How Long Does It Take To Build An E-commerce App?

In today’s growing world, e-commerce platforms have become part of our lives. And do you think it is possible to picture things without online shopping? According to Statista, e-commerce sales are expected to increase between 2023 and 2027 by 509.4 billion U.S. dollars (+54.19 percent). Creating an e-commerce app takes a lot of money and effort. Many elements need to be included in the development of this app. Hence, you might be wondering how much it will take to create your app. An estimated time to create an app can take around 3 to 8 months, depending upon various factors such as features and the type of app you want to develop.

In this blog, we will focus on a basic understanding of how much it takes to create an MVP and a full-fledged e-commerce app for your business. 

Factors Influencing the Timeline to Build an E-commerce App

Factors influencing the timeline to build an app can vary depending on various aspects. Here are the factors mentioned and how they can impact the timeline:

1. Complexity of The App’s Features

The complexity of the app depends on these two factors given below- 

• Core functionalities– The core functionalities of the app, such as product listing, shopping cart, payment processing, and user authentication, are essential and typically form the foundation. The timeline will depend on the complexity and depth of these features.
• Advanced features– If you plan to include advanced features like personalized recommendations, social sharing, real-time notifications, or integration with external APIs, the complexity increases, requiring additional development time.

2. Team Size and Expertise

The size and expertise of the development team can significantly impact the timeline. A larger team can work on multiple tasks simultaneously and expedite the development process. Moreover, the expertise of the team members in e-commerce app development can help overcome challenges more efficiently.

3. Design and User Experience (UX) Considerations

Design and UX are crucial in attracting and retaining users. The complexity of the design and the attention to detail in creating an intuitive user experience can impact the timeline. If extensive customization and iterations are required, it may take longer to finalize the design and UX.

4. Integration of Third-Party Services

Integrating third-party services like payment gateways, shipping providers, or marketing tools can affect the timeline. The availability and documentation of APIs, the complexity of integration, and the need for customizations can add development time.

5. Development Platform and Technology Stack

The choice of development platform (iOS, Android, web, etc.) and technology stack for app development(programming languages, frameworks, databases) can influence the timeline. Familiarity with the selected technologies and availability of relevant resources may speed up the development, while learning new technologies may introduce delays.

6. Testing and Quality Assurance

Thorough testing and quality assurance are crucial to ensure the app functions as intended and provides a seamless user experience. The e-commerce app’s feature complexity and the required depth of testing can impact the timeline. It is essential to allocate sufficient time for testing and bug fixing.

7. Project Management and Communication

Efficient project management, clear communication, and coordination among team members are vital for timely delivery. Adequate planning, setting realistic milestones, and maintaining effective communication channels help streamline development and prevent unnecessary delays.

It’s important to note that these factors are interrelated, and the timeline for developing an e-commerce app will depend on the specific requirements, scope, and resources available.

Unexpected Challenges While Building an E-commerce App

During the development of an e-commerce app, several unexpected challenges can arise, including technical issues, compatibility problems, and changing requirements. These challenges can significantly impact the development process and require timely and efficient solutions, affecting the development time. 

1. Technical Issues

Development of an e-commerce app involves working with complex technologies, frameworks, and integrations. Unexpected technical issues, such as server crashes, database failures, or security vulnerabilities, can arise. These issues can lead to downtime, loss of data, or compromised user information, requiring immediate attention and resolution.

2. Compatibility Problems

Compatibility problems can occur when developing an e-commerce app for multiple platforms, devices, and browsers. Each platform and device has its own specifications and requirements, making it challenging to ensure consistent functionality and user experience across all platforms. Compatibility issues may include layout inconsistencies, performance variations, or feature limitations.

3. Changing Requirements

As the development process progresses, the client may request changes to the initial project requirements. These changes can be due to market trends, user feedback, or business strategy adjustments. Adapting to changing requirements can pose challenges in terms of time, resources, and impact on the overall app architecture. It requires effective communication and collaboration among the development team and stakeholders to manage expectations and prioritize changes.

4. Integration Complexities

E-commerce apps often require integration with various third-party services and APIs, such as payment gateways, shipping providers, or inventory management systems. Integrations can be complex and may involve dealing with different data formats, authentication mechanisms, or version compatibility issues. These challenges can arise during integration, leading to delays or disruptions in in-app functionality.

To overcome these challenges, having a skilled development team, effective project management, and a flexible development process is crucial. Regular testing, continuous integration, and proactive monitoring can help identify and address issues early on. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, following best practices, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders can contribute to developing an e-commerce app despite unexpected challenges.

Estimated Time to Build an E-commerce App

1. Basic E-commerce App Development: Total Time Estimate 3-4+ Months

2. Intermediate E-commerce App Development: Total Time Estimate 4-8+ Months

3. Advance E-commerce App Development: Total Time Estimate 8-12+ Months

The time to build an E–commerce platform depends on the features and the type of app you want to make your store. Here above, we have mentioned all three types of app development you can go for with the specific features, the team’s expertise, and other project-specific factors. To get a more accurate estimate, consult a top e-commerce development company with good developers to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific requirement. 

Choose Emizenetch for Fast E-commerce App Development

Emizentech, the top e-commerce app development company, can be a good choice for building your project. Here are some reasons why you should choose us. 

• We have a team of experienced and skilled developers who can build high-quality apps quickly.

• We use various new technologies and platforms, making creating apps compatible with a wide range of devices easy.

• Our company offers a transparent and affordable pricing structure that gives most customers no worries in the development process.

Emizentech is a good choice for the development of the e-commerce app. And if you still find any difficulty in understanding the process, you can schedule a free consultation to help you understand your needs and goals. We also offer various post-deployment services, such as maintenance and support.

Summary

No matter the type of business you run, e-commerce is a surefire way to drive both the engagement of your customers and sales of your products. The development time depends on the features, factors, and the type of app. Thus the average time to create an e-commerce app with all the requirements you are looking for can take from some months to a year. An estimated time can be 3 to 8 months to develop an app. 

If you’re looking for qualified and expert developers to build your e-commerce app. In that case, Emizentech can help you by providing the perfect developers to deliver the app you’ve always envisioned to boost your business.

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