How to Build a GrubHub Clone App in 8 Easy Steps
Lisa Aston
Designing and implementing business plans and strategies to promote the attainment of goals | Business Manager
Food delivery apps have become necessary in the current generation, SaaS or in today’s fast-food world. In this section, one only needs to swipe the screen of their smartphone to select cuisine, order food, and receive food at the doorstep. One of the frontrunners in this category is Grubhub and they have established pretty good levels of service in the industry.
But imagine if you can start your own version of this popular application which is a food delivery app like Grubhub? Regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur, a founder of a start-up, or a fan of technologies, the development of the Grubhub clone app is a unique chance to become a participant in the food delivery market.
In this blog, you’ll be able to follow step-by-step: 8 steps to creating a Grubhub clone app, learn its benefits, discover the costs you may encounter, and read about possible monetization options. By the end of this food delivery platform development tutorial, let us attempt to understand the basic steps towards developing your food delivery channel.
What Is a Grubhub Clone App?
A Grubhub clone app is a mobile application or a platform that replicates the features of Grubhub, in terms of their operation. The app helps customers order food from local cafes and restaurants, letting the user peruse the menu, order food, and receive it at their place.
However, a Grubhub clone doesn’t have to be an exact copy. You can customize it to include unique features, expand to niche markets, or focus on specific geographical regions. Think of it as taking a proven business model and adding your personal twist to cater to your audience.
8 Easy Steps for Create a GrubHub Clone App
1. Conduct Market Research
To be specific, the market is defined as a given environment within which the development takes place before the start of development. Know your customers, are you targeting the urban youth, families, or a type of food customer? Learn from your competitors to know what they are doing well and, even more, importantly, the gaps you can capitalize on.
For example, you might notice that all the delivery is bad or you find out that the demand for some types of foods is low in those regions. These concepts will be the basis of your application’s distinctive selling proposition on behalf of your considerers.
Pro Tip: Carry out questionnaires or interviews to hear from the user directly.
2. Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
In a sea of other apps, why should the customers choose your app? It is your Unique Selling Proposition or possibly your Unique Value Proposition. It could be:
Ensure that this UVP taps into the requirements and wants of the users in the targeted market.
3. Choose the Right Tech Stack
This all depends on the technology that is utilized in the development of your app, which will define its usability, efficiency, and speed. Opt for:
Frontend Frameworks: React Native or Flutter for a great user interface for the application.
Backend Frameworks: Python for web development Node.js for a high level of operational performance, or Django.
Databases: MongoDB or PostgreSQL in case of data storage and management.
APIs: Google Maps for GPS tracking, Stripe to collect payment, and Twilio for sending notifications.
Getting in touch with a competent development team helps you to avoid making wrong decisions for your business.
4. Design an Intuitive User Interface
The app's design can make or break the user experience. Collaborate with skilled UI/UX designers to create a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. Features like one-click reordering, personalized restaurant suggestions, and smooth transitions contribute to a delightful user journey.
Remember: A clean design isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts user retention.
5. Develop Core Features
Building the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with essential features is the best way to start. Focus on:
Once the MVP is ready, additional features like AI-powered recommendations or voice ordering can be added based on user feedback.
6. Integrate Advanced Functionalities
Take your app a step further by incorporating advanced features that enhance user convenience:
7. Test the App Rigorously
Testing ensures that your app functions smoothly across devices and platforms. Conduct:
8. Launch & Market Strategically
Your app’s launch is your chance to make a big splash. Use a combination of social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and referral programs to attract users.
Top Advantages of a Grubhub Clone App
Investing in a Grubhub clone app isn’t just about creating another food delivery platform—it’s about leveraging a proven model to carve out your unique space in the market. Here are the top advantages of building a Grubhub clone app:
1. Proven Market Demand
The food delivery market is thriving, with millions of users relying on these apps for convenience. By creating a Grubhub clone, you tap into an established demand where customers already understand the concept, making it easier to attract users and gain traction.
2. Customizable to Your Vision
Unlike a rigid template, a Grubhub clone app can be tailored to your specific needs. You can:
This flexibility allows you to stand out from the competition.
3. Multiple Revenue Stream
One of the biggest advantages is the diverse range of monetization options (covered in detail below). From commissions to advertising, a Grubhub clone app offers multiple ways to generate consistent revenue, ensuring a sustainable business model.
4. Improved Customer Engagement
With features like push notifications, loyalty programs, and live order tracking, your Grubhub clone app can foster a deeper connection with customers. Engaged customers are more likely to use the app frequently, leave positive reviews, and recommend it to others.
5. Support for Local Businesses
A Grubhub clone doesn’t just serve customers—it also supports restaurants by offering them a platform to reach more patrons. By partnering with local eateries, you can strengthen relationships within the community while earning their loyalty and trust.
6. Efficient Operations
By automating processes like order placement, payment collection, and delivery tracking, a Grubhub clone app streamlines operations for restaurants and delivery agents alike. This efficiency translates into better service for customers and lower operational costs for your business.
How to Make Money with a Grubhub Clone App
There are many opportunities available when it comes to making money off a Grubhub clone app. Combining multiple income streams gives you a way of doing business that’s profitable and sustainable. Here’s how:
1. Restaurant Commissions
For the most part, food delivery apps make their money by charging restaurants a percentage of each order that goes through their platform.
How It Works: Typically, you partner with restaurants and then you agree on a commission rate (think, 10–30%) per sale.
Why It Works: It's a win-win for the restaurant with more visibility and sales.
2. Delivery Fees
You charge a delivery fee for convenience. You can:
If you've got surge pricing for delivery you can even charge during peak times or bad weather.
3. Subscription Plans
Present a subscription-focused model to make money repeatedly. For instance:
4. In-App Advertising
Earn a revenue from the platform by charging restaurants and other kinds of businesses to place advertisements there. Examples include:
Going with this strategy not only adds revenue to the restaurant but also helps the restaurant grow visibility.
5. White-Label Licensing
If your Grubhub clone app becomes popular, you can monetize the platform by licensing it to other entrepreneurs in other regions or niche persons. It is a stream of revenue that keeps on flowing and also reaches out to your brand to greater reach.
Cost Of Developing A Grubhub Clone App
We have discussed all the steps for the successful GrubHub clone app development.?
However, one question that arises now is how much it will cost to develop a GrubHub clone.
There are several items that go into building an app like Grubhub, like how many features you want to integrate, how long you expect to take to develop, and so on.?
If you plan on building a GrubHub type of app, the cost will depend on whether you want to include a set of features within your app, and what resources it’s going to take you to move from a bare idea to a live application.?
For instance, US developers charge between $200 and $300, while European developers charge between $100 and $200.
If they want to create a special feature in their application, then users will be incurring extra costs.
This means you can expect to pay between $30,000 and $40,000 approximately on costs, the cost can increase based on the number of platforms you want to deploy your app on.
What if we told you that you could get all the advanced features of Grubhub, top-notch tech infrastructure, and a highly engaging app interface for just $49 per month??
Deonde can make it happen. DeOnDe offers white-label food delivery solutions that are fully customizable and can be launched within 7 to 10 days.
Conclusion
Building a Grubhub clone app is a fantastic opportunity to enter the booming food delivery industry. By following these 8 steps, you can create a platform that meets customer needs, benefits local restaurants, and generates consistent revenue.
Remember, the key to success lies in understanding your audience, offering a seamless user experience, and continuously innovating. With dedication and the right strategy, your Grubhub clone app can carve its niche in this dynamic market.
Start building your Grubhub Clone App today with Deonde and bring your vision to life effortlessly. Let’s get started now!