The ultimate guide to eCommerce app development: process, cost, app types, features

If you're planning to start up your eСommerce app development, you know how critical it is to provide a top-notch experience for your customers. But the game is changing rapidly in 2024: the users migration from web to mobile was yesterday's news, the market is changing even faster.

“The rise of Gen Z is a big driver behind this shift. 74% of these digital natives use mobile apps for their shopping – and they're rapidly becoming your core customer base. 

Even 3/4 of Millennial B2B decision-makers state they would switch suppliers if the other one provides better digital experience.”

 Natalia Ivleva, Lead BA at SolveIt

By any stretch, if your marketplace doesn't offer a best-in-class mobile app, you risk losing ground to more agile competitors who are catering to these evolving expectations. And, app's features, interface design and overall user experience play here not the last role. 

eCommerce app development: why to invest? 

When we talk about prospects, entrepreneurs prefer fact language: trends are trends, but you need to examine them from a long-term perspective. 

Here are 3 fundamental reasons why you should start eCommerce mobile app development:

1. Increased profitability

A well-designed eCommerce mobile app can have a substantial impact on your profit margins directly from selling goods or services. Data shows that app-based shoppers have a 3x higher lifetime value than web-only customers, translating to outsized returns.

But the revenue upside doesn't stop there. The app itself can become a monetization vehicle, beyond just facilitating product sales. In-app purchases, subscription models, sponsored content, and other strategies can generate incremental income streams.

2. Sustainable growth

The changes in consumer behavior that occurred were not only due to the reshaping of the social structure – the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally had a hand in accelerating mobile channel usage. 

By developing a best-in-class eCommerce app, you can integrate your business into the daily lives and purchasing decisions of your target audience, literally in the palm of their hands – just online. This dynamic has been resilient for 4 years: it may evolve differently, but it will never revert back.

3. Evergreen demand

Unlike many trendy business models prone to volatility and surge in consumer preferences, eCommerce app development is underpinned by the timeless principle of people wanting to buy and sell – of course, there must be adjustments made for regional and economical factors. 

Despite the order fulfillment or service delivery risks, this is the most straightforward form of market interaction. No matter fads or technological disruptions, the human desire to engage in trade will continue to drive growth opportunities for savvy eCommerce ventures.

eCommerce development: 4 app types

eCommerce application development comes in a variety of forms, catering to different business models and user needs. The 4 main types are: 

B2B (Business-to-Business)

B2B eCommerce apps are designed for interaction and transactions between two companies.

They are typically used for wholesale purchases, automating business processes, and facilitating the exchange of information between suppliers and their business customers. B2B apps often feature robust inventory management, bulk ordering, and invoicing capabilities to support the complex needs of commercial relationships.

Examples: Alibaba.com, Grainger.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer): 

B2C eCommerce mobile and web applications are focused on direct sales to end consumers. 

These apps offer a wide range of products and services, easy navigation, and convenient payment methods tailored to the needs of individual buyers. B2C eCommerce provides consumers with 24/7 access to shopping, extensive product selections, and a personalized shopping experience.

Examples: Amazon, Sephora. 

C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer)

C2C eCommerce apps allow private individuals to sell goods and services directly to other consumers. 

These platforms are often used for online auctions, classified advertisements, and the resale of used items. C2C eCommerce empowers regular people to become entrepreneurs and reach a wide audience of potential buyers.

Examples: eBay, Etsy.

C2B (Consumer-to-Business)

C2B eCommerce applications enable consumers to offer their services to businesses. 

Examples include freelance websites where private professionals offer their skills and expertise to companies in need of specialized services. C2B models allow businesses to access a diverse pool of talent and expertise on-demand, while consumers can monetize their skills.

Examples: Upwork, Shutterstock.

eCommerce app development: the most essential features

“eCommerce app development demands careful prioritization of requirements. Having that one killer feature that makes you stand out is important, especially when building an MVP eCommerce app. 

But don't get carried away – providing an exceptional experience starts with the basics. The key is to nail the core functionalities we mention below first. That's where you'll get the most bang  from MVP development services for your buck."

 Natalia Ivleva, Lead BA at SolveIt

Product catalog. A comprehensive and searchable product catalog is the foundation of any eCommerce platform, allowing customers to browse and discover items. Advanced features like filtering, sorting, and detailed product pages enhance the browsing experience.

Shopping cart. A user-friendly shopping cart is critical, enabling customers to easily add, remove, and manage items they wish to purchase. Features like real-time price updates, coupon application, and estimated shipping costs improve the checkout process.

Secure payments. Integrating multiple secure payment gateways, such as credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and digital payment methods, provides customers with convenient and trusted payment options according to their habits and needs. 

Order management. Robust order management capabilities, including order tracking, fulfillment, and order history, help eCommerce businesses efficiently process and deliver orders. Customers, in turn, gain confidence by tracking the status of their order.

User accounts. Personalized user accounts of the eCommerce app allow customers to save their preferences, order history, and payment information, streamlining repeat purchases and fostering customer loyalty.

Product reviews and ratings. No one wants to buy a pig in a poke. Enabling customers to leave reviews and ratings on products can help build trust and assist other users in making informed purchasing decisions. 

Push notifications. Leveraging an eco-friendly notification system to inform users about promotions, discounts, order updates, and other relevant information can boost conversions, which in turn leads to increased sales.

Loyalty system. A well-designed loyalty program can increase customer engagement and retention. Features like points-based rewards, exclusive offers, and tiered membership levels can incentivize repeat business and encourage customers to become brand advocates.

Incorporating these essential features properly according to the best practices will be your guarantee of staying one step ahead of the competitors, as many eCommerce app development companies overlook the simplest points, while concentrating on innovations. 

Next level eCommerce app: advanced features

Well, after the e-commerce app's development of the basic functions, which largely make up the foundation of the business model, it's time to think about how to integrate the latest technologies into your product. What could that be?

Augmented reality (AR) integration. Allowing customers to virtually "try on" or visualize products from the comfort of home using AR technology and the device's capability can enhance the shopping experience, stimulate the choice and reduce product returns.

Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance.  24/7 answer queries with chatbots and virtual assistance with delivery or service conditions help optimize costs for the call center and support. Customers are less likely to abandon the cart or the app itself if they get prompt guidance.

"Buy now, pay later" (BNPL). This payment option allows customers to purchase products or services and pay for them over time, usually in interest-free installments, rather than making a full upfront payment. It provides more flexibility and financial control when making purchases.

Geo-location service. The app can provide personalized and contextual experiences that cater to the customer's specific needs and preferences – the nearest store availability information, relevant product recommendations, and geo-targeted promotions. 

Of course, the justification for implementing certain functions should be carefully considered. And yet, it is precisely this kind of shopping experience – seamless, anticipating, and convenient – that will allow your MVP app to revolutionize the eCommerce industry.

eCommerce app development process in 6 steps

An eCommerce application development, whether it's mobile or web, is about meticulous planning and precise execution. 

To set your startup on the path to success, it’s essential to master the critical steps, adjusting them to variative factors that depend on the project itself. Initially, they include: 

Step 1. Market research and planning

Kick off your eCommerce app development journey with laser-focused market research. Who are your customers? What do they crave? By diving deep into audience insights and competitor analysis, you can sculpt an app that truly stands out. Ensure that you deliver value that resonates and transform it into business requirements. 

Expert tip: A discovery phase can help validate your ideas and ensure your app aligns with genuine market needs unbiasedly.

Step 2. Define features and functionality

Craft your MVP with precision. Always keep simplicity in mind and remember the original purpose of your product. Prioritize intuitive navigation and mobile responsiveness while ensuring top-notch security. This strategic approach will streamline eCommerce app development. 

Expert tip: Set a clear technical scope for future updates. If you lack technical knowledge, opt for gaining expertise from outside.

Step 3. Choose the right technology stack

Select a technology stack that powers your eCommerce platform with scalability and speed. Whether it’s React Native or Flutter for mobile interfaces, React for web development or Node.js for robust backend support, your choices should enhance performance and ease integration with vital services like payment gateways.

Expert tip: Choose a stack that simplifies third-party integrations to keep your platform agile and competitive over time.

Step 4. UI/UX Design

Design an irresistible user interface that mirrors your brand and facilitates a seamless shopping experience. Focus on responsive layouts and straightforward navigation, minimizing friction at every turn. Accessibility and visual hierarchy ensure every user feels valued that's especially crucial for eCommerce app projects.

Expert tip: Remember, you can manage app design cost – creating wireframes and prototypes at an early stage can significantly save your eCommerce development budget.

Step 5. Development and Testing

Enter the eCommerce app development phase with a collaborative spirit. Front-end and back-end teams must work in harmony, with rigorous testing protocols in place. Employ unit, integration, and user acceptance testing to squash bugs and bolster security, ensuring a polished final product.

Expert tip: Embrace continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) to speed up deployments and improve responsiveness.

Step 6. Launch and Support

Launch your app with confidence, but remember: the journey doesn’t end here. Post-launch support is vital for troubleshooting and enhancing user satisfaction, and an experienced, reliable eCommerce development company will inform you of its importance. The product's success is defined by long-term loyalty.

Expert tip: Assemble a dedicated support team to swiftly address issues and adapt to user needs, transforming users into lifelong advocates.

What is the price tag of eCommerce app 

eCommerce app development requires a substantial investment, influenced by various factors. Two of the most common scenarios businesses face are the MVP approach and the creation of a more advanced, feature-rich application.

MVP eCommerce app development cost

As a general estimate, the initial development of an eCommerce MVP, featuring basic functionalities, can range, but often starts around $50K-$70K. This initial version typically includes essential features like user authentication, product listings, a shopping cart, and payment processing.

• Platform complexity: An MVP will likely contain a limited set of core features, simplifying the designing process and keeping eCommerce app development cost lower.

• Development approach: Building an MVP from scratch is often more cost-effective than using comprehensive eCommerce platforms, although the latter can speed up the development process.

• Development team: Utilizing an outsourced development team can lead to significant savings for the whole project compared to hiring an in-house team.

• Hosting and infrastructure: Minimum cloud hosting and infrastructure are required to support the MVP's user base, which helps to control initial costs.

Typical cost range: $50,000 - $250,000.

Full-fledged eCommerce app development cost

For a comprehensive product, the eCommerce app development cost totally depends on the scope, and technologies involved (AI/ VR, etc.). Integrating with ERP, CRM, CMS, accounting, and shipping systems is also an expense item. And, yes – custom API development is costly. 

• Platform сomplexity: A full-featured app involves more functionalities and complex integrations, significantly increasing development costs.

• Development approach: Custom eCommerce application development offers flexibility but demands a larger initial investment, while using established frameworks may incur higher licensing fees.

• Development team: Engaging a specialized eCommerce app development company with expertise in the field is often necessary for delivering a robust solution, which can elevate costs.

• Hosting and infrastructure: A reliable and scalable cloud infrastructure, along with additional backend services, is essential to support the app's performance and scalability.

• Ongoing maintenance: Continuous updates, feature enhancements, and infrastructure scaling for high traffic and transaction volumes will add to the overall cost in the long run.

Typical cost range: $250,000+.

eCommerce app development [Solveit experience]

B2B eCommerce web app 

Jabal is a global online B2B platform, founded by entrepreneurs from Dubai, that connects verified sellers and buyers of small appliances — manufacturers and distributors. Recognizing the potential of digitizing their successful offline business, the Jabal team approached SolveIt to develop a private web eCommerce app for business-to-business operations.

Our journey with Jabal began with a comprehensive discovery phase, where we delved deep into understanding their business objectives, cargo and order management requirements, and industry best practices. This allowed us to craft a tailored solution that would address the client's goal.

The synergy of React's modular architecture and Java's powerful data management capabilities has been a driving force behind Jabal's success. This combination allowed us to deliver a scalable and efficient eCommerce solution that can handle the high volume of transactions and user traffic in the future. 

Custom mobile children's store

In another eCommerce project, we collaborated with a leading children's goods retailer to develop feature-rich apps for iOS and Android. The client's goal was to provide customers with convenient access to their extensive product catalog with over 5,000 items, which required custom eCommerce mobile app development. 

Our team tackled the challenge of designing a user-friendly interface that could effectively display and navigate such a vast product selection. We incorporated smart filtering options, barcode scanning, and personalized recommendations to enhance the shopping experience.

One of the standout features was the integration of a robust loyalty program. Customers could earn and redeem reward points, making their purchases more rewarding. The digital loyalty card eliminated the need for physical cards, providing a seamless and secure experience.

The app's performance was remarkable, with a peak of 80,000 concurrent users and over 1.5 million downloads. The client saw a significant increase in online sales, with more than 100,000 purchases made through the mobile app in the first month alone.

Online shop of eco products

Natural Health is a manufacturer and online store of eco-friendly products. The challenge was to create an eCommerce mobile app that could cater to their global customer base, spanning multiple regions and languages.

Our team developed a multilingual app that supported 6 languages. This allowed Natural Health to expand into new markets, including the EU and Asia, without language barriers.

The eCommerce app featured a comprehensive product catalog, intuitive order placement, and secure payment options, including local and global payment gateways. To enhance customer retention, we integrated a loyalty program that rewarded users with cashback and referral incentives.

The admin panel developed by SolveIt empowered Natural Health's team to manage the product catalog, promotions, and push notifications, ensuring a seamless and efficient backend operation. The mobile app's launch was a resounding success, with an MVP version released in just three months. This allowed the client to increase sales and attract new customers from the very beginning.

Final words

When it comes to eСommerce app development, partnering with an experienced vendor can make all the difference. SolveIt, with its deep expertise, can help you navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace and implement a tailored solution that drives stellar sales performance.

By leveraging our comprehensive understanding of the industry, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices, we can transform your e-commerce aspirations into a thriving, future-ready reality. Let's start up your eCommerce venture together!

FAQ: eCommerce development 

1 | What is eCommerce app development?

eCommerce development involves creating mobile and web apps that serve as comprehensive digital marketplaces. These apps allow businesses to extend their eCommerce platforms beyond traditional websites and provide customers with a convenient way to browse, purchase, and manage their orders on smartphones and tablets.

2 | How much does it cost to develop an eCommerce app?

eCommerce app development cost can vary significantly, but generally falls into two common scenarios:

MVP eCommerce App

An initial MVP version with basic functionalities ranges from $50,000 to $70,000. This includes essential features like user authentication, product listings, shopping cart, and payment processing.

Advanced eCommerce App

For a more feature-rich eCommerce app, the cost can range from $50,000 up to $250,000. The final price depends on factors like platform complexity, development approach, team composition, hosting and infrastructure requirements.

3 | What are the main types of eCommerce apps?

The main types of eCommerce apps are:

B2B (Business-to-Business): For transactions and interactions between companies

B2C (Business-to-Consumer): For direct sales to individual customers

C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): For peer-to-peer exchange of goods and services

C2B (Consumer-to-Business): For individuals to offer services to businesses

4 | What are the essential features of a successful eCommerce app?

The essential features of a successful eCommerce app include:

• Product catalog

• Shopping cart

• Secure payments

• Order management

• User accounts

• Product reviews and ratings

• Push notifications

• Loyalty system

5 | How to develop an e-commerce app?

The key steps in developing an e-commerce app are:

• Market research and planning

• Defining features and functionality, focusing on an MVP

• Selecting the right technology stack

• Designing an intuitive and responsive UI/UX

• Development and thorough testing

• Launching the app and providing ongoing support