If you’re considering building an eCommerce app, the first question that likely comes to mind is, “What will it cost?” The truth is, developing an eCommerce app can range anywhere from $30,000 to $300,000, depending on your requirements and features.
Now, you might wonder, is it worth the investment? With global eCommerce sales expected to reach $6.3 trillion by 2024, having a custom eCommerce app puts you right where the action is.
Whether you’re a startup looking to break into the market or an established business aiming to expand, understanding the cost to develop an eCommerce app is crucial to making informed decisions.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the cost, factors affecting it, and how to make the most of your budget. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Should You Develop an eCommerce App?
Absolutely! But let’s not just say it—here are three compelling reasons backed by solid stats to help you decide:
1. Explosive Market Growth
The eCommerce sector is booming.
By 2025, mobile commerce is expected to account for 72.9% of all eCommerce sales worldwide. That’s billions of dollars flowing through mobile apps.
Why stay behind when the market is moving forward? Developing your eCommerce app ensures you grab a share of this massive pie.
2. Consumer Preferences Favor Apps
Did you know that 85% of consumers prefer shopping via mobile apps over websites?
The convenience, personalization, and speed apps offer are unmatched. If you’re not meeting your customers where they want to shop, your competitors will.
Adding an app can significantly boost customer loyalty and retention rates.
3. Higher Conversion Rates
Apps have a conversion rate 3x higher than mobile websites.
With features like push notifications, personalized recommendations, and faster checkouts, apps make it easier for customers to complete purchases.
This directly impacts your revenue growth.
So, what’s holding you back? If you’re aiming to scale, the question isn’t “Should you?”—it’s “When will you?”
Average Cost to Develop an eCommerce App
When it comes to figuring out the cost to develop an eCommerce app, you’ll find that it depends on a variety of factors like complexity, features, and the development team’s location.
On average, developing a basic eCommerce app can start at around $30,000 to $50,000, while a feature-rich, custom app may range between $100,000 and $300,000.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of average app development cost:
| App Complexity | Estimated Cost Range | Development Time |
| Basic (MVP, limited features) | $30,000 – $50,000 | 3-6 months |
| Medium (Standard features) | $50,000 – $100,000 | 6-9 months |
| Complex (Custom features, AI) | $100,000 – $300,000 | 9-12 months or more |
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on additional factors like the use of advanced technology (e.g., AI, AR) or third-party integrations.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional app development company to get a tailored estimate for your specific needs.
Remember, the cost isn’t just about upfront development – it’s an investment in scalability and long-term business growth.
Now that you have a general idea of the average cost, let’s dive deeper into the factors that affect eCommerce app development cost.
Shall we?
Factors That Affect eCommerce App Development Cost
Understanding the key factors that influence the cost to develop an eCommerce app can help you plan your budget effectively.
Here are ten critical factors, each explained in detail, followed by tables to showcase their cost impact.
1. App Design and User Experience (UX)
A sleek, intuitive design is vital for keeping users engaged.
Investing in high-quality UI/UX design ensures a seamless shopping experience, which boosts customer retention.
This includes wireframes, prototypes, and custom visuals.
While a basic design may suffice for an MVP, a custom interface is essential for a competitive edge.
Here’s a breakdown fo UI/UX Design Cost:
| Design Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Design (Templates) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Custom UI/UX Design | $10,000 – $25,000 |
2. Platform Choice
Whether you opt for iOS app development, Android app development, or both significantly affects the cost.
A single-platform app costs less, while cross-platform or native development increases expenses.
Native apps offer better performance but require separate development for each platform.
| Platform | Estimated Cost Range |
| Single Platform (iOS/Android) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Cross-Platform App | $30,000 – $50,000 |
3. Features and Functionalities
Every additional feature increases the cost.
Basic features like product catalogs and user authentication are affordable, while advanced functionalities like AI-based recommendations, AR for virtual try-ons, and real-time tracking require higher investment.
| Feature Complexity | Estimated Cost Per Feature |
| Basic Features | $5,000 – $10,000 per feature |
| Advanced Features | $10,000 – $50,000 per feature |
4. Third-Party Integrations
Integrating payment gateways, shipping APIs, or marketing tools adds functionality to your app but also affects the cost.
The more integrations you require, the higher the development effort.
| Integration Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Payment Gateway | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Advanced Integrations | $5,000 – $15,000 |
5. Backend Development
The backend is the backbone of your app, managing databases, APIs, and server-side operations.
A robust backend ensures smooth performance and scalability. Custom backends cost more than pre-built solutions.
| Backend Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Pre-Built Backend | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Custom Backend Development | $20,000 – $50,000 |
6. App Security
Incorporating security features like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and GDPR compliance is non-negotiable.
While basic security measures are affordable, high-level compliance adds to the cost.
| Security Measures | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Security Features | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Advanced Compliance | $10,000 – $20,000 |
7. Location of the Development Team
The cost of development varies based on the team’s location.
For instance, hiring developers from North America is costlier compared to Asia or Eastern Europe, where hourly rates are lower but quality remains high.
| Location | Hourly Rate |
| North America | $100 – $200/hour |
| Asia (e.g., India) | $20 – $50/hour |
8. App Testing and QA
Testing ensures your app is bug-free and user-friendly.
The complexity of testing depends on the number of features and platforms. Comprehensive testing is essential for launching a reliable app.
| Testing Scope | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Testing | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Extensive Testing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
9. Maintenance and Updates
Post-launch maintenance includes bug fixes, performance enhancements, and feature updates. This is a recurring cost, typically charged annually.
| Maintenance Plan | Estimated Cost Range (Per Year) |
| Basic Maintenance | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Advanced Maintenance | $10,000 – $25,000 |
10. Marketing and Launch
Your app’s success also depends on a strong marketing strategy.
App store optimization, paid ads, and influencer campaigns are typical launch costs to factor in.
| Marketing Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Marketing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Advanced Campaigns | $15,000 – $50,000 |
These factors combined give you a comprehensive view of what influences the overall eCommerce app development cost. Proper planning and prioritization can help you manage your budget effectively.
Hidden Factors and Costs in eCommerce App Development
Beyond the obvious expenses, there are several hidden factors that can impact the cost to develop an eCommerce app.
Ignoring these can lead to unexpected budget overruns, so let’s dive into them.
1. Licensing and Compliance
Depending on your target market, your app might need licenses for payment gateways, GDPR compliance, or industry-specific certifications.
These are often overlooked but are essential to avoid legal complications.
| Licensing/Compliance | Estimated Cost Range |
| GDPR/CCPA Compliance | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Payment Gateway Licenses | $2,000 – $5,000 |
2. Infrastructure Costs
Hosting your app, especially if it includes high-resolution images or videos, can be costly.
This includes cloud storage, servers, and bandwidth charges, which are ongoing operational expenses.
| Infrastructure Type | Monthly Cost Range |
| Basic Hosting | $500 – $2,000 |
| Scalable Cloud Hosting | $2,000 – $10,000 |
3. Data Analytics and Reporting
Adding advanced analytics for tracking user behavior, sales performance, and market trends requires additional tools and development effort.
While basic analytics might be free, advanced tools like AI-based insights can cost more.
| Analytics Tool | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Analytics (Google) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Advanced Analytics | $5,000 – $15,000 |
4. Localization
If you plan to launch in multiple regions, localization is critical.
This includes translating content, adjusting the app for local currencies, and compliance with regional laws.
| Localization Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Language Translation | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Full Localization | $10,000 – $30,000 |
5. Hidden Maintenance Costs
While you may plan for regular updates, hidden costs like emergency fixes or scaling your app for higher traffic can arise.
It’s wise to allocate a buffer for these.
| Maintenance Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Emergency Fixes | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Scalability Enhancements | $10,000 – $50,000 |
6. Team Coordination
Working with remote or distributed teams can incur hidden communication and project management costs, including tools like Slack, Jira, or Trello subscriptions.
| Coordination Tools | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Basic Tools (Slack, Jira) | $50 – $200 |
| Advanced Tools | $500 – $1,000 |
7. Third-Party Dependency Fees
Integrating external APIs (e.g., maps, notifications, or logistics) often comes with subscription or usage fees, which can add up over time.
| API Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic APIs (Notifications) | $500 – $1,000/year |
| Advanced APIs (Maps, AI) | $5,000 – $15,000/year |
8. App Store Listing and Updates
Both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store charge fees for listing and ongoing updates.
These costs are necessary to ensure smooth operations and updates for your users.
| Store Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| App Store Listing | $100 – $500 |
| App Updates | $2,000 – $5,000/update |
9. Employee Training
If your in-house team will handle parts of the app (e.g., content updates or minor fixes), training costs should be considered.
| Training Scope | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Training | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Advanced Training | $5,000 – $10,000 |
10. Unexpected Feature Requests
During development, new feature requests often emerge. These unplanned additions can significantly increase both cost and timeline.
| Feature Complexity | Estimated Cost Range |
| Minor Features | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Major Features | $10,000 – $20,000 |
By accounting for these hidden costs, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your project stays on track financially.
Popular eCommerce Apps & the Cost to Clone Them
Top eCommerce apps in the U.S. have redefined online shopping, setting standards for user experience, features, and scalability. If you’re considering building a similar app, here’s an overview of some top names and their estimated cloning costs:
Amazon:
Known for its multi-vendor marketplace, AI-powered search, and seamless logistics, cloning an app like Amazon can cost between $200,000 to $400,000, depending on the complexity of features.
eBay:
With its auction system and escrow payment mechanism, replicating eBay’s functionality could cost around $150,000 to $300,000.
Walmart:
Featuring advanced supply chain management and real-time inventory tracking, a Walmart-like app would require an investment of $150,000 to $250,000.
Shopify:
Building an app with Shopify’s multi-store management and extensive payment integrations might cost $120,000 to $200,000.
Etsy:
Focused on handmade and unique products, an Etsy clone offering niche product listings and community-building features could cost $100,000 to $180,000.
Target:
Target’s app, with its loyalty programs and real-time inventory management, would fall in the range of $120,000 to $200,000.
Wish:
Known for automated deals and personalized user experiences driven by AI, creating a Wish-like app could cost $100,000 to $180,000.
Zappos:
With its focus on customer service and easy returns, a Zappos-style app would cost between $100,000 and $180,000.
Wayfair:
For an app emphasizing high-quality visuals and AR-based furniture placement, the development cost could range from $150,000 to $250,000.
Costco:
An app with Costco’s member-based shopping model and exclusive deals could cost approximately $120,000 to $200,000.
These costs are indicative and depend on various factors like feature complexity, app design, and the development team’s expertise. Developing an app modeled after one of these giants can help you tap into a proven market approach.
eBizneeds – Here to Help You
Looking for a reliable eCommerce app development company to bring your vision to life? At eBizneeds, we specialize in crafting custom eCommerce apps that drive growth and deliver seamless user experiences.
With a team of seasoned developers and designers, we ensure that your app is built with the latest technologies, optimized for performance, and tailored to your unique business needs. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of app development while staying within your budget.
Ready to start your journey? Let eBizneeds turn your ideas into reality. Contact us today!
Conclusion
Building an eCommerce app is not just a trend—it’s a necessity in today’s digital-first marketplace. While the cost to develop an eCommerce app can vary widely based on your needs, understanding the factors that influence these costs puts you in control of your investment.
From design and features to hidden costs and popular app inspirations, we’ve covered all the essential elements to help you make an informed decision. By adopting cost-saving strategies like starting with an MVP or leveraging cross-platform development, you can minimize expenses without compromising quality.
FAQs
The cost to develop an eCommerce app typically ranges from $30,000 to $300,000, depending on factors like features, platform choice, and app complexity. A basic MVP can start at the lower end, while a feature-rich app with advanced integrations falls on the higher side.
Several factors affect the cost, including app design, platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), features and functionalities, third-party integrations, backend development, and security measures. Each of these can significantly impact the final budget.
You can reduce costs by starting with an MVP, using cross-platform frameworks, outsourcing development to cost-effective regions, leveraging pre-built solutions, and prioritizing essential features. These strategies can save up to 30% to 60% of your budget.
Hidden costs can include licensing, compliance, hosting, maintenance, app store fees, and unexpected feature additions during development. Planning for these ensures there are no surprises later.
Development timelines vary based on app complexity. A basic app may take 3 to 6 months, while a complex, feature-rich app can take 9 to 12 months or more.
Hiring professionals ensures your app is built to industry standards, optimized for scalability, and equipped with the latest features. A reputable eCommerce app development company like eBizneeds brings expertise, efficiency, and reliability to the table.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
