features and functionalities you want to include in your app, the higher the development costs will be.
• Platform: The platform you choose for your app, i.e., iOS, Android or both, will also impact the cost as each has its own development requirements and processes.
• Design and User Interface: A visually appealing and user-friendly design can significantly increase the development costs.
• Development team: The size and expertise of the development team also play a crucial role in determining the cost. Hiring a team with experience in developing on-demand delivery apps like Talabat will be more expensive but will ensure a high-quality product.
• Development process: The development process can vary depending on the approach taken, i.e., native app development, hybrid app development, etc. Each method has its own benefits and costs that should be considered.

SAAS, Whitelabel, or Source Code?

There are three options when it comes to developing an on-demand delivery app like Talabat: SAAS (Software as a Service), Whitelabel, or Source Code. Each option has its own advantages and costs, which should be carefully evaluated based on your business needs and budget.

• SAAS: With the SAAS model, you can use a ready-made platform for your app and pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee. This option is cost-effective, as you don’t need to invest in development costs, but you will have limited customization options.
• Whitelabel: A whitelabel solution allows you to use an existing on-demand delivery app with some customization according to your branding needs. This option is more expensive than SAAS but offers more flexibility and customization options.
• Source Code: The most expensive option is to develop your app from scratch using source code. This option gives you complete control over the development process and allows for full customization, but it requires a higher initial investment.
• Features: When developing an on-demand delivery app like Talabat, it’s crucial to determine which features are essential for your business and which can be omitted. Some must-have features include user registration and profile management, restaurant listing and menu integration, order tracking, payment gateway integration, customer support chat, etc.
• Additional costs: Apart from the development costs, there are other expenses to consider, such as maintenance and updates, server hosting fees, marketing and advertising costs, etc. These costs should also be factored into your budget.

Key features of App like Talabat

Apart from the features mentioned above, here are some key features that an app like Talabat should have:

• Search and filters: An essential feature for any on-demand delivery app is a search function. The app should allow users to search for restaurants based on their location, cuisine, ratings, etc. Filters can also help narrow down the search results.
• Multiple payment options: To make the ordering process convenient for users, the app should offer various payment options such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery.
• Push notifications: Push notifications are crucial for keeping users updated about their orders, promotions, discounts, etc. They can also be used to re-engage inactive users and increase customer retention.
• Ratings and reviews: To help users make informed decisions, the app should display ratings and reviews for each restaurant. This feature can also help restaurants improve their services based on customer feedback.
• GPS tracking: Integrating GPS tracking in the app allows users to track their orders in real-time. It also helps delivery personnel find the most efficient route for delivery.
• Loyalty program: A loyalty program can be an effective way to retain customers and encourage repeat orders. The app can offer rewards points for each order, which users can redeem for discounts or free items.
• Order history: Users should be able to access their order history in the app, making it easier to reorder from their favorite restaurants.
• Multiple language support: For a global reach, the app should have multilingual support to cater to users from different countries and regions.
• Social media integration: By integrating social media platforms, the app can allow users to share their reviews, ratings, and experiences on their social media accounts. This can also help in promoting the app through word-of-mouth marketing.

Benefits of App like Talabat

• Convenience: With an app like Talabat, users can easily order food from their favorite restaurants anytime, anywhere. They no longer have to worry about waiting in long queues or making a phone call for delivery.
• Variety of options: The app offers a wide range of dining options from various cuisines and categories, providing users with plenty of choices.
• Time-saving: The app saves time for both users and restaurants by streamlining the ordering and delivery process.
• Cost-effective: Through discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs, users can save money on their orders. Restaurants can also reduce overhead costs by using the app instead of hiring additional staff for order management.
• User-friendly interface: Apps like Talabat have a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and place orders without any hassle.
• Personalization: By keeping track of user preferences and past orders, the app can offer personalized suggestions and recommendations, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Increased revenue: An app like Talabat can increase revenue for restaurants by providing a platform for online ordering and delivery. It also allows them to reach a wider audience and attract new customers.

Comparison between best food delivery apps

When it comes to food delivery apps, Talabat is one of the leading players in the market. However, there are other popular apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Zomato that offer similar services. Let’s compare some of their features:

Additional features of App Like Talabat

In order to stand out from the competition and enhance the overall user experience, here are some additional features that can be added to an app like Talabat:

1. Real-time tracking: This feature allows users to track their orders in real-time, giving them a sense of control and assurance. It also helps restaurants to manage their delivery process efficiently. With precise location updates and estimated delivery times, users can monitor their orders every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and transparent experience.

2. Virtual food court: An in-app feature that allows users to browse through multiple restaurants and their menus, making it easier for them to choose what they want to order. From mouthwatering food photos to detailed descriptions and customer reviews, the virtual food court provides a comprehensive and immersive dining experience, helping users make informed decisions and discover new culinary delights.

3. Group ordering: This feature enables users to invite friends or family members to place a group order together, making the process more social and fun. Whether it’s a family dinner, a team lunch, or a gathering with friends, group ordering fosters collaboration and simplifies the coordination of multiple orders, ensuring everyone’s preferences are taken into account and creating memorable shared experiences.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) menu: An innovative feature that uses AR technology to display a virtual menu in real-life surroundings, providing users with a unique and interactive way of choosing their food. By simply pointing their smartphone camera, users can see virtual food items overlaid on their table or countertop, visualizing the dishes before making a decision. This immersive experience enhances the excitement of exploring different menu options and adds an element of entertainment to the ordering process.

5. Chatbot assistance: Incorporating chatbots into the app can provide quick and efficient customer support, helping users with any queries or issues they may have while using the app. These intelligent virtual assistants are available 24/7, offering instant responses and personalized recommendations based on user preferences. From order status inquiries to dietary restrictions, chatbots streamline the customer support process, ensuring a smooth and satisfactory user experience.

6. Voice recognition: With the rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, incorporating voice recognition technology into the app can make it more user-friendly and convenient for users to place orders. By simply speaking their preferences, users can navigate through menus, customize their orders, and complete transactions effortlessly. Voice recognition eliminates the need for manual input, enhancing accessibility and enabling hands-free interaction for users on the go.

7. Social media integration: This feature allows users to share their food orders on social media platforms, promoting the app and increasing its visibility. By seamlessly connecting the app with popular social media networks, users can showcase their favorite dishes, recommend restaurants to friends, and engage with the foodie community. Social media integration not only expands the app’s reach but also encourages user-generated content, fostering a vibrant and interactive user community.

8. Multiple payment options: Apart from traditional methods like cash and card payments, offering digital wallet options or integrating with popular payment gateways can make the app more convenient for users. With a diverse range of payment options, users can choose the method that suits them best, whether it’s using a digital wallet, linking their bank account, or utilizing popular payment platforms. This flexibility ensures a seamless and hassle-free payment experience, catering to the preferences of a wide user base.

9. Personalized recommendations: By analyzing user data and order history, the app can provide personalized food recommendations to its users, enhancing their overall experience. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, the app can understand individual preferences, dietary restrictions, and past ordering patterns to curate tailored recommendations. Whether it’s suggesting new dishes based on similar orders or offering promotions on favorite cuisines, personalized recommendations add a touch of personalization and delight to the user journey.

10. Multilingual support: To cater to a diverse user base, incorporating multilingual support can help non-native speakers navigate through the app seamlessly. By offering language options and translations, users can comfortably interact with the app in their preferred language, ensuring clear communication and a user-friendly experience for all. Multilingual support fosters inclusivity and expands the app’s accessibility, enabling users from different backgrounds to enjoy the convenience of online food ordering.

How Much Does it Cost to Make an App like Talabat?

The cost to develop an app like Talabat can vary widely depending on a multitude of factors such as platform choice (iOS, Android, or cross-platform), features, and complexity. For a basic version with essential features, the cost to make an app may start anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000. As you add more sophisticated elements and integrations such as in-app payments, GPS tracking, or machine learning recommendations, the cost to create the app could escalate to $100,000 or more. If you aim to build an app with high-end features that can operate across various regions with multiple languages and currencies, the investment might even exceed $200,000. It’s crucial to account for ongoing maintenance, server costs, and updates in your budget projections.

Note: Costs are estimations and may vary based on the complexity, chosen platform, location of development team, and additional custom features.

How can iTechnolabs help you to build an app like Talabat?

iTechnolabs is an experienced mobile app development company that can help you build a Talabat-like app with their expertise in the field. Here’s how iTechnolabs can help you:

• Designing and developing a user-friendly interface: iTechnolabs has a team of skilled designers who can create an intuitive and visually appealing interface for your app, making it easy for users to navigate and place orders seamlessly.
• Incorporating essential features: Our team of developers can integrate all the necessary features mentioned above and more to ensure that your app functions smoothly and meets user expectations. From payment gateways and push notifications to order tracking and reviews, we can help you create a feature-rich app like Talabat.
• Ensuring scalability and security: With iTechnolabs, you can rest assured that your app will be built with scalability in mind. As your user base grows, the app can handle the increased traffic without compromising on performance. Additionally, we follow stringent security measures to keep user data safe and secure.
• Cost-effective solution: Building an app like Talabat from scratch can be a costly affair. With iTechnolabs, you can save time and money as we provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. We offer flexible pricing plans to suit your budget and requirements.
• Providing ongoing support: Our team provides continued support even after the app is launched. We are always available to address any bugs or issues that may arise and provide timely updates to keep your app running smoothly.

Are you looking for an ideal food delivery app development company?

Customer reviews and ratings play an integral part in the success of an app like Talabat. At iTechnolabs, we understand the power and influence that such feedback holds. We have consistently received positive feedback from our clients who attest to the high standard of our work. Our dedication to creating user-friendly interfaces, integrating essential features, ensuring scalability and security, offering cost-effective solutions, and providing ongoing support are aspects that our clients frequently highlight. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our high average rating. By choosing iTechnolabs, you are choosing a partner that has a proven track record of delivering excellence in creating food delivery apps like Talabat.

However, building an app like Talabat requires more than just technical expertise. It also involves understanding the market trends, user preferences, and competition in the industry. At iTechnolabs, we have a team of experts who stay updated with the latest market trends and have experience in creating successful food delivery apps. Our team will work closely with you to understand your target audience, gather feedback, and incorporate it into the app development process. This ensures that your app stands out in the competitive market and caters to the needs of your users effectively.

1. Immediate Assistance: At iTechnolabs, we understand the importance of efficient support. That’s why we offer immediate assistance to address any queries or issues you may encounter with your app, such as Talabat. Our dedicated team of experts is readily available to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service, providing you peace of mind and swift resolution.

2. Personalized Solutions: We firmly believe in the power of tailored solutions. Our team takes the time to thoroughly understand your unique challenges, analyzing every aspect of your app’s requirements. With this deep understanding, we provide personalized solutions that are specifically designed to address your specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness and usability of your app. You can trust us to deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed your expectations.

3. Experienced Support Team: Our customer support team comprises highly experienced professionals with years of industry expertise. Equipped with a deep understanding of the food delivery app market, they possess the knowledge and skills to tackle any challenges that come their way. Whether it’s technical complexities, user difficulties, or any other issue, our support team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

4. 24/7 Support: We understand that your app’s performance is critical, and downtime is simply not an option. That’s why we provide round-the-clock support to ensure that your app, like Talabat, is always up and running smoothly. Our dedicated support team is available 24/7, ready to assist you at any time. Whether it’s a technical glitch in the middle of the night or a user query on a public holiday, rest assured, we’re here to provide prompt assistance and resolve any issues that may arise.

5. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: At iTechnolabs, we believe in being proactive rather than reactive. Our team continuously monitors your app’s performance, conducting regular maintenance to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems. Through proactive monitoring, we reduce the possibility of unforeseen complications and ensure that your app always delivers an excellent user experience. Our goal is to keep your app running at its best, guaranteeing optimum performance and user satisfaction.

6. Regular Updates and Upgrades: As the food delivery market continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. We understand the importance of keeping your app up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. That’s why we provide regular updates and upgrades, ensuring that your app remains competitive and relevant in the long run. Whether it’s incorporating new features, enhancing security measures, or improving overall performance, our team is dedicated to keeping your app at the forefront of the industry.

7. Cost-effective Solutions: We understand that managing costs is a top priority for any business. At iTechnolabs, we are committed to delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. We work closely with you to understand your budget constraints, ensuring that our solutions align with your business objectives. Our goal is to provide you with the best value for your investment, delivering high-quality results that drive your app’s success while optimizing your return on investment.

Conclusion

Creating a food delivery app like Talabat may seem like a daunting task, but with the right development team, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. At iTechnolabs, we have the expertise and dedication to help you realize your vision for a successful food delivery app. From ideation to launch and beyond, our team will work closely with you to ensure that your app stands out in the competitive market. With a user-friendly interface, robust features, regular updates and upgrades, and cost-effective solutions, we are confident that your app will be a hit among users.

FAQ’s

What should I do if I have an idea for an app?

If you have an idea for an app, the first step is to conduct thorough market research to identify your target user base and examine the competition. Next, protect your idea with the appropriate intellectual property rights, such as patents or trademarks. Then, create a detailed business plan that includes your app’s concept, marketing strategy, revenue model, and a timeline for development. It’s important to design a wireframe or prototype of your app to visualize its functionality and layout. Finally, explore options for app development, whether by learning to code, hiring a developer or a app development company, or using app-building platforms. Remember to test your app extensively and gather user feedback for continuous improvement. Once your app is ready, launch it on the appropriate app stores and implement a robust marketing strategy to promote it.