How Much Does it Cost to Develop an eCommerce App in 2023?

The era of digitization has rendered mobile apps vital for operating any business efficiently. Studies have shown that more than 1.5 billion users across the globe use mobile apps daily, while more than 55% prefer online shopping through them. eCommerce has made its mark on the retail ecosystem and has intuitively hooked millions of users to the world of online shopping.

According to Forbes, more than 85% of eCommerce users prefer to shop online via a mobile app compared to eCommerce websites. With their highly efficient functionalities, scalability, and robustness, eCommerce mobile apps have proved themselves as the future of digital commerce.

App development is an intricate process that requires a detailed understanding of the concept. If you are a newbie in the eCommerce market and looking to get a clear insight into the eCommerce app development cost and the factors affecting the same, you are at the right place.

On average, a simple eCommerce app can cost around $20,000 to $60,000. The overall cost of the app can further vary as per the app’s complexity, feature list, app platform, location of the eCommerce app development company, hourly cost of the developers, etc.

Before going into detail on how several factors ultimately affect the cost and timeframe of an eCommerce app, let us first look at the recent market statistics that define the app’s overall credibility.

• As per PRNewswire, the e-commerce app market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2020 to reach $16,215.6 billion by 2027.
• Another report suggests that the number of eCommerce app users is expected to reach 4,887.9 million by 2025.
• The user penetration is also expected to hit 62.5% by 2025.

Thus, it is safe to assume why eCommerce mobile apps are a profitable investment opportunity going forward.

Comprehending the Cost of eCommerce Apps

The first and foremost question when determining a business prospect’s feasibility is the cost associated with it. For eCommerce apps, the overall cost can be estimated based on the app’s complexity which also affects the timeframe of app development. In addition to the complexity, various other factors, like the features integrated into the app, its UI/UX design, the location of the eCommerce app development company, and the hourly development charges, affect the overall app cost.

Factors Affecting the Cost of eCommerce App Development

The cost of the eCommerce app is affected by various features that go into the app, such as advanced search, personalized AI assistant, multiple payment options, faster checkout, etc. In addition, the complexity of the admin and user dashboard, the tech stack used for app development, affects the app’s cost. Here is a summarized list of the factors that will affect the cost of an eCommerce app for your business:

Wireframe

Wireframing is the process of designing a visual architecture of the mobile app that helps understand its design and layouts. Since multiple wireframes have to go through stringent testing procedures to ensure the robustness and scalability of the app, the wireframing prices can affect the overall cost of the eCommerce app. On average, the wireframing cost of the app can vary between $500 to $3,000.

User Interface

The second step of the app development process is finalizing the UI design. An aesthetically pleasing app that resonates with the brand’s essence to its audience requires spending some additional bucks compared to an app with a flat design. In addition to the design elements, the number of design pages and their overall complexity also affect the eCommerce app development cost. On average, the UI design cost for an app can vary between $2,000 to $30,000.

User Experience

The UX design of the eCommerce app is another significant factor that affects the app’s overall cost. A professional eCommerce app development company can help you understand how a superior user experience design paves the way to an app’s success. The average price of UX design for an eCommerce app can vary between $1,000 to $15,000. The cost is further impacted by a more complex UX design and its time frame.

App Platform

The cost of an eCommerce app is also affected by the underlying platform it leverages. Choosing an appropriate app platform is a tedious task that requires practical market analysis and testing multiple buyer personas. The overall time taken to build Android apps is more than iOS apps, but the former usually garner higher profits due to a more extensive user base. The cost of the underlying app platform varies as per the location of the eCommerce app development company and their respective development charges.

App Features

The features integrated into the eCommerce app also affect its overall cost. An app with a simple feature list and a staple dashboard may cost around $30,000 to $60,000. On the other hand, the gross price of the eCommerce app will keep on increasing with the integration of complex features and functionalities. A custom app with a well-designed feature list is capable of offering better traction for your business.

Development

Development costs for the eCommerce apps vary as per the solutions provider. For instance, if the hired eCommerce app development company is located in Asian territory, the hourly rate of developers is less as compared to the development services offered in the UK and US. On average, the development prices can vary between $10,000 to $25,000 or more.

Other factors that impact the cost of an eCommerce app include quality assurance, maintenance, app security, tech stack used, app-store distribution process, etc.

Wrapping Up

The growth opportunities in the eCommerce app sector are increasing at an exceptional rate. With the increasing competition, developing an eCommerce app that can help your business stand apart in this constantly evolving digital landscape is necessary. A professional eCommerce app development company can help you put things into perspective by incorporating cutting-edge solutions and designing a strategy aligned with your business model.