How Much Does it Cost to Develop an eCommerce App like Zalando?

What is Zalando App And Why Should You Invest in eCommerce App Development?

The Zalando app is a user-friendly mobile application that allows users to explore and shop for a wide range of products easily. With a huge non-stop traffic of 37.44 million visitors, Zalando stands tall as the most effective online ecommerce solution. Its sleek design and intuitive interface offer an extensive collection of clothing, footwear, accessories, and much more. 

Just to mention, it supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. But Zalando takes a step further by integrating with popular social media platforms. This integration allows fashion enthusiasts to share their favorite finds with friends, seek opinions, and even make purchases directly from social media apps. 

Why Should You Invest?

Now, investing in e-commerce app development allows businesses the chance to connect with various customer groups. Many consumers prefer the convenience and flexibility of browsing and purchasing products on their smartphones. Businesses must adapt to this shift in consumer behavior by offering a mobile-friendly shopping experience.

Studies have shown that mobile apps offer several advantages when it comes to eCommerce. According to statistics, the 10 biggest e-commerce enterprises globally account for nearly 60% of the revenue brought by online sales.

What is the Cost of Developing an eCommerce App like Zalando?

Needless to say, ecommerce app development costs vary based on factors such as app features, tech stack, development team size, and more. Before you move ahead, it’s important to address all these factors to have precise app cost estimation.

However, to give you an idea about the app development price, a simple app with basic functionality can range from $30,000 to $80,000. On the other hand, a more complex app with high-end features can go up to $3,00,000 or more.

Please keep in mind that these figures are just a benchmark. It’s advisable to get in touch with a professional ecommerce app development company to receive an accurate cost estimate for your particular project.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing an App like Zalando

Developing an online store app involves several intricate aspects, and its cost isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. It's a symphony of various factors playing together, each influencing the final budget. So, let's dive into the factors that influence the investment in building your ecommerce app:

• Features and Functionality

Zalando's success can be attributed to its robust set of features and functionality. To develop an app similar to Zalando, you must consider the complexity of implementing these features and how they can impact the overall cost.

From an extensive product catalog to advanced filtering options, personalized recommendations, and AR/VR try-ons, each of these features requires careful planning and meticulous implementation. The more intricate and sophisticated the features, the higher the development costs will be.

• Development Team Size and Location

The right team size and location are crucial factors in app development. Building an app like Zalando requires the expertise of skilled professionals, including developers, designers, quality analysts, and project managers. The selection of a competent development team can directly affect the cost and quality of the end product.

Moreover, the location of the development team can impact the overall cost. Labor rates and access to skilled professionals vary across different regions. Thus, consider hiring talent from regions that offer a balance between skills and cost, taking into account their local market rates.

• UI/UX Design 

The user engagement of an app largely depends on its user interface and user experience design. Developing an app with a similar level of UI/UX design as Zalando requires a talented team of designers.

Experienced UI/UX designers who understand the principles of user-centered design and possess expertise in creating conversion-focused interfaces may come with a higher price tag. However, their contributions can greatly impact the overall success and user satisfaction of the app.

• Tech Stack

Choosing the right technological stack is a crucial decision that can significantly affect the cost and performance of the app. The choice between native or cross-platform development, as well as the selection of appropriate programming languages and frameworks, must be carefully considered.

• Maintenance and Update 

Post-launch maintenance and regular updates are vital for sustaining the performance and user satisfaction of any app, including an app like Zalando. Ongoing costs associated with bug fixes, performance improvements, and the addition of new features should be factored into the development budget.

Look for ecommerce app development services that fulfill your project requirements. Plan and consider this as a necessary investment to stay competitive in the ever-evolving app market.

Cost Breakdown For eCommerce App Development

To get a precise estimation, it is important to contact a professional mobile app development company and discuss your specific app needs. Let’s explore the estimated cost breakdown of an app like Zalando:

• App Development

During the development stage, the functionality of the app is code­d. For a simple eCommerce app, this process can take 300-700 hours or more. This includes user accounts, product browsing, secure shopping cart, checkout process, order tracking, and basic search. You can expect a range of $10,000 - $80,000 for development, depending on the chosen platform (iOS, Android, or both), app features, and the chosen development team location.

• Backend Development

The creation of the server-side logic, APIs, and database­s is conducted during the backend development process. This ensures the robust functionality of the ecommerce app. The timeline of this stage ranges from 200 to over 400 hours, depending on the level of complexity. The cost generally ranges from $10,000 to $45,000 or more­.

• Payment Gateways

Integrating payment gate­ways like Stripe and PayPal is very important for online shopping apps as it allows customers to pay for products instantly. This process may require an additional 80 hours and can require an investme­nt ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Post-Launch Maintenance and Updates

Ongoing maintenance­ and updates ensure that your ecommerce app meets user expectations and industry trends. The cost for bug fixes and security updates is typically $5,000 - $10,000 per month depending on the size and complexity of your ecommerce app.

By understanding these cost components, you can make informed decisions about the ecommerce app development process and create a budget that fits your business goals. Now let’s explore the features that you should have in an app like zalando to attract users. 

Must-have Features to Add in an App like Zalando 

Building a successful e-commerce app requires a well-curated blend of essential and advanced features that cater to both user experience and business needs. Here are some handpicked features to consider:

• Easy Registration/Login

By integrating a simplified and intuitive registration/login feature into your zalando-like app, you can enhance the user experience and encourage higher engagement rates. Consider implementing social media login options, biometric authentication, or one-click registration to streamline the onboarding process. The feature also allows users to stay logged in securely across devices and remember their preferred settings for a personalized return experience.

• Product Listings and Search

Efficient product listing and search features are indispensable for a successful shopping app. Utilize advanced filtering options, sorting mechanisms, and search algorithms to help users quickly find the products they are looking for. Visually organized products make the browsing process simpler and allow customers to make sound purchasing decisions.

• Barcode Scanner

Incorporating a barcode scanner feature into your app can revolutionize the way users interact with your platform. With this functionality, users can effortlessly scan barcodes of products they come across in physical stores, allowing them to access detailed information, pricing, and the option to add items to their carts seamlessly.

• Shopping Cart and Checkout

The shopping cart feature simplifies the user’s journey from selecting products to making a purchase. It offers users a convenient way to manage their chosen items, ensuring a secure and efficient checkout process.

• Reviews and Ratings

You can foster trust and help users make informed shopping decisions by integrating reviews and ratings. Users with insights from fellow shoppers can make confident choices and enhance their overall shopping satisfaction.

• Personalized Recommendations

It’s simple to elevate user engagement with personalized recommendations. You can leverage AI to understand user preferences, offering tailored suggestions that promote product discovery based on individual tastes. This advanced functionality increases orde­r frequency which leads to increased sales for the platform.

• Push Notifications

Keep users engaged with timely push notifications. Deliver real-time updates on promotions, discounts, and order status, ensuring users stay informed with the latest offerings within the Zalando-like app. When you keep users up to date through ale­rts, they use the app more frequently. Thus, by leveraging ecommerce app development services you can integrate this functionality to increase your profitability.

• Order Management 

Provide users with transparency by integrating a robust order tracking feature. Empower them to monitor their purchases in real-time, enhancing satisfaction as they follow their items from warehouse to doorstep. This plays an important role in the complete order-filling process that includes payments, shipping goods, and re­turns.

• Returns and Refunds

Simplify post-purchase concerns with a seamless returns and refunds feature. This feature offers users a straightforward process for returns or exchanges and fosters customer loyalty through hassle-free after-sales support within the e-commerce app.

• Social Media Integration

With seamless social media integration, the app boosts high user connectivity. Also, you can allow users to share their finds, preferences, and reviews on social platforms. This eventually creates a social shopping experience that resonates with their digital lifestyle. Keep in mind that integrating such features impacts the overall ecommerce app development cost.

• Promo Code

Adding this advanced feature in your app like 6th Street allows users to redeem exclusive discounts. This encourages repeat purchases through enticing promotions. By being creative, you can also introduce fun challenges or reward systems that unlock promo codes, encouraging active participation and brand interaction.

• Security Features

Prioritize user security with robust security features. It’s important to safeguard user data through secure payment gateways, SSL encryption, and multi-factor authentication throughout their shopping journey. Make sure to provide clear guidelines on creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and reporting suspicious activity.

• Multi-Language Support

This high-end feature can help your app expand its reach through multilingual support. The ecommerce app can accommodate diverse users worldwide by breaking language barriers and ensuring a truly inclusive shopping experience.

• AR Try-On

AR technology is a breakthrough in ecommerce app development services that enables users to virtually try on products. This enhances user confidence in purchase decisions and offers an immersive shopping experience. With AR capabilities your app can capture accurate body measurements and render products realistically for a personalized experience.

Also Read: Web App vs Mobile App Development: Where You Should Invest?

How To Make an App Like Zalando?

Going for an ecommerce app development solution takes meticulous planning and execution. Here are the key steps that are involved:

• Determine Your Goal

In the initial stage, with the help of an ecommerce app development company, you can brainstorm and define your project’s scope, features, and target audience. This will help you what makes your app unique.

• Market Research

The next step in the ecommerce app development process ensures thorough market research. Here you can make a strategy for the success of your app like Zalando. This involves analyzing your competitor, understanding consumer needs, and developing a unique selling point (USP).

• Select Features

It is important to prioritize e-commerce app features and devise a monetization strategy to help sustain the market trends. Handpick features that are essential and align with your app objective. If you are tight on your budget then you can go for basic app features at first. However, as you move ahead you can add advanced features and functionality similar to the Zalando app.

• Develop Application

Transform concepts into fully functional apps by partnering with a reliable mobile app development company. Experienced ecommerce mobile app builder and developers methodologically craft the code that breathes life into your app ensuring it operates seamlessly across multiple platforms. They fully make sure that the app development process aligns with your requirements and objectives.

• Test and Deployment

A dedicated quality assurance team will help you conduct rigorous testing. This ensures your app is not only bug-free but also fully secure and user-friendly. After testing, it is advisable to release it to the public by launching it on specific platforms like the Google Play Store­ and Apple Store.

• Post-Launch Planning

Post-launch, ongoing maintenance, marketing, and support are a part of the ecommerce app development cost. This addresses project success and overall performance.  One proven approach is going for app store optimization (ASO) techniques that help improve your app’s search rankings. These thoughtful touches gauge app performance in the long run.

Remember, building a successful e-commerce app is a journey, not a destination. By following these steps you can create a thriving app like zalando and carve your niche in the competitive world of online shopping.

Conclusion

In today's mobile-centric world, adapting to the needs and preferences of customers is paramount, and an eCommerce app can be the key to thriving in the competitive online marketplace.

The Zalando app represents the epitome of the modern e-commerce experience, offering a personalized shopping journey for fashion enthusiasts. If you are a startup or business looking to invest then you must act now. As per Statista report, online fashion sales are expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025. By investing in an eCommerce app like zalando, businesses can unlock a plethora of benefits. 

Now, being a leading ecommerce app development company Apptunix assists businesses to stay competitive in the market. At the heart of our app development process, we focus on high-end functionality and intuitive app design. You can share your e-commerce app idea and let us handle the rest. 

Doesn’t matter if you want to reach mobile or web audiences, we provide complete assistance!