How Much Does It Cost to Build an eCommerce App Like Kroger?

The pressure in today's grocery market is intense. Securing the smallest sales uplifts is extremely challenging, given the current market dynamics that indicate deflation and fierce competition. Companies like Kroger are responding by maintaining competitiveness and offering quality online grocery delivery services through well-built apps.

Online shopping has indeed become a norm, and e-commerce apps like Kroger’s are leading the charge. If you want to craft a similar app that stands out, it is crucial to incorporate a mix of essential features. Like the example of Kroger, a blend of user-centric features and intuitive design is the secret sauce. All of it will come at a price, however; the key is to know at least an estimate to make sure you spend wisely. 

Top Influencers In the Cost to Build an E-commerce App Like Kroger

While essential features form the backbone of a successful e-commerce app, cost is a significant aspect to consider. The factors below play a vital role in the final eCommerce app development cost:

App Complexity and Customization

The more complex the app and the more customized features you add, the higher the costs will be. For instance, integrating augmented reality for a virtual try-on experience will drive up costs.

Backend and Server Costs

Sturdy server infrastructure might require significant investment. However, it is an indispensable expense considering the importance of app performance, especially during peak times.

Platform Choice

Are you targeting iOS users, Android users, or both? Your platform choice can significantly impact your budget because native apps will cost more separately than a cross-platform app would due to the need for separate code bases. Diversifying might mean higher costs, but it can also mean a wider audience. Try not to restrict yourself to one platform's mobile app development services if you aim to cater to every potential user since you will need to maximize user reach.

Design and User Experience

A user's journey within the app should be a walk in the park because an app with a complicated design can turn users away. Think of the simplicity and intuitiveness of Apple's App Store. However, building that “park” will require design and UX expertise, which might be pricier, even though it can set your app apart from the crowd in the best way.

Geographic Location of Development Team

Development costs can fluctuate based on where your team is located. North American rates might make your wallet lighter compared to teams in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe.

Post-launch Maintenance

You cannot forget the app after you launch it into the market.  Post-launch services like app updates, bug fixes, and server costs can add to the overall expenses.

Final Estimation

To give you an idea, a basic e-commerce app might set you back anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000, once you consider all the above aspects. Brace yourself for a budget crossing $200,000 if you want your app to rival Kroger's feature set.

Essential Features to Include in an E-commerce App Like Kroger:

The cost to build an app like Kroger must include the following features:

• Product Search and Filter Options: Kroger nails this aspect with its dynamic search bar featuring auto-suggestions and the added perk of filtering items by categories, brands, and offers.
• Payment Integration: Kroger's app integrates various payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. The best way to attract more users is to integrate popular payment gateways and wallets for flexibility.
• Real-time Inventory Management: A recent study found that retailers lose nearly $1 trillion in sales when items are out of stock. Integrating real-time inventory can help mitigate this.
• Push Notifications: Kroger uses push notifications to inform users about ongoing offers, personalized discounts, and important app updates.
• Loyalty and Rewards Program: A built-in rewards system can encourage repeat purchases and customer loyalty. Kroger offers a loyalty program where users can earn points with every purchase and redeem them for discounts.

Conclusion

Crafting an e-commerce app like Kroger is no small feat. While the rewards of launching one can be great, it is vital to strike a balance between incorporating essential features and managing the total eCommerce app development cost. Make sure to consult with an experienced mobile app agency to make the most of your budget and their expertise.