HOW TO DEVELOP A GROCERY DELIVERY APP LIKE SHIPT AND ITS DEVELOPMENT COST & TIMELINE
As we all know, the world is rapidly evolving, and technology plays a crucial role in shaping our daily lives. People are getting busier, and time has become a valuable commodity. With hectic schedules and limited time, people find it challenging to visit physical stores for grocery shopping. This has led to the emergence of grocery delivery apps, which provide the convenience of ordering groceries online and getting them delivered to your doorstep.
The grocery delivery app industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, which is expected to continue. As a result, many entrepreneurs and businesses are keen to invest in developing their grocery delivery apps. However, developing a grocery delivery app requires a clear understanding of the market, user needs, and a well-thought-out development plan.
Developing a grocery delivery app involves multiple stages, including market research, user interface design, app development, testing, and launch. Each stage requires considerable time, effort, and resources to achieve the desired outcome. Therefore, understanding each stage's development cost and timeline is crucial for entrepreneurs and developers to plan and execute the project successfully.
Developing a grocery delivery app like Shipt requires careful planning, market research, user interface design, app development, testing, and launch. This section will explore the various steps involved in developing a grocery delivery app like Shipt and the development cost and timeline associated with each step.
So, if you are an entrepreneur looking to invest in the grocery delivery app market or a grocery store owner looking to expand your business, read on to find out how to create a successful grocery delivery app like Shipt.
What Is Shipt?
Shipt is a popular online grocery shopping app that allows users to shop for groceries and other household items without leaving their homes. The app connects users with personal shoppers who can select, purchase, and deliver items directly to their doorstep.
Shipt was founded in 2014 by Bill Smith and acquired by Target in 2017 for $550 million. Since then, Shipt has continued to grow and expand its services, now offering delivery from various retailers, including Target, CVS, Publix, Petco, Meijer, Bed Bath & Beyond and Costco.
One of the main advantages of Shipt is its user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate; users can quickly search for items or browse categories to find their needs. Once items are added to the cart, users can schedule delivery and track their orders in real-time.
Another advantage of Shipt is its personalized shopping experience. Each user is matched with a personal shopper who will handpick their items from the store. The shopper will communicate with the user throughout the process, sending updates and substituting if necessary.
Shipt also offers a membership program that provides additional benefits to users. Members receive free delivery on orders over $35 and access to exclusive deals and discounts. The membership fee is $99 annually, but users can try it for free for 4 weeks before committing.
In addition to groceries, Shipt also offers delivery of household items such as cleaning supplies, pet food, and personal care products. Users can also add special requests or instructions for their shoppers, such as selecting ripe produce or leaving items at a specific location.
Overall, Shipt provides a convenient and efficient way for users to shop for groceries and household items without leaving their homes. With its user-friendly interface, personalized shopping experience, and membership benefits, Shipt has become popular for many consumers looking to streamline their shopping routines.
How Does A Grocery Delivery App Like Shipt Work?
- Sign Up/ User Registration: Users must download and register on the app by providing their personal details like name, email, phone number, and delivery address.
- Choose a store: Users can browse the available stores and select the one they prefer.
- Browse and Select Items: Once registered, the user can browse through the items available on the app and add the products they want to purchase to their virtual shopping cart.
- Create a shopping list: Users can create a shopping list within the app, selecting the items they want to purchase.
- Schedule a delivery: Users can choose a delivery window that is convenient for them, with deliveries available as soon as one hour after placing an order.
- Multiple Payment Method: After selecting the items, the user can checkout and pay using various payment options like a credit card, debit card, net banking, or digital wallets.
- Order Confirmation Notification: The user receives a confirmation message and estimated delivery time once the payment is made.
- Delivery: Once an order is placed, a personal shopper will be assigned to the order. The shopper will go to the selected store, pick up the items on the user's list, and check out.
- Rating and Feedback: After the delivery, the user can rate the delivery executive and provide feedback about their experience.
Behind the scenes, the grocery delivery app connects with the various grocery stores and supermarkets in the user's area. It provides them with an interface to list their products and inventory. The app's algorithm then matches the user's order with the nearest store with the required items in stock and assigns a delivery executive to fulfil the order. The app also records the user's purchase history and provides personalized recommendations and offers based on their preferences.
Development Steps For A Grocery Delivery App Like Shipt
Developing a grocery delivery app like Shipt requires careful planning and execution. Here are the general steps involved in developing a grocery delivery app:
Step 1: Consultation With Clients: We begin our process by conducting a comprehensive consultation with the client to understand the project requirements thoroughly. The client's requirements, preferences, and business goals must be understood thoroughly to develop a grocery delivery app that meets their needs and expectations. This is followed by in-depth industry analysis, business goals, target audience, app features/functionalities, technology stack & lastly, design & branding of the app.
Step 2: Wireframing: Wireframing creates a visual representation of the app's interface and user experience (UX) design without the essential design elements such as colours, images, and logos. During the wireframing stage, the development team will work with the client to create a blueprint of the app's interface and functionality. The wireframes will provide a clear overview of the app's screens, navigation, and user flow. It will also help identify potential usability issues and allow the team to make necessary adjustments before moving on to the development stage.
Step 3: Interface Design: We will design the app's interface once the wireframe is complete. The interface design involves creating the visual elements of the app, including the colours, typography, images, and icons, that will give the app its unique look and feel. We use Invision to share the design with the client, enabling them to provide feedback and comments on each interface section. During the interface design phase, the development team will work closely with the client to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that aligns with the client's branding and design requirements.
Step 4: Admin Panel Development: Upon approval of the design by the client, we will proceed with the development of the Admin Panel, ensuring seamless management of the app's functionality.
Step 5: Android Development: With the Admin Panel complete, our focus will shift to app development, starting with the Android version. Developing the Android app first allows for easier testing and deployment.
Step 6: System Presentation: After the development phase, we present the completed system to the client for evaluation and gather feedback for any necessary revisions or further development.
Step 7: Content Integration: Upon concluding the development stage, we integrate the content provided by the client during the app's creation. During this phase, the development team will work with the client to integrate all their content, including product data, pricing, store locations, and other relevant information.
Step 8: Final Testing: We follow the content integration with rigorous final testing, including security assessments, to ensure the app's performance and safety.
Step 9: APK Delivery: Once the app has passed all tests, we send the APK to the client and prepare the necessary design materials for APK publishing. APK is the file format used to distribute and install mobile apps on Android devices. Once the APK file is prepared, it can be sent to the client for review and final approval before publishing the app to the Google Play Store.
Step 10: iOS Development: After the successful approval and release of the Android app, we commence development of the iOS version, ensuring a seamless experience across both platforms.
Some Popular Grocery Delivery Apps in Dubai
Here are some of the popular grocery delivery apps in Dubai:
Instashop
InstaShop is a popular grocery delivery app in Dubai and other parts of the UAE. It was founded in 2015 and has since grown to become one of the region's most popular online grocery shopping platforms. The app allows users to order groceries from various supermarkets and stores in Dubai, including Carrefour, Spinneys, Choithrams, Lulu Hypermarket, and many more.
The InstaShop app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Users can browse different categories, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy, bakery, household essentials, and more. The app also has a search function that allows users to search for specific products or brands. Once the user has added their desired items to their cart, they can proceed to checkout and choose a suitable delivery time slot.
One of the key features of InstaShop is its fast delivery service. The app offers delivery in as little as 30 minutes, ideal for customers who need groceries quickly. InstaShop also offers same-day delivery for orders placed before a certain time. The delivery fee is generally reasonable; some supermarkets even offer free delivery on orders above a certain amount.
Another notable feature of InstaShop is its customer service. The app's 24/7 customer service team can assist users with queries or issues. The team is responsive and helpful, ensuring users have a positive shopping experience on the app.
InstaShop also offers a loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for every purchase they make on the app. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free products. The app also regularly offers promotions and deals on various products, which can help users save money on grocery shopping.
In summary, InstaShop is a convenient and reliable grocery delivery app that offers a wide range of products and fast delivery services in Dubai and other parts of the UAE. Its user-friendly interface, responsive customer service, and loyalty program make it a popular choice among customers who prefer to shop for groceries online.
elGrocer
ElGrocer is a popular grocery delivery app in Dubai and other parts of the UAE. It was founded in 2014 and has since become a leading online grocery shopping platform in the region. The app allows users to order groceries from various supermarkets and stores in Dubai, including Carrefour, Spinneys, Choithrams, Waitrose, etc.
ElGrocer offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy, bakery, household essentials, and more. Users can browse through different categories or use the search function to find specific products or brands. Once the user has added their desired items to their cart, they can proceed to checkout and choose a suitable delivery time slot.
One of the key features of ElGrocer is its fast delivery service. The app offers delivery in as little as 90 minutes, making it an ideal choice for customers needing groceries quickly. ElGrocer also offers same-day delivery for orders placed before a certain time. The delivery fee is generally reasonable; some supermarkets even offer free delivery on orders above a certain amount.
Another notable feature of ElGrocer is its customer service. The app has a responsive customer service team to assist users with queries or issues. The friendly and helpful team ensures users have a positive shopping experience on the app.
ElGrocer also offers a loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for every purchase they make on the app. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free products. The app also regularly offers promotions and deals on various products, which can help users save money on grocery shopping.
In summary, ElGrocer is a convenient and reliable grocery delivery app that offers a wide range of products and fast delivery services in Dubai and other parts of the UAE. Its user-friendly interface, responsive customer service, and loyalty program make it a popular choice among customers who prefer to shop for groceries online.
Carrefour Now
Carrefour Now is an online grocery delivery platform launched by Carrefour, one of the largest supermarket chains in Dubai and the UAE. It allows customers to shop for groceries, electronics, household essentials, and other products online and deliver them to their doorstep.
Carrefour Now offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy, bakery, pantry items, household essentials, electronics, and more. Customers can browse through different categories or use the search function to find specific products or brands. Once the customer has added their desired items to their cart, they can proceed to checkout and choose a suitable delivery time slot.
One of the key features of Carrefour Now is its fast delivery service. The platform offers delivery in as little as one hour, which is ideal for customers who quickly need groceries or household essentials. Carrefour Now also offers same-day delivery for orders placed before a certain time. The delivery fee is generally reasonable; some products even offer free delivery on orders above a certain amount.
Carrefour Now also offers a loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for every purchase they make on the platform. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free products. The platform also regularly offers promotions and deals on various products, which can help customers save money on grocery shopping.
In addition to the above, Carrefour Now has a user-friendly interface with detailed product information and customer reviews, making it easy for customers to choose the right products. The platform also has a responsive customer service team to assist customers with queries or issues.
Carrefour Now is a reliable and convenient platform for online grocery shopping and household essentials delivery in Dubai and the UAE. It offers its customers a wide range of products, fast delivery, and a loyalty program.
Noon is a popular online marketplace that operates in the UAE and several other countries in the Middle East. In addition to fashion, electronics, and other categories, Noon offers a wide range of groceries and household essentials through its online platform.
Noon offers a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy, bakery items, pantry essentials, and household items such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, and more. Customers can browse through different categories or use the search function to find specific products or brands. Once the customer has added their desired items to their cart, they can proceed to checkout and choose a suitable delivery time slot.
One of the key features of Noon is its fast delivery service. The platform offers delivery within 24 hours, ideal for customers who need their groceries or household essentials quickly. Noon also offers free delivery on orders above a certain amount, and customers can opt for next-day delivery for a small fee.
Noon also offers a loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for every purchase they make on the platform. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free products. The platform also regularly offers promotions and deals on various products, which can help customers save money on grocery shopping.
In addition to the above, Noon has a user-friendly interface with detailed product information and customer reviews, making it easy for customers to choose the right products. The platform also has a responsive customer service team to assist customers with queries or issues.
Overall, Noon is a reliable and convenient platform for online grocery shopping and household essentials delivery in Dubai and the UAE. It offers its customers a wide range of products, fast delivery, and a loyalty program.
Additional Requirements For Developing A Grocery Delivery App
For developing a grocery delivery app, some crucial requirements are required for the app to function properly and serve certain purposes. We will discuss those requirements here:
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting can be a great option for a grocery delivery app, as it allows for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some things to consider when choosing a cloud hosting provider for your grocery delivery app:
Scalability: As your grocery delivery app grows, you'll need a hosting provider to handle increasing traffic and demand. Look for a cloud hosting provider with auto-scaling features that can automatically adjust resources to meet demand.
Security: Your grocery delivery app likely contains sensitive customer information, so security should be a top priority. Look for a hosting provider with robust security features like firewalls, intrusion detection, and DDoS protection.
Cost-effectiveness: Cloud hosting can be more cost-effective than traditional hosting options, as you only pay for the resources you use. Look for a provider that offers flexible pricing options, such as pay-as-you-go or monthly billing.
Availability: Your grocery delivery app must be available 24/7 to ensure customers can place orders whenever possible. Look for a hosting provider with high uptime guarantees and a reliable infrastructure.
Some popular cloud hosting providers for grocery delivery apps include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to evaluate your specific needs and compare the features and pricing of each option before making a decision.
SMS Gateway
An SMS gateway can be useful for a grocery delivery app as it allows direct customer text communication. Here are some things to consider when choosing an SMS gateway provider for your grocery delivery app:
Features: Look for an SMS gateway provider that offers features such as two-way messaging, delivery reports, and message scheduling. These features can help you manage your messaging campaigns more efficiently.
Cost-effectiveness: SMS gateway providers typically charge per message sent, so it's important to find a provider that offers competitive pricing. Some providers may offer discounts for bulk messaging or pre-paid packages.
Integration: Your SMS gateway should be able to integrate seamlessly with your grocery delivery app. Look for a provider that offers APIs or SDKs that make integration easy.
Security: SMS messages can contain sensitive customer information, so security should be a top priority. Look for a provider with encryption and other security measures to protect customer data.
Some popular SMS gateway providers for grocery delivery apps include Twilio, Nexmo, and Plivo. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to evaluate your specific needs and compare the features and pricing of each option before making a decision.
Payment Gateway
A reliable and secure payment gateway is essential for any grocery delivery app, as it allows customers to pay for their orders directly through the app. Here are some things to consider when choosing a payment gateway provider for your grocery delivery app:
Security: Security is paramount when it comes to processing payments. Look for a payment gateway provider that is PCI DSS compliant and uses SSL encryption to protect customer data.
Integration: Your payment gateway should integrate easily with your grocery delivery app. Look for a provider that offers APIs or SDKs that make integration straightforward.
Multiple Payment Options: Different customers have different preferences regarding payment methods. Look for a payment gateway provider that offers a wide range of payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
Fees: Payment gateway providers typically charge a fee per transaction or a monthly fee, so it's important to find a provider that offers competitive pricing.
Customer support: Look for a payment gateway provider with reliable customer support, preferably 24/7. This can be essential if any issues arise with payments.
Some popular payment gateway providers for grocery delivery apps include PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to evaluate your specific needs and compare the features and pricing of each option before making a decision.
Delivery API integration
To integrate a delivery API into a grocery delivery app, follow these steps:
Choose a delivery API: There are several delivery APIs available in the market, such as Postmates, UberRUSH, Instacart, etc. Choose the one that best suits your business needs.
Obtain API credentials: Once you have chosen the delivery API, you need to obtain API credentials from the provider. These credentials typically include an API key and a secret key, which you must authenticate and authorize your requests.
Integrate API into your app: The next step is to integrate the API into your grocery delivery app. This can be done by using the API documentation provided by the provider. Typically, this involves making HTTP requests to the API endpoints and handling the responses.
Implement delivery tracking: To provide a seamless delivery experience to your customers, you should implement delivery tracking in your app. This can be done by using the API's real-time tracking features.
Test and debug: Once you have integrated the API into your app, you should thoroughly test it to ensure everything works as expected. This includes testing various scenarios, such as successful, failed, and cancelled deliveries. You should also debug any issues that arise during testing.
Launch: Once you are confident that everything is working as expected, you can launch your grocery delivery app with delivery API integration.
Integrating a delivery API into your grocery delivery app can streamline your operations and provide a better customer experience.
Development Cost of a Grocery Delivery App
Development costs to make a grocery delivery app in Dubai lie between AED 40,000 to AED 60,000. We can make your app very affordable by adjusting your budget. Of course, the exact cost of development will vary depending on the features and functionalities of your app.
Several factors can influence the development cost of a grocery delivery app. Some of the most significant factors include the following:
Here are some of the key factors that can influence the development cost of a grocery delivery app:
App platform: The cost of developing a grocery delivery app can vary based on the platform(s) it is being developed for. For example, developing an app for both iOS and Android will cost more than developing an app for just one of these platforms.
App features and functionality: The cost of developing a grocery delivery app will depend on the features and functionality you want to include in the app—the more complex and extensive the features, the more required development time and cost.
User interface design: The user interface design can also affect the app's development cost. A more complex and custom user interface design will require more development time, increasing the cost.
Integration with third-party services: Integration with third-party services such as payment gateways, mapping services, and delivery APIs can also increase the app's development cost.
App maintenance and updates: After the app is developed, ongoing maintenance and updates will also add to the overall cost. This includes bug fixes, security updates, and feature enhancements.
Team size: The size of your development team can impact the cost of developing your grocery delivery app. A larger team will require more resources and may increase the development cost.
Location: The location of your development team can also impact the cost. Development teams based in countries with lower labour costs may offer lower development costs.
Testing and Quality Assurance: Proper testing and quality assurance are crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of the app. The more thorough the testing process, the higher the development cost.
App testing: Finally, thorough app testing can add to the overall cost. Testing ensures the app functions as intended and identifies and fixes all bugs and errors.
How Long Will It Take To Develop A Grocery Delivery App Like Shipt
The development time for a grocery delivery app can vary widely depending on the complexity of the features you want to include and your available resources.
Here are some factors that can impact the development time:
Features: The more features you want to include in your app, the longer it will take to develop. Basic features include user registration, menu display, order placement, and payment processing. More advanced features could include real-time order tracking, personalized recommendations, and integration with other apps and services.
Platform: Developing an app for both iOS and Android will take longer than developing an app for just one platform. Additionally, a grocery delivery app will have 2 separate apps for the admin and the users, increasing the development time.
Design: The design process can also impact the development time. If you need custom graphics, animations, or other design elements, it will take longer to create them.
Testing: A thorough testing phase is important to ensure your app is reliable and user-friendly. Testing can take several weeks or even months.
Client feedback: Clients making changes after the initial development phase will also add up the app's development time.
Third-party integration: Integrating third-party services such as payment gateways, location services, and restaurant ordering systems can complicate the app development process. The time required for integrating third-party services can vary depending on the availability and documentation of the service's API (application programming interface).
Overall, the development time for a grocery delivery app will depend on the specific requirements of your project. Working with an experienced development team can help ensure your app is developed efficiently and effectively. Based on the factors stated above, we can estimate 6-12 weeks to complete the development of a grocery delivery app.
Why Choose Royex Technologies For Grocery Delivery App Development
Royex Technologies has been in the business since 2013 and has competent team members who have been developing projects for more than 300 clients worldwide. We’re one of the best mobile app developers in Dubai, and you can check our website and portfolio to see our previous works.
Our team of developers has years of experience in mobile app development. We have worked on various projects and know what it takes to build successful apps. We stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry to deliver the best results.
We understand that each client has unique needs and requirements. We offer customized mobile app development services to cater to your specific needs. We work closely with you to understand your goals and provide solutions that fit your requirements.
We have some unique offerings that make us stand out among our competitors:
Dedicated support team in Dubai: Our support team in Dubai will provide round-the-clock trackable support to our clients.
Post-delivery maintenance: We offer post-delivery maintenance to ensure that the app functions correctly, is secure, and provides a good user experience.
Annual Maintenance Contract: Our (AMC) outlines the terms of ongoing maintenance and support for the app. This contract is usually signed after the initial development of the app is complete, and the app is launched.
Additional value that you will get from Royex to make your app a success:
Investors Club: Royex Investors Club provides a platform for investors to connect and create investment propositions with emerging and prospective tech startups.
Apps Marketing: Our marketing agency can help you get the required engagement and reach for your mobile app.
Business Strategies: We will provide support to collab with 3rd party companies to provide business strategies that will support your app’s growth and success.
Intellectual property & patent services: Intellectual property (IP) and patents are essential for protecting the rights of creators and inventors. IP rights provide legal protection for various creative and innovative works, including inventions, designs, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. We can help with acquiring IPs for your app.
Attractive discounts: We actively collaborate with several delivery companies, payment gateways, and hosting services. So you can avail discounts for these services when working with us.
Contact us via email at info@royex.net or call us on +971566027916 with your requirements. Let’s make it happen.