eCommerce app development costs: What to expect and how to plan

Apr 28, 2025 19 minutes

Building an e-commerce app is an exciting and rewarding experience, but as many business owners and executives know, the cost side of things can quickly become overwhelming.

It’s all too easy to misjudge the expenses involved, leading to tough decisions down the road — how do you balance quality with budget? What is the point of making sure that all vendors are equally transparent in their pricing? These obstacles are far too frequent and can turn the development process into a headache instead of a breakthrough.

I’ve created this guide to make your life easier when it comes to understanding real eCommerce app development costs. In the next few sections, I’ll break down the different elements that go into pricing and how to balance budget with quality. I will also touch on some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen and how to avoid them. Let’s go!

Key factors influencing the cost of eCommerce app development

How much does it cost to develop an e-commerce app? In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. All apps are different in terms of complexity, features, and the design that needs to be catered to. So, in order to get an accurate cost, it makes sense to delve into all the critical factors when you start thinking about e-commerce mobile app development costs. That’s exactly what I’ve done.

How features impact eCommerce mobile app development cost

Simple features like a product catalog or basic search are relatively inexpensive. But more sophisticated features, such as payment gateways, AI-driven recommendations, or real-time tracking, come at a premium. Every function adds a level of difficulty, demanding more time, resources, and experience to implement it.

Creating an app that feels unique and rich helps to separate you from competitors and attracts more customers, but be prepared to invest more for the luxury.

Must-have features for a basic eCommerce app

Product catalog

A product catalog serves as a digital showcase where customers can effortlessly explore available items. Presenting merchandise in a clean, organized layout with well-defined categories and intuitive filters transforms browsing into a seamless experience. Strategic recommendation features like “Customers also bought” or “Popular products” improve navigation and subtly drive additional sales.

Shopping cart

The shopping cart represents more than a simple transaction tool — it’s a critical touchpoint in the customer journey. No matter if it’s a basic or feature-rich cart, its design must prioritize user-friendliness and intuitive interaction. Reducing friction and complexity is paramount, as complicated cart experiences can quickly lead to abandoned purchases and lost revenue.

Checkout process

An effective checkout process acts as the final gateway between interest and conversion. Supporting diverse payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, and credit card payments creates flexibility for customers. Optimizing the flow with features like auto-fill address options can significantly reduce abandonment rates and boost overall user satisfaction.

Benutzerauthentifizierung

User accounts transform transactional interactions into personalized experiences. Giving customers the ability to track orders, save preferences, and personalize their experience turns authentication into a tool for building relationships, not just security. Simplifying access through social media logins or single sign-on (SSO) reduces friction, while robust password recovery options ensure users never feel locked out of their digital space.

Push-Benachrichtigungen

Effective notifications strike a delicate balance between staying informative and avoiding intrusion. Timely, relevant alerts keep customers connected without overwhelming them, providing critical updates about purchases, shipping status, and personalized promotions. The goal is to create a sense of engagement that feels helpful, not invasive.

Product reviews & ratings

Customer reviews have become the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing. By allowing detailed feedback and star ratings, businesses transform purchasing from a solitary decision into a community-driven experience. Filterable reviews help potential buyers navigate choices with confidence, turning collective consumer wisdom into a powerful purchasing tool.

Kundenbetreuung

Exceptional customer support transcends problem-solving — it’s about creating memorable experiences that convert transactions into lasting relationships. When customers feel valued and heard, support stops being a cost center, becoming a strategic retention engine that builds brand loyalty.

Soziale Teilhabe

Social sharing turns customers into brand ambassadors, leveraging personal networks as powerful, authentic marketing channels. When users voluntarily share product experiences, they generate credible, organic visibility that traditional advertising cannot replicate. This peer-to-peer recommendation approach drives traffic and builds genuine trust and community around a brand.

Wishlist

Wishlists serve as digital bookmarks of desire, allowing customers to curate and explore potential purchases at their own pace. This feature enables a low-pressure environment that respects customer decision-making while maintaining an open invitation to return. It’s a subtle yet effective way of keeping products top-of-mind without aggressive sales tactics.

Next-level features for a competitive edge

AI-powered product recommendations

Artificial intelligence (AI) elevates personalization from a generic concept to a tailored shopping experience. By analyzing individual browsing history and broader user behavior patterns, AI in eCommerce creates dynamic, evolving recommendations that feel intuitively relevant. With this approach, product suggestions evolve from random to thoughtfully curated discoveries.

AR try-on

Augmented Reality (AR) bridges the gap between digital browsing and physical interaction, allowing customers to visualize products in their preferred context. By leveraging advanced computer vision and machine learning, AR try-on features reduce purchasing uncertainty and create an engaging, interactive shopping experience that mimics real-world exploration.

Sprachsuche

Leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and speech recognition, the system converts voice input into text, analyzes intent, and fetches relevant results. Users can say things like, “Show me vegan skincare,” and the app quickly pulls up matching items. Advanced AI even understands accents, slang, and context, improving accuracy and making the shopping experience feel more like a dialogue with a knowledgeable assistant than a mechanical query process.

Multi-currency and multi-language support

The multi-currency feature automatically converts prices based on the user’s location or preferred choice, integrating with real-time exchange rate APIs for accuracy. It also supports multiple payment methods.

Multi-language support adapts the app’s interface, product descriptions, and customer support to different languages, often using AI-powered translation for scalability. Some systems even adjust cultural nuances, such as date formats or sizing conventions.

Real-time order tracking

Once an order is placed, the app integrates with delivery providers and uses GPS tracking to produce up-to-the-minute updates on the shipment location. Transparency has become the new currency of customer trust. Real-time order tracking gives customers unprecedented visibility into their purchase journey, reducing anxiety and building confidence.

Marketing features

E-commerce marketing tools have evolved from simple promotional mechanisms to sophisticated relationship-building platforms. Loyalty programs, dynamic discount management, and personalized campaign strategies work synergistically to convert one-time buyers into long-term brand advocates. These features transform marketing from a transactional approach to a strategic engagement model.

Basic features (e.g., product catalog, wishlist, customer support chat) Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce offer built-in tools or affordable third-party apps Instant to a few hours Affordable, easy to set up, no development needed Limited customization, recurring platform subscription fees

Premium plugins & SaaS Solutions (e.g., AI recommendations, multi-channel selling, advanced analytics) These plugin costs vary, depending on functionality Few hours to a few days Feature-rich, scalable, no coding required Can get expensive over time, may not fully match brand needs

Custom development (e.g., fully tailored UX, unique workflows, advanced checkout flows) Expect a one-time development investment that varies based on complexity, with additional ongoing maintenance costs Weeks to months Full control, seamless integration, no monthly fees for third-party tools High upfront cost, requires developers, ongoing maintenance needed

Technology stack and integrations

The technology stack you pick, like MEAN, MERN, or a custom backend, affects both the development cost and long-term expenses. Custom solutions often cost more because they demand more expertise from professionals with niche knowledge and experience. Adding third-party services like payment gateways or CRMs adds extra costs, too, including licensing fees and API development. Scalability matters as well — building for growth may cost more initially, but it can save you from costly overhauls later. Choosing the right stack and planning for future growth helps manage both upfront and ongoing costs.

Mobile-Entwicklung React-Native, Flutter, Ionic, Capacitor, MAUI, Swift, Kotlin Ionic & Capacitor are the most cost-effective; React Native & Flutter are moderately priced; MAUI is more expensive, especially if working with a .NET back-end; Swift & Kotlin are the most expensive

Backend Java, C#, PHP, Python, Go Node.js is more affordable; Django/Laravel cost more to set up

Datenbank PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL PostgreSQL is pricier; MongoDB/MySQL are more affordable

Zahlungsgateways Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay, Braintree, BNPL services, Klarna Licensing and integration fees; adding Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) increases costs

Shipping APIs FedEx, DHL, ShipStation, UPS, local fulfillment providers (e.g. ShipUp) Setup and subscription fees

CRM-Systeme Salesforce, HubSpot, Odoo CRM, Zoho CRM, Billbee CRM Subscription fees and integration costs

Inventarverwaltung TradeGecko, Orderhive, inFlow Inventory, NetSuite, Odoo Inventory Subscription fees and API integration costs

Marketing platforms Brevo, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, SEMrush Pricing varies based on features and usage

Analytik Google Analytics, Hotjar, Kissmetrics Pricing varies based on features and usage

Benutzerdefinierte Integrationen Proprietary software, custom APIs High costs due to complexity of custom development

Platform selection: Android, iOS, or both?

The choice of platform for your app is a strategic decision that influences your target market and overall eCommerce app costs. Regardless of your choice of Android, iOS, or both, there are winning features to every platform. Below, you have a brief outline of what each of the development types can bring to your table.

eCommerce Android app development cost

Due to less rigid design restrictions on mobile interfaces and greater freedom of the user interface, development costs for Android apps is usually slightly lower than that of iOS. Although Android development tends to have more device fragmentation and requires more extensive testing across various screen sizes and versions of the operating system, it still is a budget-friendly choice for many organizations.

eCommerce iOS app development cost

iOS users generally have higher purchasing power, making iOS-Apps appealing for businesses targeting premium markets. The emphasis on security, seamless UI, and strict adherence to Apple’s design guidelines make iOS app development costly. The consistent performance of the platform across fewer devices offers a better user experience, but requires more upfront attention to detail.

eCommerce cross-platform development cost

For e-commerce businesses looking to target both iOS and Android users simultaneously, React Native and Flutter provide efficient solutions since they allow building a single app for these two platforms. While native development is the go-to choice for graphics-heavy apps, AR features, or long-term, large-scale projects, e-commerce apps don’t typically fall into these categories. In most cases, users won’t feel a difference, which makes cross-platform apps a smart and budget-friendly choice.

Detailed breakdown of eCommerce app development cost

Jumping into development without a plan is like setting sail without a map — you’ll burn through your budget before knowing where you’re headed. To keep eCommerce , um die Entwicklung mobiler Apps geht – costs from spiraling, you need to break down each development step. After all, if you don’t know exactly what you’re building, how can you know what it’ll cost?

1. Discovery and business analysis (5-10% of total cost)

Skipping research is a fast track to budget overruns. This phase includes market research, competitor analysis, gaining insight into the target audience, their behavior, and defining app requirements. A weak foundation here can lead to costly redesigns or lost revenue.

Imagine launching a high-end fashion marketplace without realizing that your target audience prefers renting luxury items rather than buying them outright. You invest heavily in a purchase-only model, only to find out later that demand is low and competitors already offer rental options. Now, you either scrap your app or spend even more money restructuring its core functionality. That’s exactly something that could have been avoided with proper market research.

2. UX/UI design (10-15% of total cost)

If users can’t easily find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave your app. If users meet a slow or laggy app, they’ll leave your app with the shopping cart abandoned. If users can’t use your app on their favorite iPhone, they’ll leave your app and won’t be your users.

The takeaway? Investing in a smooth, intuitive UX/UI-Design may seem like a steep upfront cost, but in reality, it pays off in reducing cart abandonment. Cutting corners here is a risk that could cost you more in lost sales than the initial design investment.

The complexity of UX/UI design plays a big role in development costs. A simple, adaptive design that works across devices is more budget-friendly, while a native design tailored for iOS and Android can require more time and investment. Add interactive animations, custom transitions, or advanced gestures, and costs climb even higher.

3. Mobile frontend and backend development (50-60% of total cost)

The frontend and backend development phase typically takes up the largest portion of the budget — around 50-60%. The frontend is focused on building an ultra-responsive, user-friendly interface, and the backend provides secure data handling and payment integration. Custom features, third-party integrations, and cloud hosting further contribute to a swathe of extra costs. But it’s worth it if you want your infrastructure truly ready for scaling.

4. Quality assurance and testing (10-15% of total cost)

Testen von e-Commerce-Software isn’t optional unless you enjoy post-launch disasters. Investing in this phase saves money in the long run. Manuelles Testen involves human testers exploring the app’s features and identifying bugs and usability issues, which makes it great for evaluating user experience. However, it can be time-consuming. Automatisiertes Testen, on the other hand, uses scripts to efficiently and consistently run repetitive tests, making it essential for large-scale apps and regression testing. Balancing both methods ensures thorough coverage and a bug-free, efficient app launch.

5. Deployment and post-launch maintenance (10-20% of total cost)

Your app isn’t “done” when it launches. After launch, your e-commerce app requires perpetual attention to stay up-to-date and functional. Ongoing eCommerce app costs include hosting, security updates, bug fixes, performance improvements, and App Store Optimization (ASO). A good maintenance plan keeps your app running smoothly and helps you avoid surprise costs.

Hidden costs in eCommerce app development

Some eCommerce mobile app development costs stay buried deep in fine print, with many businesses unaware of them. Compliance, security, scaling, and marketing can drain resources if you don’t see them coming, so let’s shine a light on these potential roadblocks so you can better prepare your development process.

Compliance and security expenses

Compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and PCI DSS is mandatory. However, maintaining these rules requires frequent updates, audits, and legal consultations, which can become quite expensive. You’ll also need to maintain security, such as secure payment systems, encryption, and fraud detection. And finally, penetration testing. Avoiding compliance and security upkeep can damage your brand with data leaks, endless legal issues, and financial loss.

Scaling and cloud hosting costs

As your e-commerce app grows, cloud hosting costs with providers like AWS or Azure can climb fast. These platforms offer flexibility, but the more resources you use — bandwidth, databases, and load balancing — the bigger the bill. And when customer demand spikes out of nowhere, scaling to keep things running smoothly can push up both infrastructure and management expenses.

Post-launch marketing and ASO

Let’s face it: constant investment is needed to stay visible in a crowded market; this includes running targeted ad campaigns, improving product listings, engaging with influencers, and refining app store strategies to keep the app discoverable. Without a solid marketing plan and continuous ASO efforts, user acquisition will plateau, which directly impacts long-term revenue and ROI.

Cost of ownership

It’s impossible to imagine a successful app running smoothly without continuous updates, bug fixes, and ongoing maintenance. With custom development, the cost of ownership rises over time as the app is live, and neglecting these factors can increase costs even more. You’ll also need a dedicated team to handle customer support, resolve issues, and maintain your app’s operational efficiency.

Conversely, with one-size-fits-all solutions, there is no need for a support team to manage bugs or provide assistance. However, these often come with recurring subscription fees. Over the long term, say 2.5 years, such solutions can end up being more expensive than custom-built apps.

How developer location affects eCommerce app costs

Wenn es E-Commerce-Lösungen, why is geography even in the mix? Outsourcing to different regions can totally shift your budget, with each spot offering its own balance of price and quality. Arc.dev provides a comprehensive database of remote developer salaries, offering insights into earnings across various programming languages, frameworks, and experience levels. Let’s take a look at how the rates compare.

Looking for top-tier developers at a price that won’t break the bank?

Cost-saving strategies without compromising quality

Sky-high budgets aren’t the only way to get a high-quality product. The key? Smart investment choices. Let’s look at a few now.

Choose the right development approach

They say: “Opt for the right development approach!” Ok, but what approach is actually right? As always, it depends on what you need, how much time you have, and how much money you’re ready to invest.

Benutzerdefinierte App-Entwicklung enables scalability, future-proofing, and the ability to integrate advanced or niche features but comes with a larger upfront investment.
Open-source platforms (e.g., WooCommerce) offer a more flexible and cost-effective option, especially for businesses with smaller budgets. But, they often require more time and effort to set up and maintain, as you’ll need to handle hosting, security, and updates yourself.
SaaS (software-as-a-service) platforms (e.g., Shopify, BigCommerce) provide a range of built-in features, security updates, and scalability, without extensive tech know-how. However, they can come with monthly fees.
Headless e-commerce development (e.g., Bagisto) gives complete freedom to create a custom front-end experience and demands more development resources and technical know-how.
PWA (progressive web app) development combines the best of both web and mobile apps – all while reducing development costs compared to building native apps. However, PWAs may not be as feature-rich as native apps in some cases.

Agile development to avoid scope creep

Through Agile development, businesses can escape the trap of inflexible, high-risk project approaches. This methodology breaks complex projects into strategic, manageable sprints that allow for continuous testing, real-time feedback, and dynamic adjustments.

Instead of committing to a rigid, all-or-nothing build, Agile maintains features are developed incrementally, keeping the team laser-focused on core business objectives. The result is a simplified development process that minimizes wasted resources, accelerates time to market, and delivers a high-quality product without astronomical costs.

Outsource to trusted teams

You don’t need to hire locally to get top-tier expertise. A well-vetted team in a cost-effective region can slash expenses while delivering a high-quality e-commerce app.

To find the right partner:

Review portfolios to gauge e-commerce experience.
Check client reviews for reliability and communication.
Evaluate their process — transparency and agility are green flags.
Start with a small project to test collaboration.

Outsourcing is a strategic move that gives you scalability, expertise, and efficiency while keeping your budget in check. Nothing will stand in your way with the right team by your side.

Build smarter. Risk less.

ROI-focused investments for eCommerce app features

Here’s a little (almost final) tip for you: when you’re setting up your e-commerce app’s budget, aim to put your money where it counts the most! Think about features that will give you the best bang for your buck — those that’ll not only make your customers happy but also your business grow. Sure, every feature adds value, but the cost to build them varies, so be smart about it. Tie those costs to what each feature does to drive sales, reduce shopping headaches, and create loyal customers. Check out the breakdown of how different features might impact your ROI below.

AI and personalization for better customer retention

AI diligently analyzes user behavior so it can recommend timely and relevant products. Such recommendations make customers feel valued, encourage them to buy more, and keep coming back. Dynamic pricing swoops in with adjustable prices based on demand, competition, and who’s shopping. All this works together to make shopping feel unique to each customer, building loyalty and driving precious sales numbers.

Payment gateway optimization for seamless transactions

Gone are the days when shoppers had the patience for slow, glitchy payments. A smooth, secure, and multi-currency payment system is paramount in today’s tech-rich environment.

A well-optimized payment gateway means zero missed opportunities with local payment options and no (or drastically minimized) transaction failures. Security? Non-negotiable. Make your customers feel safe, or they’ll look elsewhere.

Scalability for long-term ROI

Why build something that won’t grow with you? A system that effortlessly handles surging traffic, skyrocketing orders, and heaps of data without breaking a sweat is paramount to retailers aiming for sustainable growth. And I’m sure you’re one of them.

No costly rework, no painful downtime, just smooth expansion into new markets with new features ready to roll — it may sound like a dream, but it’s a reality you need to strive for to be ahead of the market.

To sum it up

How much does it cost to develop an eCommerce app? To make smarter investments, take the time to understand the true cost of e-commerce app development. By factoring in everything from features to maintenance, you’ll avoid hidden costs and protect yourself from ineffective resource allocation while maximizing ROI and aligning with your long-term goals. Nothing will stand in your way with a solution that balances cost, scalability, and long-term growth.

Jewgeni Schapowalow

Head of Mobile

Eugene drives our mobile vision with a sharp eye on performance, usability, and future-proof tech. He helps businesses turn big ideas into fast, intuitive apps that people actually want to use.

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