Build a Great E-commerce App on a Budget

Want to create a standout e-commerce mobile app for your business? Platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace might seem like easy options, but they will not give you the unique app you want. You'll have to consider your budget if you need something custom. But how much will it cost?

An e-commerce mobile app's cost ranges from $1,000 to $180,000, depending on various factors. Some of these factors aren't obvious, and you might end up paying for things you don't need.

This guide covers e-commerce mobile app costs, tips for choosing the right developer, and avoiding hidden fees. We also covered different pricing models and how location affects costs.

Want to get even more specific? Check out our exclusive AI tool to create a tech plan for your app and get a precise price range and app draft.

Risks and Rewards of Budget E-commerce App Development

Developing an e-commerce app for $1,000-10,000 usually means hiring freelancers or small agencies from places like India or Eastern Europe. These apps will work but expect basic design and performance issues due to limited testing and optimization. Support and maintenance after launch might also be minimal.

This budget option is great for startups needing a quick, low-risk way to test their business idea. It's perfect for creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and getting initial feedback without breaking the bank.

However, if you’re planning for rapid growth or need advanced features, $1,000 won't cut it. Long-term success and a great user experience often require more investment for better performance, thorough testing, and ongoing updates.

3 Reasons Not to Invest in Expensive E-commerce App Development

Investing in a high-cost e-commerce app, typically over $90,000, offers benefits like advanced features and expert development, ensuring top-tier performance, scalability, and user experience.

However, here are three reasons to reconsider:

1. High Costs Without Customization:

Large firms often use templates to manage costs, resulting in less unique and customizable apps despite the high price.

2. Overpaying for Unnecessary Features:

You might end up paying for advanced technologies that are optional for your business, straining your budget.

3. Long Development Times:

High-end projects can lead to extended development timelines, delaying your app's market launch and potential revenue.

You can find the perfect offer for your project by following our recommendations on e-commerce app pricing.

How to Choose a Reliable E-commerce App Developer

If you're trying to get your e-commerce app off the ground without blowing your budget, you've got to play it smart. Start with the App Cost Calculator to determine your tech stack and project needs—it's free and takes just 2 minutes. Then, take your detailed plan to several IT companies. Here's how to pick the five most reliable firms in our guide: Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Perfect App Development Company.

Understanding E-commerce App Pricing Models to Save Money

There are a few ways these companies will want you to pay them:

• Fixed Price: Think of this as a set menu. You pay a fixed amount, and get what’s on the menu. No substitutions, no extras. It’s predictable but not flexible.
• Time and Materials: This is an à la carte option. You pay for the hours and materials used. It’s flexible but can get expensive if you don’t keep a tight grip on the scope.
• Time and Materials (T&M) is the best choice for app development because it’s as flexible as a gymnast. You can adapt on the fly, tweaking features and pivoting based on real-time feedback.
• You pay for actual hours worked and materials used, so you know where every penny goes. Set a budget cap and prioritize what's essential, ensuring no surprises. Ideal for complex projects where things often change, T&M helps manage costs while continuously improving your app.
• Milestone-Based: This is a bit of both. You pay in chunks as certain parts of the project get done. It balances predictability and flexibility.

How Location Impacts Your E-commerce App Development Cost

Your developers' location can make a huge difference in cost:

Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia can offer great value without sacrificing too much on quality.

But don't just focus on costs and ignore company's location. Remote areas might operate in different time zones, making communication difficult. This can delay your project and ultimately increase costs.

However, some companies, like Ptolemay, work remotely with teams located all over the world, offering a flexible model that allows access to top talent without geographical limitations.

Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them

Be wary of these money pits:

• Mid-Development Changes: Scope creep can inflate costs. Nail down your requirements early.
• Marketing Costs: You’ll need to budget for promoting your app.
• Post-Launch Maintenance: Regular updates and bug fixes can add up.

To avoid hidden costs, clearly define and document all project requirements from the start. This minimizes scope changes mid-development, which can significantly inflate costs.

Learn how to write a great tech spec to reduce your e-commerce app development cost: How to Create a Brilliant Technical Specification for App Development.

Affordable E-commerce App Development: Top Partner Options

1. Small and Mid-Sized Agencies: These often offer a good balance between cost and expertise. They are generally more flexible than large firms and more structured than freelancers.To find companies by employee size, check out Clutch: E-commerce App Developers. You can filter the results to show companies with up to 250 employees.
2. Freelance Platforms: Utilize platforms like Upwork or Toptal to find top-rated freelancers. Look for those with verified reviews and a strong portfolio in e-commerce app development.
3. Nearshoring: Consider nearshoring as a middle ground between onshore and offshore development. This means outsourcing to nearby countries with lower costs but similar time zones and cultural understandings, such as Eastern Europe for Western European companies or Latin America for U.S. companies.

Effective Budget Control in E-commerce App Development Contracts

When drafting a contract for e-commerce app development, it's essential to include clauses that prevent budget overruns without explicit approval. Here’s how to structure your contract to ensure effective budget control:

1. Detailed Scope of Work (SOW)

Clearly define the project’s scope, including all functionalities and features to be developed. This should cover aspects like user registration, product catalog, shopping cart, payment gateway integration, and user profile management.

Example Clause:"The scope of work includes the following functionalities: user registration, product catalog, shopping cart, payment gateway integration, and user profile management. Any additions or modifications to these functionalities must be documented and approved in writing by both parties before commencement."

2. Budget Cap Clause

Set a maximum budget cap and stipulate that any work exceeding this budget requires written approval.

Example Clause:"The total project budget is capped at $60,000. Any work resulting in costs exceeding this amount must receive prior written approval from the client. The developer must provide detailed cost estimates for any additional work requested by the client."

3. Change Control Process

Implement a formal process for handling changes to the project scope or budget. This includes documenting the change request, estimating the additional costs, and obtaining client approval before proceeding.

Example Clause:"All change requests must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the developer. The developer will provide a cost estimate and timeline for the requested changes. Work on change requests will not commence until written approval is received from the client."

4. Milestone-Based Payments

Divide the project into milestones and tie payments to the successful completion of each milestone. This ensures continuous assessment and control over the project budget.

Example Clause:"Payments will be made upon the successful completion of the following milestones:

1. Completion of user registration and profile management ($20,000).
2. Completion of product catalog and shopping cart ($30,000).
3. Integration of payment gateway ($20,000).
4. Final testing and deployment ($30,000).Total project budget: $100,000."

5. Regular Reporting and Meetings

Require regular progress reports and status meetings to review the project’s financial and development status.

Example Clause:"The developer will provide bi-weekly progress reports detailing the hours worked, tasks completed, and current expenditures. Additionally, bi-weekly status meetings will be held to review project progress and address any issues or changes."

6. Scenario: Change Request Process

You’re developing an e-commerce app with a T&M contract capped at $100,000. Midway, you decide to add a feature for AI-based product recommendations.

Change Request Process:

1. You submit a written request for the new feature.
2. The developer reviews the request and provides a detailed cost estimate of $15,000.
3. You approve the additional cost in writing.
4. The budget cap is adjusted to $115,000, and the developer proceeds with the new feature.

By incorporating these clauses and following this structured approach, you ensure that any budget overruns are controlled and approved, maintaining the project’s financial integrity.

Conclusion

Balancing the costs of developing an e-commerce app can feel like walking a tightrope. But with the right strategy, you can get the best bang for your buck. Understand the different pricing models, know how geographic locations impact costs, and break down the expenses involved. Use a well-structured Time and Materials contract to keep your budget in check and your project on track.

Ready to dive deeper into optimizing your budget for an MVP e-commerce product? Or perhaps you're planning for future feature additions and updates? We're here to help. Get in touch for a personalized consultation. We'll guide you on how to make every dollar count and ensure your app development journey is smooth and successful.

Originally published at https://www.ptolemay.com.