E-commerce mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular in today’s digital era due to the convenience they offer customers in purchasing products and services via their mobile devices. However, developing a mobile E-commerce app can take time and effort, particularly in estimating costs. Therefore, it is critical to conduct a cost analysis to determine the necessary resources and budget for app development.

The significance of mobile commerce apps lies in their ability to reach the ever-growing number of smartphone users worldwide. These apps have become an essential tools for businesses looking to enhance their online sales and offer a seamless shopping experience to their customers.

This article will delve into the cost of developing a mobile E-commerce app and the factors that affect its cost.

What Is the Objective of an E-commerce Mobile App?

An E-commerce mobile app’s primary goal is to give users a simple and easy buying experience. Customers should be able to explore products, do product searches, add things to their shopping carts, pay securely, and monitor their purchases via the app. 

Moreover, the app must include capabilities like fast access to customer assistance, tailored suggestions, reviews, and ratings. Increased client involvement, contentment, and loyalty ultimately result in more sales and income for the E-commerce company, which is the ultimate purpose of an E-commerce mobile app.

Why Convert Your eCommerce Store To Mobile Commerce App?

Factors Affecting the Cost of Building an E-commerce Mobile App 

App development has become famous for businesses to reach customers and increase revenue. However, the cost of developing a mobile E-commerce app can vary depending on several factors; let’s explore the main factors affecting the development cost of the E-commerce mobile app.

1. App Design

The design of a mobile E-commerce app can impact the development cost. A well-designed app with a user-friendly interface can attract more customers and increase development costs. The cost of designing an E-commerce app can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the number of screens, and the design elements.

2. App Development Platform

The development platform used to build an E-commerce app can affect costs. The most common platforms used for E-commerce app development are iOS and Android, and developing an app for both platforms can increase the development cost. However, choosing a cross-platform development tool like React Native or Flutter can reduce the development cost.

3. App Functionality

The functionality of an E-commerce app can impact the development cost. The more features an app has, the more time and effort are required to develop it. Some features that can increase the development cost include a product catalog, shopping cart, payment gateway integration, push notifications, user profile management, and social media integration.

4. Integration with Payment Gateway

One of the critical features of an E-commerce app is payment gateway integration. Integrating a payment gateway into an E-commerce app can be complex and time-consuming, and it can increase the cost of development. The cost of payment gateway integration can vary depending on the payment gateway provider and the level of customization required.

5. App Maintenance

Maintaining an E-commerce app is essential for long-term success. The cost of app maintenance can vary depending on the complexity of the app, the number of updates required, and the level of support needed. The app maintenance cost should be considered during development to ensure the app remains functional and up-to-date.

Other factors that can affect the cost of E-commerce mobile app development include the size of the development team, the location of the development team, and the time required to develop the app. The more complex an app is, the more it will cost to build. Therefore, working with a professional app development team is essential to ensure that the E-commerce app is developed within your budget and meets your business requirements.

Cost Breakdown of E-commerce Mobile App Development

Breakdown of the different costs associated with developing a mobile E-commerce app:

1. App Design Cost

The app design cost includes the fees a UI/UX designer charges for creating wireframes, user interface designs, and overall user experience design for your E-commerce app. The cost varies based on the design’s complexity and the designer’s level of expertise.

2. App Development Cost

App development cost depends upon the technology and framework used to create a functional mobile app. It also depends on the features and functionalities needed for the app, as well as the level of expertise of the developers.

3. Payment Gateway Integration Cost

Payment gateway integration cost includes the fees the payment gateway provider charges to integrate their payment gateway with your E-commerce app. The price varies based on the payment gateway provider and the level of integration required.

4. Maintenance and Upgrades Cost 

Maintenance and upgrade costs include the fees for ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and software upgrades required to keep your E-commerce app running smoothly. The price varies based on the complexity of the app and the frequency of updates required.

5. Marketing and Promotion Cost 

Marketing and promotion cost includes the fees charged for promoting your E-commerce app to potential customers through various marketing channels such as social media, search engines, and mobile app stores. The cost varies based on the marketing strategy and the level of competition in your niche.

Here’s an Updated Breakdown of The Different Costs Associated with Developing an E-Commerce Mobile App for Both IOs and Android Platforms:

Cost CategoryiOS App Cost BreakdownAndroid App Cost Breakdown
App Design Cost$1,500 – $15,000+$1,000 – $10,000+
App Development Cost$20,000 – $100,000+$15,000 – $70,000+
Payment Gateway Integration$1500 – $10,000+$1000 – $5,000+
Maintenance and Upgrades$2,500 – $15,000+ annually$2,500 – $15,000+ annually
Marketing and Promotion CostVaries By Marketing StrategyVaries By Marketing Strategy
*Note: The costs may vary based on the specific features and functionalities required in the E-commerce mobile app, the level of expertise of the developers and designers, and the frequency of maintenance and updates needed for both iOS and Android platforms.

Here’s an Updated Breakdown of The Different Costs Associated with Developing an E-Commerce Mobile App for Different Regions, Including USA, India, UK, And UAE:

Cost CategoryUSAIndiaUKUAE
App Design Cost$1,500 – $10,000+$500 – $5,000+£1,000 – £7,000+AED 5,500 – AED 20,000+
App Development Cost$10,000 – $50,000+$5,000 – $25,000+£10,000 – £50,000+AED 55,000 – AED 250,000+
Payment Gateway Integration$500 – $5,000+$100 – $1,000+£250 – £2,000+AED 2,000 – AED 10,000+
Maintenance and Upgrades$2,500 – $10,000+ annually$1,000 – $5,000+ annually£2,000 – £7,000+ annuallyAED 10,000 – AED 50,000+ annually
Marketing and Promotion Cost$5,000 – $20,000+$1,000 – $5,000+£2,500 – £15,000+AED 15,000 – AED 75,000+
*Note: These costs are estimates and may vary based on the specific requirements of your E-commerce mobile app, the level of expertise of the developers and designers you choose to work with, and the cost of living in each region.

Overall, the cost of developing a mobile E-commerce app depends on several factors, including the app’s complexity, the level of expertise of the developers and designers, and the ongoing maintenance and promotion required to keep the app running smoothly and attracting new customers.

Cost Analysis of Creating an E-Commerce App

1. Cost Range for Basic E-commerce Mobile App

Simple E-commerce mobile app typically has product listing, shopping cart, checkout, and payment gateway integration features. Such an app can range from $5,000 to $50,000.

2. Cost Range for Moderate E-commerce Mobile App

A moderate E-commerce mobile app will have more advanced features such as user account management, product recommendations, push notifications, and social media integration. Such an app can range from $50,000 to $100,000.

3. Cost Range for Complex E-commerce Mobile App:

A complex E-commerce mobile app will have advanced features such as inventory management, multi-language support, multi-vendor support, and integration with other systems such as ERP and CRM. Such an app can range from $100,000 to $500,000.

4. Comparison of Cost with Features

Here’s a comparison table for the cost range of mobile E-commerce apps based on their features:

FeatureBasic AppModerate AppComplex App
Product Listing$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+
Shopping Cart$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+
Checkout$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+
Payment Gateway Integration$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+$5,000 – $10,000+
User Account ManagementN/A$10,000 – $20,000+$20,000 – $30,000+
Product RecommendationsN/A$10,000 – $20,000+$20,000 – $30,000+
Push NotificationsN/A$10,000 – $20,000+$20,000 – $30,000+
Social Media IntegrationN/A$10,000 – $20,000+$20,000 – $30,000+
Inventory ManagementN/AN/A$30,000 – $50,000+
Multi-Language SupportN/AN/A$20,000 – $30,000+
Multi-Vendor SupportN/AN/A$30,000 – $50,000+
Integration with ERP/CRMN/AN/A$50,000 – $100,000+
*Note: The Above Costs Are Estimates and Can Vary Depending on The Project’s Complexity and The Developers’ Hourly Rates.

Ways to Reduce E-Commerce Mobile App Development Cost

Developing a mobile commerce app can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the development cost without compromising the app’s quality. 

Here Are Some Practical Ways to Reduce E-Commerce Mobile App Development Costs:

1. Choosing Open-Source Platforms

One of the most effective ways to reduce E-commerce mobile app development costs is by choosing open-source platforms. These platforms offer free software that can be easily customized and adapted to meet your business needs. This means you will only have to spend a little money developing an app from scratch. With open-source platforms, you can also get access to a community of developers who can help you with any issues that may arise.

2. Simplifying App Design

Another effective way to reduce the cost of E-commerce mobile app development is by simplifying the app design, which means focusing on the essential features and functionality of the app rather than trying to include every possible feature. Streamlining the design can significantly reduce the development cost without compromising the app’s quality.

3. Hire an Ecommerce App Development Company

An eCommerce app development company can help you to reduce the cost of E-commerce mobile app development. By hiring a team of app developers, you can take advantage of their skills and expertise and follow their guidance. You can avoid varied mistakes by performing the jobs yourself with no or less knowledge. Significantly, it will reduce the development cost without sacrificing quality under perfect guidance.

4. Limiting App Features

Limiting the app features is another way to reduce the cost of E-commerce mobile app development. By focusing on the essential features and functionality of the app, you can significantly reduce the development cost. This also helps ensure that the app is easy to use and navigate, which is essential for providing a good user experience.

5. Conducting Beta Testing

Conducting beta testing is another effective way to reduce the cost of E-commerce mobile app development. By testing the app before launch, you can identify and fix any issues or bugs before they become more significant problems. This helps ensure that the app is high-quality and functional, which helps reduce the cost of maintenance and support in the long run.

Conclusion

Developing a mobile E-commerce app can be a significant investment, but it can also provide a substantial return on investment for businesses. It is essential to work with an experienced and reliable app development company that can help you navigate the process and ensure the success of your project.

The cost of developing a mobile E-commerce app can vary depending on several factors, such as the app’s features, complexity, and the development team’s expertise. On average, developing a mobile E-commerce app can range from $100,000 – $500,000 and go beyond depending upon the abovementioned factors.

If you want to create a mobile E-commerce app, look no further. Our E-commerce development company has a team of experienced developers who can convert your app ideas into reality. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you bring your mobile shopping app to reality.

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Author

CTO at Emizentech and a member of the Forbes technology council, Amit Samsukha, is acknowledged by the Indian tech world as an innovator and community builder. He has a well-established vocation with 12+ years of progressive experience in the technology industry. He directs all product initiatives, worldwide sales and marketing, and business enablement. He has spearheaded the journey in the e-commerce landscape for various businesses in India and the U.S.

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