Amazon has created the most powerful eCommerce platform in the world, but it wasn’t an easy feat to get there. There were no books on creating an eCommerce marketplace when Amazon first started, so they had to do some serious research and test new ideas with their customers before they figured out what worked best.
But the truth is that, although building an eCommerce platform like Amazon would be incredibly difficult, it’s certainly not impossible to do so – especially with the right resources and tools at your disposal. Here are a few things to consider if you want to start building an eCommerce platform like Amazon!
The Must-Have Features for an Amazon-Like App
Creating an Amazon-like app can be daunting, but specific features are critical to the platform’s success and users. If you want your app to be as successful as Amazon, make sure it has these must-have features so your users will be happier, your sales will increase, and you’ll see better results from your marketing efforts. Here are some must-have features for an Amazon-like app.
Customer’s side of view
Registration
An Amazon-like app must have a registration process that is simple and quick. The user should be able to register with just a few clicks. The app should also offer various registration options, such as through Facebook or Google.
User profile
The Amazon-like app must have a user profile feature that allows users to input their information, such as name, shipping address, and payment method. The profile should allow users to view their order history and saved items. Users should be able to edit their profile information and settings easily.
Advanced search
While a basic search feature is great, an advanced search option allows users to narrow their options and find exactly what they’re looking for. This can be done by allowing users to filter results by price, category, color, etc.
Advanced filtering
To create an Amazon-like app, you’ll need to ensure it has advanced filtering capabilities. This means that users should be able to filter products by various criteria, including price, category, and brand. Advanced filtering will help users find the exact product they’re looking for and make your app more user-friendly.
Product page
An Amazon-like app must have a full product page containing all the necessary product information. This includes photos, videos, descriptions, customer reviews, and more. The product page should also be easy to navigate and should load quickly.
Rating and reviews
If you’re planning to build an ecommerce app, you’ll need to ensure it has features that allow users to rate and review products. This is important for two reasons: first, it helps create a sense of community and encourages user engagement; second, it provides valuable feedback that can be used to improve the app.
Shopping cart
A shopping cart is one of the most important features of an ecommerce website. It allows customers to add items to their purchases and track what they’re buying. A good shopping cart will be easy to use and understand, with a clear interface that shows the customer what they’re buying and how much it costs. It should also be easy to add and remove items from the cart and have a checkout process that is simple and quick.
Multiple payment options
Give your customers as many choices as possible when it comes to payment options. Include popular options like credit and debit cards and newer options like Wallets, Apple Pay and Android Pay. Giving your customers multiple payment options makes it easy and convenient for them to shop with you, which can lead to more sales for your business.
Shipping
One of the most important features of an Amazon-like app is shipping. Customers want to know that their items will arrive quickly and safely. Shipping features should include tracking, estimated delivery times, and notifications.
Seller’s side of view
Company registration
When selling on Amazon, you must first register as a company. This process is simple and only requires some basic information about your business. After registering, you will be able to create your seller profile. This is where you will list your company’s products and services. potential customers will be able to find you here when they search for keywords related to your business.
Posting Ads
If you want to build an app like Amazon, one of the key features you’ll need is the ability to post ads. This will allow businesses to promote their products and services on your platform.
Administrating tools
An Amazon-like app must have powerful administrating tools to manage a large number of products, orders, and customers. These tools must be easy to use and allow for granular control. The app must also have robust security features to protect customer data.
How to Develop a Successful Amazon-like App in 10 Easy Steps?
Developing an app can be long and difficult, but it’s easier if you follow the right steps! These 10 steps will help you develop the successful app of your dreams, from learning how to write code to figuring out how to make money on your app. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Make a business plan
Making a business plan when building a website like Amazon is important because you are not only developing a website, but you are also starting a business. Without planning, it could fail in the long term, so making a plan and following it will keep you from falling behind or moving too quickly. Building a successful application like Amazon requires planning to know where things go smoothly and where they don’t need improvement.
Choose the right platform for your website.
A variety of eCommerce platforms are widely available in today’s digital world. Choosing Magento 2 or Shopify as a platform is the easiest way to develop an E-commerce application because many other successful E-commerce sites have already used it.
Select & register your domain name
If you’re just starting with an eCommerce website, one of the crucial things you need to do is decide on a domain name. People will see this when they visit your site, so it needs to be catchy and relevant. You’ll also want something simple and memorable – not including too many letters or numbers – and it must be secure. Once you’ve registered this domain, you can continue developing your eCommerce store!
Create a marketplace platform
It is not hard to create an online business from scratch; all it takes are some skilled Magento developers. They offer B2C eCommerce Solutions for entrepreneurs looking to create an awesome app with ease. An appealing marketplace platform that attracts visitors is essential – so make sure it stands out!
Web hosting
You can easily host your website on your server or use a hosting service such as SaaS. This type of hosting usually comes in a package deal that charges you for the time, amount of resources (such as memory), and other needed features.
Get a logistic solution.
To ensure international shipping to your users, sign up for a financial account with a logistics company such as UPS, Aramex, FedEx, or DHL. Once you get the API key, simply install it onto your platform. It is an important step to do even while selling only domestically.
Setup payment gateway
It is one of the most important tasks you can do properly. You must allow your customers to choose the payment gateway that best suits them. Many people will shop through your website if they find a desirable payment method on your app.
Test
It is essential to test the website before going live or uploading it because it will not work properly in the long run if there are glitches or bugs. You can take the help of Quality Assurance professionals to ensure that your website works smoothly and is free from bugs.
Launch & Support
Once you’ve finished developing and testing your website, you can publish it onto the web hosting platform of your choosing. Once published, it’s vital to maintain the website with regular eCommerce store management to stay up-to-date with current trends in your industry.
Marketing
Marketing is one of the key aspects to explore once your eCommerce website has been developed to make your marketplace platform popular. Once you launch your site on an online platform, it is time to market it through various channels such as social media.
Technology stack
Technology stacks are instrumental in bringing your ideas to life and making them possible. The entire performance of your website depends on the technology stack you choose. You may enlist the help of a company that offers eCommerce development services for just about anything from ecommerce platforms, mobile apps, and even WordPress sites. To give some examples, here are some common software technologies used to build an Amazon-like app:
- Front-end development – Angular or React and HTML5
- Back-end development – Node.js, PHP or Python
- Programming language – Swift and Java
- For cross-platform apps – Flutter, Xamarin, or react-native
- Database – MySQL and MongoDB
- Infrastructure – Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services
- Payment integration – Stripe and Braintree
Cost to build an Amazon-like App
Now that you know how to develop an app like Amazon, it’s time to consider the full costs of developing an eCommerce platform like Amazon. Costing can vary depending on various factors, but here are some estimates:
Factors affecting cost:
- Design
- App platform
- Size of the app
- Technological stack involved
- Hosting cost
- Update and maintenance
The cost of developing an app in various countries:
- USA – $60 to $250 per hour
- Canada – $80 to $160 per hour
- Europe – $40 to $ 180 per hour
- India – $20 to $80 per hour
- Australia – $50 to $150 per hour
Some Crucial Tips for Successful Amazon-Like App
User-friendly design
A great user interface is essential for any ecommerce app. Users should be able to easily navigate your app and find what they are looking for without any trouble. Additionally, your app should be visually appealing and easy on the eyes. Think about using a minimalistic design with clean lines and bright colours. Make sure your app is fast and responsive when it comes to functionality. No one wants to use an app that takes forever to load or is constantly crashing.
Quick product discovery
Product discovery is key for any ecommerce app and especially important for one that wants to emulate the Amazon experience. Users should be able to quickly and easily find the products they’re looking for without too much effort.
Filtering and sorting options
An Amazon-like app must have filtering and sorting options to help users find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Filters can include price, category, and location, while sort options might include alphabetical order or date. These features are essential for any ecommerce app.
Trustworthy reviews from users and experts
If you’re looking to create an app similar to Amazon, one of the most important features you’ll need is trustworthy reviews from users and experts. After all, people want to know that they can trust the products they’re buying and get the best possible value for their money.
Competitive Pricing
To create an app like Amazon, you must ensure that your pricing is competitive. This means offering prices that are lower than or equal to other retailers. You can work with suppliers to get the best rates possible. You should also offer discounts and coupons to encourage people to buy from your app.
One-click purchase
An Amazon-like app must have a one-click purchase feature to make buying products as easy as possible. This means that customers can add items to their cart and purchase them without going through a lengthy checkout process. Additionally, this feature can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Secure payment methods
When it comes to payments, security is paramount. That’s why it’s important to offer a variety of secure payment methods to your customers. Some popular options include credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Easy returns process
To create an app similar to Amazon, you must have a great returns process. This means making it easy for customers to return unhappy items. You should also have a no-questions-asked policy when it comes to returns. This will show customers that you’re confident in your product and willing to stand behind it.
Let’s Wrap Up
When you look at all the factors that go into building a B2C eCommerce platform like Amazon, it’s no wonder the company is worth billions. There are many moving parts, from the technical aspects of building a scalable website to the logistics of shipping products worldwide. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to providing a great customer experience. And that’s something that Amazon has mastered.
Building an eCommerce platform requires a team of experts to help you with everything from the initial website design and development to ongoing maintenance and support. Luckily, some companies out there specialize in providing B2C eCommerce solutions. With their help, you can launch a user-friendly and scalable platform, ensuring that your business can grow along with your customer base.
