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An eCommerce app is a web or mobile application that facilitates trading, buying and selling of goods and services. When it comes to determining eCommerce app development cost, it generally lies between $5000 to $120,000+, depending on the app complexity.
These types of apps usually feature an interface to browse and filter search based on product, pricing, brands and other typical features and functionalities. For instance, features such as shopping cart, payment gateways, checkout, user/customer account management, order tracking and much more.
Some of the best eCommerce applications are Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy, and eBay.
The cost of developing an e-commerce app can vary widely depending on its complexity, features and functionalities, and so on. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000+ or more based on your app needs.
The following are some rough estimates based on the complexity of the app:
Basic e-commerce app: $5,000- $50,000
Mid-range e-commerce app: $20,000 – $120,000+
Complex e-commerce app: $150,000 – $500,000+
It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your e-commerce app may vary depending on your specific requirements.
To get a more accurate estimate, it is always best to consult with a development team before you begin development. In that regard, you can connect with our leading app development company as well.
Bonus Read: Check our recent blog on how much it costs to develop an Android app in 2024.
| Complexity Level | Timeline/Timeframe | Estimated |
| Simple/Minimalistic App | 1-to-3 months | $5,000-to-$15,000 |
| Mid-Size/Average App | 4-to-7 months | $20,000-to-$30,000 |
| Large-Size App | 5-to-8 months | $40,000-to-$50,000 |
| Complex/High-End App | 7-to-10 months | $75,000-to-$90,000 |
| Enterprise-Grade/Futuristic App | 9-to-12 months | $90,000-to-&$200,000 |
Important: Do note that the above costs may vary depending on factors like development team’s location, geography and demography, technology and so on.
eCommerce apps have seen tremendous growth, especially after the post-pandemic. Several businesses have started investing in developing data-driven e-commerce mobile apps. There are endless reasons for that.
According to a report by BusinessInsider, the eCommerce app market is expected to reach approximately $370 billion by the end of 2027.
Another study has found which indicates that mobile e-commerce sales would escalate to $2.2 trillion in 2023. That makes nearly 60 percent of all e-commerce sales around the globe. Quite Astonishing, Right?
All in all, if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a business expert who wants to excel their eCommerce business, without a second thought, connect with any reputable eCommerce app development company and begin your app journey.
The table below outlines the factors affecting the cost of eCommerce app development and a generic prediction of the completion timeline.
It must be noted that the information shared below is tentative.
| Stage | Timeframe | Cost | Phase Achievements |
| Research and Analysis | 2-to-3 and even 4 weeks | $5,000-to-$100,000 |
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| UI/UX Design | 4-to-8 weeks | Between $10,000 and $200,000 |
|
| Development | Approximately 12-to-20 weeks (can be more or less) | $50,000-to-$500,000 |
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| Testing | Approximately 2-to-4 weeks | Range between $5,000-to-$20,000 |
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| Post-release App Support and Maintenance | Continuous/Ongoing | Can be anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 per month |
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Let’s discover the top factors affecting the cost of eCommerce app development one-by-one.
The corporate or business research phase, commonly referred to as the discovery phase, holds significant importance in virtually every custom eCommerce app development project.
Whether your focus is on determining the iOS app development cost for eCommerce or finding a top-notch eCommerce mobile app development company, a thorough initial project analysis is paramount.
During this phase, all involved teams receive comprehensive briefings on the project scope, agree on the technologies to be employed, and establish definitive guidelines.
The following factors underscore the critical nature of this phase:
It must be noted that the hourly rate of professional app development companies and freelance developers for the discovery phase may vary as per country and even between distinct regions.
The following table below gives you an initial idea regarding the eCommerce app development timeframe and cost.
| Location | Approximate Time Frame | Approx Cost to Create an eCommerce app (per hour) |
| Canada | Between 2-to-4 weeks | $40-to-$80 |
| U.S.A | Maximum 3 weeks | $45-to-$90 |
| Latin America | Around 1-to-3 weeks | $30-to-$80 |
| Eastern Europe | Around 1-to-3 weeks | $35-to-$90 |
| Asia | Around 1-to-3 weeks | $30-to-$50 |
UI design dictates how users interact with your app, while UX encompasses the entire visual and experiential journey on the platform. UI/UX design helps in various ways; For instance,
A well-crafted UI/UX ensures a seamless onboarding experience, making it easy for users to get started with your app. This initial interaction sets the stage for a positive engagement.
Prioritizing user-friendly design enhances the overall interaction. A thoughtfully designed UI improves navigation, making it intuitive and reducing any potential user frustrations.
A captivating product design doesn’t just wow users; it simplifies the entire app experience. Investing in an aesthetically pleasing design not only keeps users engaged but also streamlines their journey, positively impacting user satisfaction and usage patterns.
To find out about the hourly rates of eCommerce mobile app developers and designers in different parts of the world, refer to the table below:
| Location | Hours (approx) | App Cost (approx) (per hour) |
| Canada | Min. 120 – Max. 200 | $60-to-$100 |
| U.S.A | Min. 120 – Max. 180 | $65-to-$110 |
| Latin America | Min. 100 – Max. 170 | $45-to-$55 |
| Eastern Europe | Min. 100 – Max. 170 | $35-to-$60 |
| Asia | Min. 10 – Max. 150 | $30-to-$45 |
When comparing Android and iOS UI/UX, it’s obvious iOS takes more time as the more complex technology is involved during the process.
Another significant factor that impacts the cost of eCommerce app development is the type of app you desire to create for your business.
Typically, native and hybrid app development are most commonly used worldwide.
Native apps are built to serve only a single platform means these can either be run on Android or iOS and for both. Thus, increasing costs and resources.
In addition to that, native apps also depend on;
Hybrid/Cross-platform apps can support multiple devices and operating systems using only a single codebase.
You can create hybrid eCommerce apps for a variety of operating systems, such as Android, iOS and even Windows.
Quality Assurance experts then test the eCommerce mobile application to make sure the final product before public release is entirely glitch-free.
The app passes through multiple testing environments such as regression, load and smoke testing as well as many other steps.
Testing is carried out simultaneously with each production phase as well as final testing; none of the steps are skippable.
On the team’s go-ahead cue, your eCommerce mobile app is released to the public. To know about QA charges as per region can be found in the table below but, only for reference:
| Locations | Hours (approx) | Cost of App (approx) (per hour) |
| Canada | 28-42 | Min. $60, Max. $90 |
| U.S.A | 40-50 | Min. $70, Max. $90 |
| Latin America | 30-35 | Min. $35, Max. $50 |
| Eastern Europe | 30-40 | Min. $30, Max. $55 |
| Asia | 25-20 | Min. $25, Max. $35 |
If you’re wondering about the cost to develop an eCommerce app or the cost to build an eCommerce website, it’s logically related to all the collective features and functionalities that are included in the final product. Whereas testing and bug fixing phase takes more or less 30% of the cost that’s branched to the customer (frontend) deployment during production.
Maintenance is a critical factor influencing the cost of eCommerce app development. While the initial development phase focuses on creating a functional and appealing app, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure its continued success. Regular updates, bug fixes, and performance enhancements are integral aspects of app maintenance and Support.
As technology evolves and user expectations change, keeping your eCommerce app up-to-date becomes paramount. This includes adapting to new operating system versions, addressing security vulnerabilities, and incorporating feature enhancements to stay competitive in the market.
The cost of maintenance encompasses not only the technical aspects but also considerations for user experience improvements and feature expansions.
Furthermore, proactive maintenance can prevent potential issues, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation. Neglecting maintenance may lead to outdated features, security risks, and compatibility issues, ultimately impacting user satisfaction and engagement.
In the dynamic realm of digital commerce, staying ahead means embracing innovation, and developing an eCommerce app is your ticket to success.
Let’s explore the myriad benefits that come with venturing into the world of eCommerce app development.
For those stepping into the eCommerce arena, the primary aim is to boost brand recognition.
Recognizing that a significant portion of users prefers mobile apps for online shopping, investing in eCommerce app development becomes a strategic move.
It opens avenues to connect with a wider audience, foster awareness, and imprint your brand on the minds of potential customers.
Users crave a personalized touch when shopping online. An eCommerce mobile app enables the collection of specific consumer behavior data, paving the way for targeted push notifications and emails.
This personalized approach nudges users towards making instant purchases.
The beauty of mobile apps lies in their ability to provide rich insights into customer behavior.
Through integrated analytics features, an eCommerce app development company can meticulously track scrolling, add-to-cart actions, cart abandonment, and purchasing patterns.
Armed with this data, businesses can craft personalized messages and reminders.
Teaming up with an expert eCommerce app development partner allows you to create a bespoke mobile app.
Tailored features address customer pain points, while an intuitive UI/UX design enhances the overall shopping experience.
When it comes to revenue, eCommerce mobile apps outperform websites. Users find apps more convenient and user-friendly, translating into higher sales for businesses investing in eCommerce app development.
In an era dominated by digital transactions, eCommerce apps can integrate seamlessly with various payment gateways and digital wallets.
This not only streamlines payments but also promotes contactless transactions, aligning with evolving customer preferences.
Provide an intuitive and visually appealing interface that simplifies the shopping journey, encouraging user engagement.
Implement a robust payment system, ensuring the security and confidentiality of users’ financial transactions.
Enhance user experience with sophisticated search options and filters, enabling customers to easily locate desired products.
Offer personalized user accounts, empowering customers with customized profiles, order history, and tailored product recommendations.
Ensure accuracy and prevent overselling with a real-time inventory management system, fostering reliability and customer satisfaction.
To comprehend how each influencing factor contributes to the final estimate, here is an in-depth breakdown of the e-commerce mobile app development cost.
The design cost encompasses charges from the mobile app design company for wireframes and overall UI/UX design. The final cost varies based on design complexity and the expertise of the development team.
The development cost hinges on factors like tech stack (frontend and backend), app development platform (iOS or Android), chosen e-commerce development platform (e.g., BigCommerce, Shopify, Strapi), and incorporation of technologies like AI, ML, blockchain, and AR. If cloud platforms are used for running and deploying the e-commerce store, it contributes to the overall development cost.
Integrating payment gateways incurs fees from the service provider. Third-party API integration cost depends on charges by API owners or development of custom APIs by the e-commerce app development company.
These expenses cover continuous app upgrades, bug fixes, and maintenance. The cost depends on the app’s complexity and the frequency of upgrades required.
The table below provides a succinct overview of impacting factors and their associated costs.
| Impacting Factors | Estimated Development Cost |
| App Design Cost | $1000 – $15,000 |
| App Development Cost | $15,000- $100,000 |
| Payment Gateway and API Integration Cost | $1000- $10,000 |
| App Maintenance Cost | $2500-$15,000 + annual charges |
Here’s a regional breakdown of e-commerce app costs based on the location of the development company.
| Impacting Factors | USA | UK | India | UAE |
| App Design Cost | $1,500 – $10,000+ | £1,000 – £7,000+ | $500 – $5,000+ | AED 5,500 – AED 20,000+ |
| App Development Cost | $10,000 – $50,000+ | £10,000 – £50,000+ | $5,000 – $25,000+ | AED 55,000 – AED 250,000+ |
| Payment Gateway and API Integration Cost | $500 – $5,000+ | £250 – £2,000+ | $100 – $1,000+ | AED 2,000 – AED 10,000+ |
| App Maintenance Cost | $2,500 – $10,000+ annual charges | £2,000 – £7,000+ annual charges | $1,000 – $5,000+ annual charges | AED 10,000 – AED 50,000+ annual charges |
eCommerce mobile app development cost (in total) = Development time x Cost per hour
Please note, the provided cost is subject to variation based on the specific features and functionalities desired in the eCommerce mobile app, the proficiency level of the development team, and the frequency of updates necessary according to the development platform.
At Trango Tech, we understand that developing an e-commerce app can be a costly investment. That’s why we offer a variety of services to help you optimize your development costs and get the most out of your budget.
Here are a few ways we can help:
We use a variety of cost-saving measures, such as agile development methodologies and pre-built solutions, to help you reduce your overall development costs.
We have a team of experienced and skilled developers who are able to complete projects on time and within budget.
We offer a variety of pricing options to fit your budget, including fixed-price contracts and hourly rates.
We provide regular updates on the progress of your project and communicate with you openly and honestly throughout the development process.
The cost to build an e-commerce app can vary widely depending on the complexity of the app, the features you want to include, and the development team you hire. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000+ for a mobile e-commerce app.
The following are some factors that can affect the cost of developing an e-commerce app:
The more complex your app is, the more it will cost to develop. For example, an app with a lot of features, such as product customization, payment processing, and shipping integration, will be more expensive to develop than a basic app.
The specific features you want to include in your app will also affect the cost of development. For example, adding features such as social media integration, push notifications, and real-time chat will increase the cost of development.
The experience and expertise of the development team you hire will also affect the cost of development. More experienced and skilled development teams will typically charge higher rates.
The time it takes to build an e-commerce app will also vary depending on the complexity of the app and the features you want to include. However, you can expect the development process to take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
The following are some of the factors that can affect the development timeline for an e-commerce app:
More complex apps will take longer to develop than simpler apps.
The more features you want to include in your app, the longer it will take to develop.
A more experienced and skilled development team will typically be able to develop your app faster than a less experienced team.
Once you have developed your e-commerce app, there are a few things you can do to successfully grow it:
Let potential users know about your app by marketing it through channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid advertising.
Provide your users with excellent customer service to keep them coming back. This includes responding to inquiries promptly and resolving any issues quickly and efficiently.
Regularly update your app with new features and bug fixes to keep it fresh and exciting for your users.
There are a few risks and challenges associated with building an e-commerce application:
As mentioned above, the cost of developing an e-commerce app can be significant. It is important to budget carefully and make sure you have the necessary financial resources in place before you begin development.
The development process for an e-commerce app can be long and complex. It is important to be patient and realistic about your expectations.
There are a number of technical challenges that can arise during the development of an e-commerce app. It is important to hire a development team that is experienced and skilled in developing e-commerce apps.
The e-commerce market is highly competitive. It is important to differentiate your app from the competition and offer a unique value proposition to your users.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of developing an e-commerce app:
You can launch your app as a minimum viable product (MVP) and add features as you go. This will allow you to get your app to market quickly and start generating revenue sooner.
There are a number of pre-built e-commerce platforms available, such as Shopify and WooCommerce. Using a pre-built platform can save you a lot of time and money on development.
Hire a development team from a lower-cost country. Development costs can vary significantly depending on the country where the team is located. Hiring a team from a lower-cost country can help you save money on development.
Open-source technologies are free to use, which can help you reduce your development costs.
Reuse code from previous projects. If you have developed an e-commerce app in the past, you may be able to reuse some of the code from that project in your new app.
that offers a fixed-price contract. This will help you budget better and avoid surprises.
By following these tips, you can develop an e-commerce app on a budget without sacrificing quality.
Generating income through your e-commerce app is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond direct sales.
Here’s a breakdown of strategies to ensure your app not only covers its development costs but becomes a lucrative venture:
Charge a small percentage on each transaction conducted through your platform. This model ensures a steady stream of revenue with the growth of your app’s user base.
Introduce subscription tiers offering premium features, early access to sales, or exclusive discounts. This recurring revenue model adds stability to your income stream.
Collaborate with brands or third-party advertisers to display targeted ads within your app. This approach leverages your app’s user data to deliver relevant content and generate additional income.
Forge partnerships with other businesses and earn a commission for every sale made through your app. This not only diversifies your revenue streams but also expands your network.
Offer premium content, such as exclusive product releases, insider content, or advanced features, for a one-time purchase. This creates an additional revenue stream while providing added value to users.
Implement a loyalty program where users earn points for every purchase. These points can be redeemed for discounts or exclusive offers, encouraging repeat business.
Analyze and anonymize user data to offer valuable insights to third-party companies. Ensure strict privacy policies to maintain user trust while benefiting from data monetization.
If your app has unique features or functionalities, consider licensing or white-labeling your technology to other businesses for a fee. This can be a lucrative option for apps with specialized capabilities.
By strategically implementing one or a combination of these revenue streams, your e-commerce app can not only cover its development costs but thrive as a profitable venture in the competitive digital landscape.
In conclusion, the cost of developing an e-commerce app is a nuanced interplay of various factors.
From the complexity of features to the choice of technology and the intricacies of design, each element contributes to the overall expense.
It’s essential for businesses to approach app development with a clear understanding of their goals, audience, and desired functionalities.
Navigating this financial landscape requires strategic decision-making, such as prioritizing features, considering pre-built platforms, and selecting a development team that aligns with both budgetary constraints and project requirements.
By embracing these insights and anticipating potential challenges, businesses can embark on their e-commerce app development journey with a well-informed approach.
Check out our accompanying video for a visual guide on this topic!
Whether interested in knowing about ecommerce app development cost in 2024 or, any other mobile application, key features to consider that also directly impacts on pricing are:
Cost of developing an app, be it for Android or iOS would depend on several factors including number of features, functions, difference in technology stack for development on both platforms etc. Still, for a better understanding, refer to the table below:
| Type of App | Average Cost |
| Native apps (Android & iOS) | Anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000 |
| Cross-platform apps | $25,000 to $60,000 |
| Web Apps | Minimum $15,000, Maximum $50,000 (can be more) |
| Hybrid Apps | Can start from $10,000 and exceed up to $150,000 |
To find the right ecommerce app development partner company is a tricky and often chaotic process.
You have to do a lot of research and consider factors like technology stack, your budget, target market etc.
Here are a few questions you should ask:
For payment options, consider the following details:
By determining the answer to these queries, you would be able to find the right eCommerce app development team for your business.
There are instances where you might have to pay extra such as; change in initial design and introducing new features to the app. Still, you can avoid additional costs through Product Discovery which itself covers the following aspects:
If your eCommerce app idea is similar to your competitors or takes on the traditional model as exists in the market, pre-built app templates can surely save you a lot of time and money.
However, a custom-built app is to make your store or brand stand out of the crowd with those special features, sophisticated design and functionalities that’s ought to take the user-experience to the next level.
An e-commerce app with basic/must-have essential features such as customer login, filter-rich search function, push notifications, product catalog, reviews and ratings, shopping cart, e-payment channels and order tracking can cost you anywhere between $15,000 and $50,000.
The accurate time to develop an eCommerce app depends on your business goals and product requirements.
It may take around 3-and-4 months. However, adding details and functions may extend the development timeline for more or less 7 months.
To outsource the task or proceed in-house depends on the skills, solutions and technologies available at-hand and most importantly, your budget. In-house development and management is easier whereas outsourcing the task might take more time and even exceeds your budget.
To avoid paying extra for an ecommerce app development, be clear with your requirements from the start by being visionary. It means you should plan the app for a longer run while considering all the challenges that may appear during the process.
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Mariam Amin is an Electronics Engineering graduate. As a content marketer working in the app development company, with her insights on engineering and digital strategy, she showcases informative guides and content that is built on imparting knowledge. When away from marketing and the digital landscape, you can find her looking over the food industry, and fitness trends, and catching up on a documentary or a movie.
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