eCommerce App Development Cost in 2024: A Complete Guide

The eCommerce market has had a meteoric rise since the early 2000s- a rise that is not seeing to come down any moment now. A sign of this statement shown in the latest data is projected to reach US$5.56 tn by 2027.

It also seems that consumers today, most of the time, make purchases on the go, and the favorite device that remains is shopping from a mobile phone. It has become one of the reasons that most businesses of all sizes are upgrading their on-the-go experience with e-commerce apps to focus on a larger audience.

But the most common question that arises to the new business owners who are starting their store or the existing ones who want to upgrade is how much it costs to build an e-commerce app or to upgrade its features.

The average cost can be around $30,000-$30,000 and can go up as per the client's requirements and changes. Don't worry about knowing more! Let's sink into the detailed guide for an e-commerce app development cost, covering all the pointers on which the cost depends.

What Is An eCommerce App?

eCommerce is one of the vast sectors of digital space both in terms of applications and market size. And talking about the eCommerce app is a mobile application that allows people to purchase and browse different items at the store. It also provides shipping, order management capabilities, and payment processing. With the latest technologies, eCommerce apps can also provide customized preferences for individuals.

eCommerce apps are also known by the name mobile commerce apps. So, do not let this term confuse you.

Different Types Of eCommerce Mobile Apps

There are various types of eCommerce mobile apps available in the market catering to different business needs and customer preferences. Some of the common types include:

1. B2B(Business-to- Business)

eCommerce Applications are made to make business-to-business transactions easier. The main purpose of these apps is to give companies a platform to purchase and sell products or services to other companies. Features like bulk ordering, personalized pricing, tools for negotiating, and interaction with business processes like procurement and inventory management are frequently included. Wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and other companies frequently utilize B2B apps to optimize their supply chains, cut expenses, and carry out business operations effectively.

2. B2C(Business-to-Consumer)

eCommerce Apps are used for transactions between businesses and individual consumers. With the help of these apps, companies may connect with customers directly and offer them goods and/or services. B2C applications often provide a customized shopping experience, a user-friendly interface, a range of payment methods, product recommendations, and user reviews. They serve a variety of sectors, including retail and entertainment, where businesses deal directly with consumers to meet their needs for purchases.

3. C2C(Consumer-to-consumer)

eCommerce applications enable users to directly sell goods or services to other customers. These applications, which frequently include user profiles and reviews, help users transact and communicate with one another. By bringing customers and sellers together, well-known C2C platforms like eBay and Airbnb establish an online marketplace for a wide variety of goods and services. To encourage successful transactions, C2C eCommerce apps must have user-friendly interfaces, safe payment gateways, and systems that build user confidence.

4. C2B(Consumer-to-business)

eCommerce Apps revolutionize traditional commerce by enabling consumers to offer products or services to businesses. Through platforms like freelancing websites and user-generated content marketplaces, individuals can provide expertise, products, and creative content for companies. This model empowers individuals to monetize their skills and assets, while businesses gain access to a diverse talent pool. C2B eCommerce apps require efficient user registration, seamless communication channels, and secure payment methods that support the dynamic exchange between consumers and businesses.

Why To Invest In eCommerce App Development?

Don’t know why to invest in e-commerce app development? Worry not. We have mentioned the benefits of investing in the app.

1. Smooth Access

An eCommerce app simplifies shopping by providing an easily accessible platform for users to explore products, make purchases, and interact with brands. Its user-friendly interface, available 24/7, ensures effortless navigation and swift transactions. This accessibility offers unparalleled convenience, catering to the on-the-go lifestyle of modern consumers. With optimized loading times and responsive design, the app's seamless access significantly enhances the overall shopping experience, making it convenient and efficient for customers to shop whenever and wherever they prefer.

2. Personalized Experience

Leveraging data analytics, an eCommerce app tailors the shopping journey for each user, offering personalized recommendations and curated content based on their preferences and past interactions. By understanding consumer behavior and interests, the app creates a unique and customized experience, fostering a deeper connection between the user and the brand. Through personalized product suggestions, targeted promotions, and user-specific content, the app not only enhances user engagement but also significantly increases the likelihood of repeat purchases and brand loyalty, making the shopping experience more enjoyable and relevant to the individual.

3. Increased Customer Trust

An eCommerce app plays a pivotal role in building trust through secure transactions, transparent policies, and consistent service. It offers a secure environment for transactions, protecting user data and privacy. Clear and honest communication, reliable product information, and a smooth shopping process contribute to establishing credibility. Moreover, prompt issue resolution and responsive customer service cultivate a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. Consequently, customers feel more confident in their purchases and interactions, leading to increased trust in the brand and a higher likelihood of repeat business, positive reviews, and recommendations.

4. Attract Future Generation

The younger demographic gravitates towards mobile platforms for their shopping needs, making an e-commerce app crucial for engaging and capturing this tech-savvy market. By adapting to the evolving preferences and habits of the younger generation, businesses position themselves as forward-thinking and accessible, ensuring sustained growth and relevance in the ever-changing market landscape. Offering an app tailored to meet the preferences of the future generation creates an avenue to tap into a larger customer base while establishing a brand presence that resonates with these digital-native consumers, securing long-term success and sustainability.

5. Enhanced After-Sale Services

An eCommerce app goes beyond the point of purchase, offering seamless post-sale support such as order tracking, easy returns, and efficient customer assistance. These features contribute to a comprehensive shopping experience, ensuring that customers feel supported and valued even after their purchase. By providing hassle-free solutions and efficient post-purchase service, the app fosters greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, further solidifying the relationship between the brand and its customers and ultimately leading to positive reviews and repeat business.

6. Improved Conversion Rates

The user-centric design of an e-commerce app optimizes the purchase journey, streamlining the checkout process and simplifying payment options. Its intuitive layout, coupled with a smooth and efficient buying process, significantly reduces barriers to purchase. By minimizing friction and offering a hassle-free transaction experience, the app substantially increases the likelihood of turning potential buyers into actual customers, thereby boosting conversion rates and driving higher sales volumes for the business, creating a user-friendly and conversion-optimized shopping experience.

7. Encourage In-store Buying

eCommerce  apps can bridge the gap between online and offline shopping by offering features like click-and-collect or in-store pickups. These functionalities encourage customers to explore products online and make their purchases in physical stores. By integrating both online and offline experiences, the app promotes a cohesive shopping journey, driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar locations. This omnichannel approach not only offers flexibility to consumers but also amplifies the overall shopping experience, driving customer engagement across various touchpoints and increasing overall sales for the business.

8. Better Customer Care

Instant communication channels within an eCommerce  app facilitate real-time interactions between customers and support teams. Quick responses to queries, efficient issue resolutions, and personalized assistance contribute to an exceptional customer care experience. By offering swift and effective solutions to customer concerns, the app significantly enhances overall satisfaction and builds a strong reputation for exceptional customer service. This immediate and personalized support fosters a sense of trust and reliability, resulting in increased customer loyalty and positive brand perception.

9. Ease of Use

The well-crafted interface and streamlined features of an eCommerce  app provide users with an uncomplicated and seamless shopping experience. Intuitive design, robust search capabilities, and personalized features cater to individual preferences, making the app easy to navigate and use. The inclusion of features like saved preferences, easy reordering, and a simple checkout process contributes to a hassle-free user experience. By offering a platform that is easy to understand and navigate, the app ensures a pleasant and efficient shopping journey, ultimately increasing user satisfaction and driving higher engagement and conversions for the business.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An eCommerce App?

Developing an eCommerce app can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $300,000 on average. The wide range in cost is due to various factors such as the app's features, complexity, design, and development time. A simple app with basic features will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum, while a complex app with advanced functionalities will fall on the higher end. Factors like platform compatibility, payment gateway integration, user interface design, and security measures also contribute to the overall cost. It's important for businesses to carefully consider their requirements and budget when planning to develop an eCommerce app, as it can be a significant investment with the potential for substantial returns.

Some Most Popular Global eCommerce App and Their Development cost

Here are some of the globally known eCommerce platforms, their description, and the average cost of developing something similar to that. 

1. Amazon

Amazon is a multinational e-commerce platform that started as an online bookstore and expanded to become one of the largest and most diverse online retailers globally. It offers a wide range of products, including electronics, apparel, books, and more.

Development Cost: The development cost for an app like Amazon can vary widely depending on features, platforms, and complexity. On average, it may range from $100,000 to $300,000 or more.

2. Alibaba

Alibaba is a Chinese eCommerce giant, known for connecting manufacturers with wholesalers and retailers. It operates various platforms, including Alibaba.com for business-to-business transactions and AliExpress for consumer-focused e-commerce.

Development Cost: Developing an app similar to Alibaba can cost between $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the scale, features, and technologies used.

3. eBay

eBay is a popular online marketplace that facilitates consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales through bidding or fixed-price options. It is known for its diverse range of products and auction-style listings.

Development Cost: The development cost for an app like eBay may range from $80,000 to $250,000, considering factors such as design complexity, payment integration, and user features.

4. Walmart

Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates both physical stores and an online marketplace. Its e-commerce platform offers a wide variety of products, ranging from groceries to electronics.

Development Cost: Creating an app similar to Walmart's e-commerce platform can cost between $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the features and integrations required.

5. Shopify

Shopify is a Canadian e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create online stores and sell products. It provides a user-friendly interface and a range of customizable templates, making it popular among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Development Cost: Developing an app similar to Shopify may cost between $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the level of customization, additional features, and integrations.

Top 9 Factors That Impact Your eCommerce App Development Cost With Timeline

Developing an eCommerce app involves navigating various factors that influence both cost and timeline. From feature complexity to security needs and platform choices, understanding these elements is crucial for planning and budgeting your project effectively.

1. Mobile Application Complexity

Complexity Level	Description	Timeline	Cost Breakdown
Basic	Simple functionalities and limited features	2-4 months	Starting from $30,000
Medium	Moderate features and interactions	4-8 months	$30,000- $ 50,000
Advanced	Complex features, AI integration, scalability	8+ months	$50,000-$300,000 and above

Basic Complexity: With simpler features and functionalities, the cost to create an eCommerce app is lower due to the reduced amount of work. The timeline for basic app development typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on specific requirements and functionalities.

Medium Complexity: Moderate features and interactions require more development time, leading to a cost increase. The timeline for medium complexity spans approximately 4 to 8 months. Development costs rise due to more intricate functionalities and a longer development cycle.

Advanced Complexity: Complex third-party integration, scalability, and a wide range of high-level features significantly impact development costs. The timeline for an advanced e-commerce app can exceed 8 months due to the intricate development processes and testing requirements, resulting in higher expenses.

2. Mobile Application Category

eCommerce App Category	Description	Approximate Cost of Development
Retail E-commerce	Traditional online retail platform with different product categories.	$30,000 - $100,000
Fashion and Apparel	E-commerce platform specializing in clothing, accessories, and fashion items.	$35,000 - $80,000
Electronics and Gadgets	Platform focused on the sale of electronic devices, gadgets, and tech accessories.	$40,000 - $90,000
Grocery Delivery	App for online purchase and delivery of groceries and household items.	$30,000 - $120,000
Food Delivery	App allows users to order food from local restaurants for delivery or takeout.	$30,000 - $100,000
Health and Beauty	E-commerce platform dedicated to health, beauty, and personal care products.	$30,000 - $80,000
Art and Handmade Goods	Platform for artists and artisans to sell handmade and unique items.	$35,000 - $70,000
B2B E-commerce	Business-to-business platform facilitating wholesale transactions between businesses.	$40,000 - $150,000

3. App Development Based on Stages

Planning and Research: The initial phase involves conceptualization, market research, and defining the project scope. This stage typically spans 1-2 months and accounts for 10-15% of the total project cost.

Design and Prototyping: Creating wireframes, UI/UX design of eCommerce App, and building prototypes usually takes about 1-2 months. This stage contributes around 15-20% of the total cost.

Development: This is the coding and implementation phase where features are integrated. The time spent in this phase varies depending on the complexity of the app. Basic apps might take 3-6 months, medium apps 6-9 months, and advanced apps over 9 months, contributing to 50-70% of the total cost.

Testing and Quality Assurance: Conducting quality assurance, bug fixes, and ensuring smooth app performance generally takes 1-2 months, contributing around 10-15% of the total cost.

Deployment and Maintenance: The final stage involves launching the app, providing post-launch support, and maintaining it. This phase can extend indefinitely and usually accounts for 5-10% of the total cost.

4. Mobile App Platform

Cross-Platform Development: Utilizing frameworks like React Native or Flutter, this approach allows the development of e-commerce apps for multiple platforms using a single codebase. It can reduce the cost of making an e-commerce app by 30-40% due to code reusability, estimated at $30,000 to $100,000, varying with the app's complexity and features.

Web Apps: These cost-effective applications operate through web browsers. The cost to build an eCommerce app varies greatly based on the complexity of functionalities, ranging approximately from $40,000 to $80,000, influenced by design.

Native Apps (iOS & Android): Offering optimal performance and user experience, the separate codebases for iOS and Android usually lead to higher development costs. Native app development can range from $40,000 to $150,000 or more, subject to app complexity.

Hybrid Apps: Combining elements from both native and web applications, the cost fluctuates based on the chosen hybrid framework and the complexity of features. Generally, these may cost between $45,000 to $120,000, depending on functionalities and the selected framework.

5. Application Features and Functionality

Application features and functionality greatly influence the cost and timeline of e-commerce app development. Features such as complex AI algorithms for personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, natural language processing, or computer vision significantly impact costs. Advanced functionalities, including real-time data processing, chatbots, or machine learning models, often require more extensive development time, affecting the overall project cost. The intricacy of these features directly correlates with the complexity and sophistication of the app, influencing both the development timeline and the final expenses.

6. Size and Location of Mobile App Development Team

One of the major roles that impact the cost of building an e-commerce app is the size and location of the development team. Different regions have different costs. For instance, the developers available in India are cheaper than the developers based in the USA. Here, you can get a general idea of the costs for developers in different places. 

• India- $30-$50 per hour
• UK- $100-$150 per hour 
• Australia-$70-$120 per hour
• USA- $150-$250 per hour 

7. App Maintenance

App maintenance is an essential phase following an application's launch. It involves addressing bugs, introducing updates, and ensuring the app remains compatible with evolving operating systems. Typically, this ongoing support constitutes 15-20% of the total development cost on an annual basis. Regular maintenance is vital for an app's longevity, ensuring continued performance, security updates, and user satisfaction, thereby sustaining the application's relevance in the competitive market.

Post-launch, app maintenance becomes a crucial aspect of its sustained functionality. It includes bug fixes, updates for evolving systems, and enhancements to keep the app running smoothly. This ongoing support, often estimated at 15-20% of the total development cost per year, is vital to uphold performance, security, and user satisfaction, guaranteeing the app remains competitive and efficient in the market.

8. Code Reuse

Code reuse involves utilizing existing code or components within an application's development. It significantly impacts development time and cost by leveraging pre-existing solutions. Reusing code elements, libraries, or frameworks minimizes redundant coding, expedites development, and reduces expenses. It allows developers to efficiently integrate proven, reliable components, saving time and effort while maintaining consistency and quality across the application.

9. Animation And Design Of App

Animation and design is one of the major parts of development and has its own development cost and timeline. Intricate and complex animations, as well as sophisticated user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design elements, can significantly impact the project's expenses and duration. These design aspects require additional development effort and may necessitate more time for implementation. Therefore, the level of animation and design intricacy directly correlates with the overall cost and development timeline, influencing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the app.

Hidden Factors Affecting eCommerce Mobile App Development Cost

Here are mentioned hidden factors influencing the cost of building an eCommerce  mobile app:

1. eCommerce App Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is a pivotal but often overlooked cost in eCommerce app development. This phase involves rigorous testing to ensure the app functions optimally, ensuring a seamless user experience. The process encompasses functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and compatibility checks across various devices and platforms. Quality assurance requires skilled QA specialists, testing tools, and the allocation of substantial time, all contributing to the overall development cost. Ensuring the app's reliability, security, and user-friendliness through extensive quality testing is crucial, but it adds to the project's budget significantly.

2. eCommerce Mobile App Publishing Cost

App stores charge nominal fees for publishing an app, but there are additional expenses often underestimated. These include developer account memberships, charges for app updates, and marketing efforts to enhance app visibility. The costs of promoting the app through app store optimization, paid advertisements, or additional marketing campaigns are often not initially factored into the budget, contributing to the overall publishing expenses.

3. Infrastructure Cost

The app's underlying infrastructure servers, databases, and cloud services incur expenses related to hosting, maintenance, and scalability. The cost of hosting and managing servers, ensuring data storage, and implementing scalable architecture to accommodate an increasing user base adds to the project's budget. The complexity and anticipated growth of the app determine infrastructure costs, as more significant user loads and data volumes require higher-performing and more scalable infrastructure.

4. Support Team Cost

The necessity of a dedicated support team for customer service, query resolution, and technical assistance significantly adds to operational expenses. Salaries for support staff, training, customer support software, and the tools used for communication channels all contribute to the ongoing operational budget. Providing efficient and timely customer service is essential, but it involves costs that need consideration during the app development budgeting process.

5. eCommerce App Data Security Cost

Data security is critical in e-Commerce apps. The expenses associated with implementing robust security measures, encryption protocols, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations contribute to the development costs. Additionally, regular security audits, updates to counter emerging threats, and maintaining the integrity of user data incur ongoing expenses. The commitment to safeguarding user information and privacy entails investing in security features and protocols, which are essential but can significantly impact the project budget.

6. Third-Party Integrations

Integrating external services such as payment gateways, analytics tools, or marketing platforms involves costs beyond the initial development. These expenses encompass licensing fees, customization charges, and ongoing payments for utilizing these services. Customizing these third-party integrations to suit the app's specific requirements and continued use of these services require budget allocations, which are often underestimated during the initial budgeting phase.

7. Upgrades and Maintenance

Continuous upgrades, feature enhancements, and ongoing maintenance are necessary post-launch. These activities involve expenses such as development hours, testing, bug fixes, and deploying updates to ensure the app remains functional, updated, and secure. The need for regular updates, the resolution of bugs, and maintaining the app's relevancy post-launch involve ongoing costs that are crucial but often not thoroughly considered in the initial development budget.

These hidden factors, though often overlooked or underestimated during the initial budgeting process, significantly contribute to the overall cost of developing an eCommerce mobile app.

How Can You Reduce Your eCommerce Mobile Application Development Costs?

Reducing eCommerce mobile application development costs is crucial for efficiency and budget management. By leveraging efficient planning, MVP strategies, open-source tools, and offshore teams, businesses can optimize development resources effectively.

1. Efficient Planning

Thorough project planning ensures a well-defined scope, preventing unnecessary feature creep and subsequent rework, thereby reducing additional development costs that might arise from project expansion beyond initial objectives. Clear outlines also help manage resources effectively, avoiding unnecessary expenditures.

2. MVP Approach

Implementing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) strategy allows for the release of a basic version, collecting user feedback, and incrementally adding features. This method minimizes the initial development costs of an eCommerce app while validating the product's market fit and prioritizing essential features based on user demand.

3. Open-Source Solutions

Leveraging open-source libraries and frameworks reduces development costs by utilizing existing solutions and diminishing the time spent on coding from scratch. This approach cuts down expenses on software tools and licenses, significantly benefiting the development budget.

4. Offshore Development Teams

Outsourcing to offshore teams with skilled developers at lower labor costs can substantially reduce overall development expenses. Accessing a wider talent pool while minimizing labor expenses often leads to significant cost savings without compromising quality.

5. Code Reusability

Prioritizing code reusability across platforms minimizes redundant efforts and time spent on coding, thus reducing the overall development timeline and costs. This strategy allows for the replication of established functionalities, optimizing development efforts and resources.

6. Optimized UI/UX Design

Streamlining the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design focuses on efficient and user-friendly interfaces, reducing complexities and potential rework during the development phase. A well-designed, user-centric interface minimizes development time and costs while enhancing the overall user experience.

7. Agile Methodology

Adopting an Agile approach allows for flexibility and iterative development, accommodating changing requirements without costly alterations at later project stages. Agile frameworks enable adaptive planning, ensuring that development aligns closely with client needs and market demands, reducing potential expenses from late-stage changes.

8. Regular Maintenance Planning

Pre-planning for post-launch maintenance anticipates ongoing expenses, ensuring the app's continued performance, security, and relevance. Properly budgeting for regular maintenance activities, updates, and bug fixes post-launch helps avoid larger unforeseen expenses and sustains the application's viability in the long run.

How Can PixelBrainy Help You With eCommerce App Development With Cost Estimation?

PixelBrainy, as an eCommerce development company, specializes in assisting with eCommerce app development services with complete cost estimation by leveraging various strategies and insights. We provide:

1. Thorough Evaluation

Our team conducts a detailed assessment of your project requirements, considering factors like app features, platform selection, and development stages. This thorough evaluation forms the basis for a precise cost estimation.

2. Cost-Influencing Factors

PixelBrainy’s analysis includes an in-depth understanding of the factors that impact development costs, encompassing considerations such as infrastructure, development stages, third-party integrations, and post-launch maintenance.

3. Cost-Saving Strategies

We also offer advice on cost-saving measures. Strategies like code reuse, open-source solutions, MVP implementation, and efficient planning are suggested to ensure a budget-friendly yet effective development process.

4. Industry Expertise

Having the benefit of diverse industry knowledge, we provide insights into the eCommerce app development landscape, offering a deep understanding of market trends and cost-effective development practices.

5. Budget-Friendly Plans

With our expertise, we can outline budget-friendly yet efficient development plans, ensuring that your e-commerce app meets your goals without unnecessary expenditure. Our comprehensive analysis and recommendations facilitate a more accurate estimation and efficient budget planning for app development.

Key Takeaways

As we have gone through all the important details regarding the cost factor of the eCommerce app development, we hope you are clear about the factors you have to consider before the development. Here are the key takeaways if you have missed any- 

1. The price to create an eCommerce app can vary greatly; normal prices start at $30,000 for rudimentary features and go up for more complex, feature-rich applications.

2. The complexity of the app, its features, the complexity of its design, the platform chosen, the connectors, and the backend infrastructure all impact development costs.

3. Added features, security precautions, better design, and advanced capabilities all significantly drive up development expenses.

4. Depending on the particular needs of the project, complex eCommerce software with many features can often cost anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 or more.

5. The degree of customization, scalability requirements, and functional complexity of the software all have a direct impact on the final cost of development.

Thus, if you are also looking for eCommerce app development for your business, you can contact our team of experts and discuss your idea today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build an eCommerce App?

The cost to build an eCommerce app varies widely based on factors like features, complexity, and development approach. Typically, costs range from $30,000 to $300,000 or more, influenced by functionalities, design intricacies, and backend infrastructure.

How long does it take to build an eCommerce App?

The time to build an eCommerce app generally spans between 3 to 9 months. This duration fluctuates depending on the app's complexity, features, design intricacy, testing, and the development team's size and expertise.

What are the benefits of an eCommerce Mobile Application for Businesses?

eCommerce mobile apps offer businesses enhanced market reach, personalized customer experiences, improved sales, better customer engagement, and access to data analytics, fostering direct and convenient customer interactions, leading to increased brand loyalty and revenue potential.