An Ultimate Business Guide on How to Create eCommerce App for Android and iOS

Navigating the digital terrain of eCommerce can be challenging, but ProCoders is here to help. Whether you’re augmenting an existing website with an app, bridging an online and offline retail gap, taking a brick-and-mortar store online, or launching a standalone app, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide caters to businesses with in-house eCommerce teams needing upskilling, and those needing advice on employing a full-stack development team. Tackling unique challenges across contexts, we aim to help you build an e-commerce application for Android and iOS. Dive into eCommerce app development with ProCoders by your side.

What Is an eCommerce Mobile App?

An eCommerce mobile app is a mobile application that allows users to browse and purchase products or services directly from their mobile devices. 

eCommerce mobile apps typically offer features such as search functionality, product recommendations, reviews and ratings, shopping cart management, and order tracking. They may also integrate with third-party payment gateways to enable secure and easy payment processing.

eCommerce Apps Trends in 2023 and Market Overview

 Mobile commerce (mcommerce) has become an increasingly important aspect of the eCommerce industry, with experts predicting significant growth in the coming years. According to Insider Intelligence, mcommerce sales are expected to reach $534.18 billion by 2024, accounting for 40.4% of all eCommerce sales. 

In the past, mcommerce was split relatively evenly between smartphones and tablets, but today, smartphones account for the majority of mcommerce sales, representing 87.2% of the total. Tablet mcommerce sales are projected to reach $54.01 billion by 2026, down from $61.08 billion in 2022. This decline is likely due to the overall decrease in tablet usage and the improving mobile shopping experience. As such, businesses should focus on optimizing their eCommerce apps and websites for smartphone users to take advantage of the growing mcommerce trend.

And what about other trends? Well, ProCoders made a list based on current trends and developments in the eCommerce industry:

Increased adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology: More eCommerce apps are expected to incorporate AR and VR features to enhance the shopping experience. For example, customers could use AR to see how a piece of furniture would look in their home before making a purchase.

Focus on personalization: eCommerce apps will continue to leverage customer data to personalize the shopping experience. This includes personalized recommendations based on browsing history, location, and previous purchases.

Integration with voice assistants: As voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant become more prevalent, eCommerce apps are expected to integrate with them to allow customers to shop using voice commands.

Rise of social commerce: Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are increasingly becoming a marketplace for eCommerce. eCommerce apps are expected to integrate with social media platforms to enable seamless shopping experiences.

Increased use of chatbots: Chatbots are being used to provide customer support and assistance, reducing the need for human customer service representatives.

Reasons to Build an eCommerce App to Navigate Your Business

In this section, we will delve into the crucial reasons and aspects to consider when building ecommerce applications, whether you are an established eCommerce business or embarking on a new venture. 

For existing eCommerce Business

• Enhance the customer shopping experience: this can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Easy access to your products: that can increase sales and revenue.
• Increase customer engagement: through features such as push notifications, loyalty programs, and personalized recommendations.
• Gather customer data: which can be used to improve your products, marketing strategies, and overall business operations.
• Stay competitive: keep up with customer expectations.

From Scratch to a New App

• Customization: Building an eCommerce app from scratch allows you to customize every aspect of the app to meet your specific business needs and goals.
• Scalability: A custom-built eCommerce app can be designed to scale with your business as it grows, allowing you to add new features and functionality over time.
• Branding: An eCommerce app built from scratch provides an opportunity to establish a unique and consistent branding experience for your customers, increasing brand recognition and loyalty.
• Integration: A custom-built eCommerce app can be integrated with your existing business systems, such as inventory management and payment processing, streamlining your operations and reducing errors.
• Competitive advantage: A custom-built eCommerce app can provide a unique and differentiated shopping experience for customers, giving your business a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Types of eCommerce Mobile Apps

There are several types of eCommerce mobile apps, each designed to cater to different customer needs and shopping behaviors. Which will fit you? It depends on your business model and customer needs. Some common types of eCommerce mobile apps include:

Retail apps: 

Retail apps are designed for businesses that sell products directly to consumers. These apps allow customers to browse products, make purchases, and track their orders. Some popular retail apps include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, and Nike.

Marketplace apps: 

Marketplace apps are made for businesses that host multiple sellers on their platform. These apps allow customers to browse products from various sellers, compare prices, and make purchases. Examples of marketplace apps include Etsy, eBay, AliExpress, and Wish.

On-demand apps: 

On-demand apps are built for businesses that offer services on demand, such as food delivery or transportation. These apps allow customers to place orders and track their delivery or ride in real-time. On-demand apps such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Subscription apps: 

Subscription apps are created for businesses that offer subscription-based services, such as streaming services or meal delivery services. These apps allow customers to manage their subscriptions and make changes to their orders. Subscription apps like Netflix, Spotify, Blue Apron, and Dollar Shave Club offer customers a variety of subscription-based services that can be managed through their apps.

Social commerce apps: 

Social commerce apps are designed to facilitate shopping on social media platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook. These apps allow businesses to sell products directly on social media, with customers being able to browse and purchase products without leaving the platform. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have also become popular venues for shopping, with apps like Instagram Shopping, Facebook Marketplace, and Pinterest Shop facilitating social commerce.
At ProCoders we are ready to help you determine them and choose your app type if you struggle with that issue. Additionally, our expertise in the discovery process ensures that we guide you through the crucial steps of how to make ecommerce app tailored to your business goals.

7 Steps to Create an eCommerce App

Wondering how to design an e commerce application, well here are some basic steps that you can follow:

Step 1. Consider Market Tips: 

Define Your Idea

The first step in ecommerce android app development is to define your idea. What products or services do you want to offer through your app? What makes your app unique compared to competitors? It’s essential to have a clear and compelling vision for your app to guide its development.

Determine Your Target Audience

Once you have defined your idea, the next step is to determine your target audience. Who are the potential customers of your app? What are their demographics, interests, and behaviours? Understanding your target audience will help you design an app that meets their needs and preferences.

Step 2. Prototyping and Testing Your Idea

Once you have a clear idea and target audience in mind, it’s time to create a prototype of your app. It involves creating a basic version of your app that includes its core functionality and allows you to test it with potential users to receive feedback on its usability, functionality, and overall user experience.

ProCoders as an outstaffing company can help you with the prototyping and testing of your eCommerce app idea. We can provide a team of experienced mobile app developers for hire, designers, and testers who can work with you to create a prototype that meets your specific requirements and expectations.

Step 3. UI/UX Design

After testing and refining your idea, the next step is to focus on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design of your app. This involves creating a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for customers to browse and purchase products.

Step  4. Features to Add to Your eCommerce App

At ProCoders we know which features are essential for any eCommerce app. We have wide experience working with projects of different sizes and complexity, and all of them have these features:

• Product browsing
• Shopping cart management
• Secure payment processing
• Order tracking
• Personalization
• Reviews and ratings
• Social media integration
• Push notifications
• Customer support

Step 5. Choose the Tech Stack Suites The Best Your Idea

Selecting the ideal technology stack is vital for the success of your eCommerce app, and working with a passionate team like ProCoders can make all the difference. Our experienced developers are dedicated to helping you choose and implement the most suitable technologies for your project, ensuring your app delivers exceptional performance, scalability, and functionality. At ProCoders, we generally recommend React Native or Flutter as solid options to build e commerce app development, but we always tailor our advice to your specific needs and objectives.

Step 6. MVP

An MVP is a scaled-down version of your app that includes only its core features. This allows you to test your app with users and receive feedback on its functionality and usability before investing in additional features and functionality.

Step 7: Launch and Maintenance

Once your MVP has been tested and refined, it’s time to launch your eCommerce app. This involves deploying your app to the app stores and promoting it to your target audience. You’ll also need to ensure that your app is regularly updated and maintained to keep up with evolving customer needs and industry trends. At ProCoders, we understand the importance of long-term collaboration with our clients. Our commitment to your success extends to ensuring your app is regularly updated and maintained, keeping up with evolving customer needs and industry trends. With ProCoders by your side, you can be confident in the ongoing growth and success of your eCommerce app.

The Best Tech Stack to Create and Launch E-commerce Mobile App

How to develop an ecommerce app with the right tech stack can be a daunting task, as there are several technologies and tools available to choose from. Here are some of the best tech stacks for eCommerce mobile app we know at ProCoders:

React Native + Node.js + MongoDB + AWS: React Native is a popular cross-platform mobile app development framework that allows for faster development times and a more efficient codebase. Node.js and MongoDB provide a scalable and flexible backend infrastructure, while AWS offers a secure and reliable cloud hosting and storage solution. if you are looking to outsource app development or hire an ecommerce developer make sure to check these guides out! 

Flutter + Firebase + PostgreSQL + Google Cloud Platform: Flutter is another cross-platform mobile app development framework that allows for faster development times and a seamless user interface. Firebase provides a scalable and secure backend infrastructure, while PostgreSQL offers a reliable and efficient database management system. Google Cloud Platform provides a flexible and scalable cloud hosting and storage solution. This will help you understand flutter app development cost.

To build ecommerce app with the best tech stack will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and timeline. If you don’t know which suits you best, you can always reach ProCoders for help. 

At ProCoders we excel in developing customized eCommerce solutions, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals. Our expertise and adaptability have led to successful projects for businesses of various sizes. Here are two case studies that highlight our capabilities:

Case 1: 

Deine Baustoffe – Custom eCommerce Software

For German retail eCommerce company Deine Baustoffe, we created a bespoke software using the PHP Spryker framework, enabling them to sell building materials in unique measurements. Our solution ensured a scalable, flexible, and secure website, which helped them stand out in the competitive market.

Case 2: 

Online Delivery Service – Custom Expansion Solution

We developed a custom solution for an online delivery service, allowing the client to add their own stores and products to the platform. We created separate applications for customers, delivery personnel, and stores, and implemented a superadmin role to resolve conflicts. The project utilized Angular/Ionic, Firebase, and Node.js, resulting in a robust and scalable tech stack.

Custom eCommerce App vs Ready-Made Solution: Which One to Choose and When?

How to build e commerce android app? businesses have two main options: custom eCommerce app development or using a ready-made solution. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two will depend on several factors, including the business’s specific requirements, budget, and timeline. 

Custom eCommerce app development involves building an app from scratch, with customized features and functionalities that are tailored to the specific needs of your business. This approach provides a high level of flexibility and control over the app’s design and development, allowing you to create a unique app that meets the needs of your customers and aligns with your brand’s values.

On the other hand, ready-made solutions offer pre-built eCommerce apps that can be easily customized and deployed for your business needs. This approach is typically less expensive and faster to implement than custom eCommerce app development, making it a popular choice for small businesses or those with limited budgets.

We created a comparison table for your convenience:

Factor	Custom eCommerce App Development	Ready-Made Solution
Cost	Higher cost due to custom development	Lower cost due to pre-built templates
Time to market	Longer development time due to custom development	Faster implementation due to pre-built templates
Scalability	Highly scalable and customizable	Limited scalability and customization
Functionality	Tailored to specific business requirements	Limited functionality and customization
User Experience	Highly customizable and tailored to the target audience	May not be tailored to specific business needs or audience
Technical Support	Access to dedicated support and maintenance	Limited technical support and maintenance
Unique Branding	Can be fully customized to align with the brand	Limited ability to fully customize branding
Security	High level of security and protection of customer data	Security may depend on the quality of the pre-built template

At ProCoders, we have extensive experience in both custom eCommerce app development and ready-made solutions. We can work with you to determine the best approach for your specific business needs and help you develop an eCommerce app that drives sales and meets the needs of your customers.

Costs and Time Frames to Make and Launch an eCommerce App?

The cost and time frame for making and launching an eCommerce app will depend on several factors, including the app’s complexity, features, and design, as well as the development approach and the team’s experience. Here’s a general breakdown of the costs and time frames you can expect when you create ecommerce mobile app:

Phase	Description	Time Frame	Cost Range
Planning and Discovery	Defining features, target audience, and project scope	1-2 weeks	$2,500 – $10,000
UI/UX Design	Creating wireframes, user interface design, and visual identity	2-4 weeks	$5,000 – $25,000
Development	Building features, integrating third-party services, ensuring scalability and security	12-24 weeks	$50,000 – $150,000
Testing and Quality Assurance	Checking functionality, usability, and security, meeting business requirements and user expectations	2-4 weeks	$10,000 – $25,000
Launch and Post-Launch	Deploying the app on app stores, marketing, and providing ongoing maintenance and support	Ongoing	$5,000 – $15,000/month

Now that you know how to build an ecommerce app, you should also note that the cost and time frame for making and launching an eCommerce app can vary widely depending on the specific requirements and complexity of the project. Working with an experienced development team, like ProCoders, can help ensure that the app is developed efficiently and cost-effectively, without compromising on quality and functionality.

How Can Procoders Help You Develop an eCommerce Mobile App?

At ProCoders, we can help you develop a high-quality app that meets your business needs and drives sales. Here are some of the ways we can help you:

Discovery Phase

At ProCoders, we understand that the success of an eCommerce app depends on having a clear understanding of your business requirements and goals. That’s why we offer software product discovery services to help you define your project vision, identify risks, and mitigate development costs. Our team of experienced developers follows a four-step process that includes research, estimation, prioritization, and roadmap creation to ensure that your eCommerce app is aligned with your business needs and objectives.

During the discovery phase, we work closely with you to understand and visualize your idea, identify product features, and determine the specific technologies your app should be built on. We conduct qualitative and technical research to create a clear and developed roadmap that includes in-depth processes, the scope of work, timeframes, tech stack, and price. Our team provides UI mockups & wireframes, technical documentation, and third-party API testing reports to ensure that your eCommerce app meets business requirements and user expectations.

Dedicated development team

You can hire specialized professionals from our team on a temporary or long-term basis, develop a winning project vision, define your goals, and identify risks for product launch, or assemble a group of engineering professionals who meet the needs of your business.

When working with us, our work process is simple and straightforward. You share your needs and goals, and we interview and check developers, onboard your remote team, and deliver an excellent product and support.

What sets ProCoders apart from other development companies is our approach to team composition. We take the time to thoroughly research your project and dive deeply into details to ensure that the right talent is joining the team, considering their tech qualifications, soft skills, and character. We value relationships with people first and minimize bureaucratic procedures to provide a personalized and supportive development experience. Additionally, we offer independent expertise in business development, UI/UX design, and mobile and web engineering to provide additional support and resources as needed.

If you’re looking to create an ecommerce android app with a dedicated development team, contact ProCoders today to learn more about how we can help you assemble the perfect team for your needs.

Conclusion

To build apps for ecommerce platforms is a journey riddled with unique challenges and potential pitfalls, any of which could lead to delays, increased costs, or a product that fails to meet the needs of your customers. Businesses often grapple with maintaining consistent branding across platforms, ensuring seamless user experience, transitioning smoothly from an offline model to an online one, or starting from scratch to build a compelling standalone app. 
Whether you choose a custom eCommerce app or a ready-made solution, our team of experienced developers can help you develop an app that is efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to your specific business needs. With our expertise in software product discovery, UI/UX design, tech stacks, and dedicated development teams, you can rest assured that your eCommerce app will be a success. Contact ProCoders today to learn more about how we can help you create the perfect eCommerce app for your business and let us know if you want to hire ukrainian software developers.