How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like D4D?

The D4D app aggregates all weekly hypermarket and supermarket offers into one app. The eCommerce payment method is currently expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 43% in the Middle East region by 2026. In this blog, we will uncover the cost of developing an app like D4D and the factors affecting its cost.

What Is D4D?

It is a centralized eCommerce platform that provides an extensive collection of offers and a wide range of products and services across the Middle East. This app includes weekly offers from all the hypermarkets and supermarkets across the selected country and provides HD flyers listing all the offers across the country, among other eCommerce app features. With just a few swipes, users can explore all the current offers, compare prices, and plan their shopping.

Through D4D Premium, which is accessible monthly or yearly, the app provides a variety of membership choices that unlock additional features and access to unique content. It makes sure users have access to the most recent information by delivering links, photos, and exclusive content in real-time. Certain features require registration, and by registering, users consent to the gathering and use of technical data for experience improvement.

D4D Online, which operates in important markets including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, places a high priority on user data integrity and confidentiality and maintains a stringent privacy policy. To improve features like the "Near Me" option and deliver personalized, location-specific content, the app makes use of permissions for location services, notifications, and storage.

Cost to Develop an eCommerce App Like D4D

The cost to build an eCommerce platform like D4D can not be limited to a specific amount. The cost varies depending on various factors such as app complexity, design requirements, development team location and specifications, app platform, API integrations, maintenance, and support.

Let's break down all the factors in depth to get an overview of cost estimation.

1) App Complexity

The number and complexity of features are important considerations when choosing an eCommerce platform's cost. We can group apps into three groups based on complexity: MVPs (basic eCommerce apps), intermediate eCommerce apps, and advanced eCommerce apps.

• Basic eCommerce App: An eCommerce app with essential features and minimal requirements is considered to be a basic eCommerce app. It requires less coding and customization to develop an app with basic requirements. Hence, this is the most affordable approach for eCommerce app development.
• Intermediate eCommerce App: This type of app is developed upon the MVP with some extra features like different payment method integration, sort filters, personalized recommendations, order tracking, etc. The development time and cost of such intermediate eCommerce apps are comparatively moderate.
• Advanced eCommerce App: This type of app requires adequate resources and time because of the demand for some advanced features such as live chat integration, reviews, and ratings, search from the image, different loyalty programs, etc. The time and cost invested in such advanced eCommerce app development are higher, but so is the app's functionality.

Based on the configuration mentioned above, we can say that the cost is directly proportional to the app's complexity. The higher the complexity, the higher the cost.

2) Design Requirements

UI/UX design is the front face of any product. Nobody likes to clear the clutter of complex designs and navigate through them. It is important to hire UI/UX designers with a relevant and impressive portfolio. Based on the design requirements, the cost will vary.

Basic and simple UI/UX designs will cover the basic designs and elements using ready-made templates and basic styling. Complex and interactive UI/UX design covers the slik design, animations, interactive features, and more. Such interactive designs are made to attract users and convert them into leads through appropriate CTA elements. Good custom designs help increase user engagement and conversion rates. The cost will increase in the case of complex and interactive designs.

3) Development Team Specifications

This makes hiring a top app development company essential when creating an eCommerce app. Check credibility and build trust through portfolios, years of work experience, areas of work specialization, client feedback on the reviews, etc., before hiring anyone. The app for eCommerce should be developed with the help of UI/UX designers, developers, QA engineers, and project managers.

Now it all depends on the team size, experience, and locality. The charges per hour change in every country for every design and process. So, choose the development team wisely for front-end and back-end development because it depends on them what you will get in return on the investment and how much you will invest in eCommerce app development.

4) App Platform

To choose the right app platform, first understand the market requirements and target niche. Basically, what I mean is that every platform has its share of advantages and disadvantages, so you must choose what serves your needs best.

Testing Android takes extra work because of multiple devices and screen sizes; it may cost a little more. Whereas iOS is more streamlined due to Apple's controlled environment and device limitations, which leads to a lower cost of development.

When selecting cross-platform app development, frameworks like React Native or Flutter seem like beneficial and cost-saving options. Opting for a cross-platform approach using frameworks like React Native or Flutter might seem like a cost-saving solution. It allows simultaneous development for both Android and iOS platforms. However, it may lead to compromises in performance and user experience. This is how each app platform selection can affect the cost and timeline for development.

5) App Maintenance and Updates

These factors affect the cost of building an app like D4D. After launching the app, it is important to keep your app updated on new regulatory changes and make necessary adaptations to the changes in technology. Regular bug identification and bug fixing, enhanced security, and continuous improvements are important to stay competitive in the market. This requires a dedicated team for continuous monitoring and maintenance. This cost affects the overall cost of developing an eCommerce app like D4D.

Benefits of Developing an eCommerce App like D4D

• Reach a Wider Target Base

Through an online app, businesses can tap into a vast and diverse audience. Most of the population on this earth is using smartphones regularly, given that businesses can reach potential customers without any geographical barriers.

• Retain Customers

Users of an app like D4D may customize their experience with features like wishlist, add to cart, search, push notifications, offers, and discounts. Users are encouraged to repurchase and use the app with these features. Businesses can retain customers by using these strategies to keep them satisfied and engaged.

• Smooth Shopping Experience

With a well-designed eCommerce app like D4D, businesses can provide a seamless shopping experience to their users. With quick loading times and secure payment options, users can enjoy their shopping experience on the app, and that results in a customer satisfaction boost.

• Omni Channel Experience

With an eCommerce app developed, it provides a consistent shopping experience across all the channels. Customers can browse the app on their smartphones or desktops, all seamlessly integrated. It provides flexibility for customers.

• Detailed Customer Insights

Businesses can collect useful information about consumer habits, preferences, and purchase patterns with the use of an eCommerce app. Businesses can provide discounts and customized recommendations with this data.

• Competitive Advantage

An eCommerce app is a win-win, as there are a ton of them on the internet that help you establish your brand and maintain your competitive edge.

How to Reduce the Cost to Build an App Like D4D?

If you want to reduce the cost of eCommerce app development, then here are some practices to follow:

• Choose Open-source Platforms

Opting for open-source platforms can significantly reduce development costs. They offer free tools and resources to speed up the development process. With existing libraries and frameworks, you can save on licensing fees too.

• Pick Simplified Designs

Simplified design can cut down on development time and cost. Go for simple, user-friendly designs, and prioritize functionality over complex visuals.

• Focus on Essential Features

Improve the core features of the app during the initial phases to manage it cost-effectively. Launch your eCommerce app with core features to meet user requirements.

• Outsource Development

It is a cost-effective strategy to hire off-shore eCommerce app developers. Consider developers from regions with lower rates, and it also ensures high-quality results without any overhead expenses of an in-house team.

• Implement Beta Testing

Before launching the app, it is important to identify and fix issues. Release a beta version of the app to a group of users and collect valuable feedback. Based on that, make the necessary changes and then release the final version.

Conclusion

Investing in an eCommerce app development like D4D is not an end to lose. Hire a renowned eCommerce app development firm to develop your next eCommerce app. Reduce costs by choosing open-source platforms, focusing on core features, outsourcing development, and implementing beta testing. Hire an app development company in Qatar for your next D4D-like app development. We are here to guide you through the conceptualization of deployment and maintenance. We are a team of 13+ years of experienced professionals to deliver you a top-notch eCommerce app. Let Hyperlink Infosystem be your technical partner in your successful journey of eCommerce app development.