An Ultimate Business Guide on How to Build an eCommerce App for Android and iOS in 2025

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. Some platforms even let you sync your ecommerce website and app in just a few clicks, making integration fast and simple.

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.

App features such as user registration, payment options, product galleries, shopping carts, shipping choices, delivery tracking, and user feedback are essential for enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

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 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 reached $534.18 billion by 2024, accounting for 40.4% of all eCommerce sales.

In the past mcommerce was split 50/50 between smartphones and tablets, but today smartphones account for 87.2% of mcommerce sales. Tablet mcommerce sales are projected to be $54.01 billion by 2026, down from $61.08 billion in 2022. This decline is due to the overall decline in tablet usage and the improving mobile shopping experience. So, businesses should focus on optimizing their eCommerce apps and websites for smartphone users to ride the mcommerce wave. Mobile sales have become a key metric for online retail success so it’s essential to optimize mobile platforms to increase conversions and revenue growth.

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

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology: More eCommerce apps will be incorporating AR and VR features to enhance the shopping experience. For exampl,e customers can use AR to see how a piece of furniture would look in their home before making a purchase.

Personalization: eCommerce apps will continue to use customer data to personalize the shopping experience. This includes personalized recommendations based on browsing history, locatio,n and previous purchases.

Integration with voice assistants: As voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant become more popular, eCommerce apps will integrate with them to allow customers to shop using voice commands.

Social commerce: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are becoming a marketplace for eCommerce.

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

Why You Need to Learn How to Create eCommerce App for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced digital world, learning how to create an eCommerce app is essential for any business to succeed in the online shopping landscape. As mcommerce continues to grow, having a dedicated mobile app is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. An eCommerce app allows businesses to reach customers directly on their mobile devices, offering a seamless and convenient shopping experience that can increase sales and customer loyalty.

By creating an eCommerce app, businesses can personalize the shopping journey, making it easier for customers to browse, purchase, and interact with their brand. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also repeat purchases and long-term retention. In a competitive market, a well-designed mobile app can set you apart and help you stay ahead of the trends and customer expectations.

For Existing eCommerce Businesses

For businesses already in the eCommerce space, developing a mobile app is a strategic move to expand your digital footprint and strengthen your brand presence. An eCommerce app gives your customers an additional highly accessible channel to shop and engage with your products or services. This added convenience can lead to higher conversion rates and increased revenue as customers are more likely to buy when they can do so with just a few taps on their mobile phone.

Moreover, a mobile app allows you to implement features like push notifications, personalized offers, and loyalty programs, all of which can drive engagement and repeat business. By investing in a mobile app, you’re not just keeping up with the competition – you’re positioning your brand as a leader in customer-centric online shopping.

For Wxisting eCommerce Businesses

• 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.
• Support the business owner: these features help business owners manage sales, customers, and logistics more effectively.
• Gather customer data: it can be used to improve your products, marketing strategie,s 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. Custom apps are built for individual business requirements, offering higher flexibility and unique functionality compared to pre-built solutions.
• 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, inventory management, and payment processing to streamline your operations and reduce errors.
• Competitive advantage: A custom-built eCommerce app can provide a unique and differentiated shopping experience for customers, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

eCommerce Mobile App Types

Retail apps:

Retail apps are for businesses that sell products directly to consumers. Retail apps are a type of shopping app, and with modern platforms, you can now build a shopping app without coding. These apps allow customers to browse products, purchase, and track 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 platforms. Having an established online store is essential as the foundation for building a successful marketplace app, as it provides the necessary infrastructure and credibility for both sellers and buyers. 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. Mobile applications have transformed on-demand services by making it easier for customers to access services anytime, anywhere. 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. With the rise of ecommerce apps, subscription services can now be easily managed from any mobile device, enhancing convenience for users.

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 are crafted to engage target customers by using appealing visuals, color schemes, and seamless navigation, ensuring a strong brand identity and positive user experience. 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.

7 Steps to eCommerce Mobile App Development

Step 1. Consider Market Tips: 

Define Your Idea to Create eCommerce App

The first step 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 to guide e-commerce application 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. During the prototyping phase, conducting user interviews is essential to understand user behavior, validate app features, and gather valuable feedback for refining your product. 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. Visual elements such as color schemes and visuals play a crucial role in reflecting your business identity and distinguishing your brand in the e-commerce marketplace. This involves creating a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for customers to browse and purchase products. Exceptional UI/UX design can also help attract and retain loyal customers, leading to increased customer loyalty and long-term ROI.

Step 4. Features to Add to Your eCommerce App

When planning your eCommerce app, it’s essential to include features that enhance the user experience and drive engagement. Here are some key features to consider integrating into your mobile app:

• User login and registration: Enable customers to create and manage their accounts, access order history, save wishlists, and enjoy a personalized shopping experience.
• Product categories and search: Make it easy for users to browse through organized product categories and use advanced search functionality to quickly find what they’re looking for.
• Payment gateway: Integrate secure and flexible payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other popular methods, to streamline the checkout process.
• Push notifications: Keep your customers informed and engaged with timely updates about promotions, discounts, new arrivals, and order status directly on their mobile devices.
• Social media integration: Allow users to share their favorite products and purchases on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, increasing your brand’s reach and encouraging organic growth.

By focusing on these essential features, your eCommerce app will not only meet customer expectations but also provide a competitive edge in the crowded app stores.

Step 5. Choose the Tech Stack That Suits Your Idea

Selecting the right tech stack is a critical step in the eCommerce app development process. The technology you choose will impact your app’s performance, scalability, and future growth. Here are some common development methods to consider:

• Native app development: Build separate apps for iOS and Android using languages like Swift (for iOS) and Java or Kotlin (for Android). Native apps offer optimal performance and access to device-specific features, making them ideal for businesses seeking the best user experience.
• Cross-platform app development: Use frameworks like React Native or Flutter to create a single codebase that runs on both iOS and Android. This approach can reduce development time and cost while maintaining a consistent user interface across platforms.
• No-code app builder: For businesses with limited technical resources, no-code app builders such as AppMySite or Buildfire allow you to create an eCommerce app without writing code. These platforms are great for quickly launching a minimum viable product or testing new ideas.
• Custom app development: Partner with a software development team to build a fully customized app tailored to your unique business requirements. This method offers maximum flexibility and scalability, ensuring your app can grow and adapt as your business evolves.

Choosing the right development approach depends on your goals, budget, and desired feature set. Consulting with an experienced development team can help you make the best decision for your eCommerce application.

Step 6. MVP

An MVP is a scaled-down version of your app that includes only its core features. Analyzing how users interact with the MVP is crucial for identifying strengths and areas for improvement. 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.

Building a Scalable and Performable eCommerce App

To ensure your eCommerce app can handle growth and deliver a smooth user experience, it’s essential to focus on scalability and performance from the outset. Here’s how you can build a robust and reliable mobile app:

• Scalable framework: Choose a scalable framework like Shopify or WooCommerce that can accommodate increasing numbers of users, products, and transactions without compromising performance.
• High-performance servers: Host your app on high-performance servers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud, which offer the flexibility and resources needed to manage traffic spikes and ensure uptime.
• Optimized database: Implement database optimization techniques, including indexing and caching, to speed up data retrieval and reduce latency, resulting in faster load times and a better user experience.
• Regular updates and maintenance: Keep your app secure and efficient by performing regular updates, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Utilize version control and continuous integration tools to streamline the maintenance process.

By prioritizing these factors, you can create a scalable and high-performing eCommerce app that not only meets your customers’ expectations but also supports your business as it grows. This proactive approach will help you stay competitive, improve customer engagement, and maximize your online sales potential.

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

Ecommerce application development is essential for creating effective mobile solutions that enable seamless online shopping experiences and drive business growth.

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 apps 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 developmenthire 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.

Building a mobile ecommerce app is crucial for boosting customer engagement and increasing sales, as it provides users with a convenient and accessible way to shop on the go.

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

When considering platform choices, it’s important to decide whether to develop an Android app, an iOS app, or both, as selecting the right platform is key to reaching your target audience and ensuring app success.

After your app is developed, cloud hosting and deployment solutions like AWS and Google Cloud Platform make it easy to manage and scale your application. Publishing and distributing your mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store is a straightforward process, allowing you to go live and reach users quickly on these major platforms.

The Google Play Store offers a streamlined app publication process, making it efficient to launch Android applications.

The Apple App Store plays a critical role in app distribution, providing access to a vast iOS user base.

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:

Electronic commerce has evolved significantly from its early days of online trading to today’s advanced mobile commerce applications, shaping the way businesses and consumers interact in the digital age.

Case 1: Custom eCommerce Software

Deine Baustoffe

For German retail eCommerce company Deine Baustoffe, we created a bespoke eCommerce 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?

Defining and developing an e commerce business strategically is crucial to meet various goals and target different customer segments.

How to build an ecommerce app? Businesses have two main options: custom app development or using a ready-made solution.

Custom eCommerce app development involves building an app from scratch with customized features and functionalities. This approach provides high flexibility and control over the app’s design and development.

On the other hand, ready-made solutions offer pre-built 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 eCommerce app 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

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. Advanced features can significantly impact the overall cost and complexity of app development, affecting the project scope, timeline, and pricing. Here’s a general breakdown of the costs and time frames you can expect when you create eCommerce mobile app:

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—or an e-learning 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.

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.

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

Building apps for eCommerce 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. 

Contact ProCoders today to learn more about how we can help you create the perfect eCommerce solution for your business.