eCommerce Mobile App Development in 2024 Quick Guide

Do you remember how shopping was a decade or two back? People used to go to “shopping malls” or “Bazaar” to buy everything they needed. But in recent years, everything has changed. People are now more into online shopping. Why would you go outside if you can buy everything without breaking a sweat?

This is the reason the eCommerce industry is pacing at an ultra-sonic speed. By 2025, it is estimated that over 70% of global retail sales will be conducted through online platforms. All thanks to the eCommerce developers who built awesome eCommerce systems and apps that simplify everyone’s life.

Businesses are now more into eCommerce mobile apps, and most are looking for a complete package of eCommerce mobile apps. In this blog, I’ll cover the ins and outs of a complete eCommerce mobile app. So, stick to me till the end and find the best eCommerce mobile application for your clients.

Let’s get started!

What is An eCommerce App?

An eCommerce app is a platform that allows users to browse, search, and navigate products and make purchases online from home. Features of an eCommerce mobile app include multi-language, various payment options, order status monitoring, customer support, smart user experience with an attractive user interface, etc.  

The eCommerce app is one part of the complete ecosystem. To process and complete an order, you need to ensure the vendor, customer, and deliveryman are completely aligned with one another.

Types of eCommerce Mobile Apps 

There are various types of eCommerce apps according to different business models, target audiences, and industries. They are- 

• B2C eCommerce Apps
• B2B eCommerce Apps
• C2C eCommerce apps
• Social eCommerce Apps
• Niche Marketplace Apps
• Subscription eCommerce Apps 
• On-demand delivery Apps
• Multi vendor marketplace Apps
• Cross-border eCommerce Apps
• Banking eCommerce Apps 

According to the user base of an eCommerce business, mobile apps can be segmented into 3 types of users.

1. User/Customer App: An eCommerce user/customer app is designed for consumers to browse, purchase, and manage products or services an online store offers directly from their smartphones or tablets.

2. Seller App: A seller app in eCommerce is tailored for merchants and vendors to manage inventory, list products, process orders, and interact with customers within an online marketplace or platform.

3. Deliveryman App: A deliveryman app in eCommerce is a mobile application used by delivery personnel to receive, manage, and fulfill delivery orders, track routes, and communicate with customers and merchants during the delivery process within an online delivery platform or service.

9 Steps to Develop an eCommerce Mobile App

To develop a complete eCommerce mobile app, I have added a detailed guide in 9 crucial steps that you need to follow. 

Here are 9 steps to develop an eCommerce mobile app: Set your goals & objectives Market research & competitor analysis Choose the right development approach Create a feature list UI/UX designFrontend & backend developmentTesting & software QALaunching & deployment Post-launch maintenance & support

1. Set your goals & objectives 

Outline the purpose of your eCommerce app. Determine what you want to achieve with the app, such as increasing sales, enhancing customer engagement, expanding your market reach, etc. 

2. Market research & competitor analysis 

Conduct thorough market research and define your target audience, list down and analyze competitors’ eCommerce apps with SWOT analysis. 

3. Choose the right development approach 

Define what app you want to develop. Will it be a native, hybrid, or progressive web app (PWA)? To define this, you also need to define the key features of your app, such as cross-platform compatibility, performance, and user experience. 

4. Create a feature list 

Compile all the previous steps and build a list of features and functionalities your eCommerce app will offer. A detailed feature list is added below for your reference. 

5. UI/UX design

Develop wireframes and prototypes to visualize the app’s layout and navigation. After that, design a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation, clear calls-to-action and ensure consistency.

6. Frontend and Backend development

• Implement the UI design using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React Native, Flutter).
• Ensure responsiveness and compatibility across various screen sizes and devices.
• Set up server infrastructure and databases to securely handle user data, product information, and transactions.
• Develop APIs and integrate with third-party services, such as payment gateways and shipping providers.

7. Testing and QA

Test the app and ensure its quality via necessary bug fixes, errors, and usability issues. So that it’s compatible across different devices, OS, and web browsers. Examples of eCommerce app QA testing are functional testing, usability testing, performance testing, security testing, etc. 

8. Launching and Deployment 

Prepare for the app launch by creating app store listings, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns. Afterward, submit the app to app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store) for review and approval.

9. Post-launch maintenance and support  

Regularly update the app with new features, enhancements, and security patches to keep it relevant and secure. 

By following these steps, you can develop your eCommerce mobile app successfully. The app you develop will be higher in quality that, meet the needs of your target audience and drive business growth.

Must-have Features of a Complete eCommerce Mobile App

It’s not the app that attracts people; it’s the features that play the role. If you are looking for a complete mobile app for eCommerce, you must check some crucial features of it. As I mentioned three mobile apps in the previous section, let’s look at the core features of those mobile apps.

Here are the user-wise must-have features for an eCommerce mobile app:

User/Customer	Vendor/Seller	Deliveryman
Multiple login	Secure sign-in & sign-up	Account information
Password recovery	Password recovery	Online/offline status
Dynamic search & filtration	Multiple languages	Multiple languages
Product categories	Light/dark mode	Light/dark mode
Promotional deals	Seller wallet	Order notifications
Banners	Product management	Change order status
Featured products	Coupon management	Contact customers
Latest products	Built-in POS system	Ratings
Order information	Order management	Proof of delivery
Real-time notification	Help & support	View customers’ location
Customer wallet	Legal policies	Chat & call customers
Loyalty points	Temporary closed/ vacation mode	Legal policies
Referral & earn	Coupon management	Earning statement
Wishlist	Withdrawal option	Emergency contact
Cart	Refund management	Order history
Order tracking
Rating & reviews
User profile
Multiple languages
Multiple payment options
Light & dark mode
Legal policies

eCommerce App Features for Customers 

1. Multiple Login Methods

An eCommerce business’s customer app must have several login and sign-up options. These include popular sign-in methods like Google, Facebook, Apple ID login, Email, Phone Numbers, etc. This ensures customers can easily join using their preferred social media platforms.

2. Password Recovery

Though the social login method doesn’t require any new password creation, the traditional signup method requires a new password. In this digital world, some people have hundreds of accounts on different platforms, and it is quite obvious to forget some of them. That’s why a password recovery feature is necessary in the customer app. Using proper information, customers can easily recover their forgotten passwords and sign in back to the app.

3. Dynamic Search and Filtration Method

There must be a search bar that is powerful enough to bring all the products a customer is looking for. It should also suggest related products related to the product that a customer searches for. However, an ideal eCommerce customer app must have a proper filtration tool. When customers need anything very specific, they can use the filtration feature to narrow down the search results and get what they want.

4. Product Categories

No one likes a messy environment. Online shopping is way different from the traditional shopping mall experience. The customer app must be organized appropriately so that customers can find all the same product types in a few taps. It would be much easier for customers to find products if there are sub-categories.

5. Promotional Deals

The app should have the option to show multiple deals, such as “Flash Deals”, “Featured Deals,” etc. The more admin/sellers can add deals, the more customers will engage, and at the same time, sales will increase. 

6. Banners

Banners are the places where customers can see promotional messages. Just like deals, more banners mean more business. Customers will see all the promotions, announcements, and deals that the admin wants to show. So this is another crucial feature that an eCommerce app must have.

7. Featured Products

Featured product section is a great place to showcase products that are trending or most wanted by customers. Admin can use this section even to sell products that aren’t going well. The main purpose of this section is to give the limelight on some specific products. 

8. Latest Products

When sellers or admin add new products, it is quite impossible for customers to know about them. That’s why the latest product section in the eCommerce app is important. A new product will instantly appear in this section when uploaded to the system. It allows customers to stay informed about all the latest products and trends. 

9. Live chat

Communication is the key to all business success. Not all customers have the same expertise in using an eCommerce app. Problems or confusion are obvious. When any hectic situations arise, they seek expert assistance. That’s the reason an eCommerce app must have a messaging feature. It allows customers to contact admin or sellers when they need assistance. In addition, chatting with deliverymen is also preferable. If customers have any delivery requirements or instructions, they can contact the deliverymen and sort that out.

10. Order Information

Online shopping isn’t just about placing orders and receiving deliveries. A study shows more than 80% of people constantly visit the order they have placed. It is their instinct to check whether they have placed the right products. So, having detailed order information is a must for an eCommerce customer app. All customer orders must be categorized in different states, for instance, Running, Delivered, Canceled, etc.

11. Real-time Notifications

Real-time notifications are like the heartbeat of an eCommerce Customer app, ensuring that users stay instantly informed and engaged. Imagine this: you’ve just ordered a product, and within seconds, you receive a notification confirming your purchase and providing real-time updates on its shipping status. You get assured about the orders that this feature enhances the overall customer experience by keeping users in the loop, offering transparency, and building trust.

12. Push Notifications

Push notifications are like friendly taps on the shoulder from the favorite store, ensuring customers never miss out on the latest deals or exciting offers. In an eCommerce customer app, these notifications are crucial in keeping users in the loop about flash sales, discounts, and new arrivals. So, an eCommerce app must have a push notification feature.

13. Customer Wallet

For the average customer using an eCommerce app, having a digital wallet is like having a secure and convenient shopping buddy. The customer’s wallet is crucial because it’s like a mini bank within the app. It stores virtual cash and makes the checkout process easy. Customers can add funds and get refunds & loyalty points in their wallets. With the wallet feature, customers don’t need to go for credit cards or constantly type in payment details. Plus, it adds an extra layer of security, making online shopping feel safer and more trustworthy.

14. Loyalty Point

For a customer using an eCommerce app, loyalty points are like little treasure chests that make shopping a rewarding adventure. With each buy, a customer gets what they want and earns these loyalty points, creating a sense of value and appreciation. These points can then be redeemed for discounts or special perks.

15. Wishlist

When customers find something they love but aren’t ready to buy, they simply add it to their wishlist. It allows them to save and remember those desired items. This feature is particularly important because it lets customers organize their desires, making it easy to return later and make those purchases. If you don’t want to lose customers, add the wishlist feature to the eCommerce mobile app.

16. Cart

The shopping cart of the eCommerce app is the same concept as the regular shopping cart in shopping malls. The only difference is it is a virtual form of that real-world one. The cart is crucial because it keeps all the products a customer wants to buy and keeps track of their selections. Customers can review everything just by looking at the cart before making the final decision to purchase.

17. Order Tracking

An eCommerce mobile app must have an order tracking feature. Your customers most likely want to know the status of their orders. Is it on the packaging? Or is it on the way to be delivered? So, having an order-tracking feature helps customers stay informed about their order statuses and saves admins from unnecessary customer calls.

18. Ratings and Reviews

To succeed in the eCommerce industry, you must be as transparent as possible. Allowing customers to share their thoughts about their purchased products is crucial. That’s why the customer app’s ratings and reviews features are necessary. 

19. User profile

Unlike social media platforms, the profile section of an eCommerce platform is quite mediocre. It typically includes the customer’s name, email, phone number, and password. However, the profile section is important as customers want to have an identity in the system.

20. Multiple Languages

Multiple languages make everything so much easier and more comfortable for customers. Customers can browse through products, read descriptions, and make purchases in a familiar language that is easy to understand. It’s like the app speaks the customer’s language quite literally. This feature ensures that everyone can effortlessly navigate and engage with the app no matter where they’re from.

21. Multiple Payment Options

This feature is essential if an eCommerce business serves customers in several countries. In this situation, the customer app must have multiple currencies to purchase products using their own currencies.

22. Light and Dark Mode

It’s the trendy feature that customers really want. It serves the tastes of different users. Some prefer light mode, while some prefer dark mode. Customers can use their preferred visual appearance if the customer app has both.

23. Legal Policies

Every business has its own policies, such as terms & conditions, privacy policies, refund policies, return policies, and so on. The eCommerce customer app must have these policies to be transparent about the business.
If you are looking for the best eCommerce customer app with all these features, test 6Valley and its User App. This app is developed using Flutter, which means it can run on both iOS and Android. You can get the app by purchasing the 6Valley multi vendor eCommerce solution.

eCommerce App Features for Sellers 

1. Secure Joining

The seller app must contain secure joining and easy registration features so that any existing seller or newcomers can easily join. It is a crucial feature because it safeguards sellers’ information, creating a safe environment for them to set up shop. With Secure Joining, sellers can confidently become a part of the eCommerce platform, knowing that their details are protected. This builds trust and encourages more sellers to join, increasing the variety of products available to customers.

2. Password Recovery

Wherever there is a section to create a password, it must have a recovery feature. Though modern technologies have the option to save passwords to the cloud, sellers are human. Forgetting passwords is a very common scenario. So, with the right information, sellers can smoothly recover forgotten passwords and get back into the app.

3. Multiple Languages

Regarding the business location, languages differ. When the seller app has the option to choose a language, it facilitates sellers to select the language that fits them the most. For example, if a seller is not that great in English or it’s not the first language, they can choose their native language to manage the app.

4. Light/Dark Mode

Visual appearance is a personal choice. However, the addition of dark mode to the tech industry has some other reasons too. Sellers usually use apps more than others because they need to manage their orders in the shortest time possible. The default mode or aka, the light mode, is stressful to the eyes. If the seller app has the dark mode feature, vendors can use it for better eye protection. Nowadays, sellers of different eCommerce platforms demand dark mode in the app. So, it is now a must-have feature for any eCommerce app.

5. Seller Wallet

For a seller on an eCommerce app, having a Seller Wallet is like having a reliable cash register. It’s a crucial feature that helps the seller manage their earnings and expenses smoothly. The Seller Wallet acts as a digital bank for their hard-earned money, keeping track of sales, profits and transactions. 

6. Product Management

Product management is crucial because it helps the seller keep track of all their products effortlessly. This feature lets the seller easily add new products, update information and manage inventory, ensuring everything is in order. It’s like having a virtual store manager who makes sure the right products are showcased to customers, prices are accurate and stock levels are well-monitored. Without good product management, it’s like trying to run a store without knowing what’s on the shelves. 

7. Coupon Management 

In the seller app of an eCommerce business, the promotion/coupon management feature is a must! Sellers should be able to create coupons right from the app. Some other features that come with coupon creation, such as edit or delete the created coupons and enable or disable any existing coupons.

8. Built-in POS System

Point of Sale or POS is an excellent feature to have in the vendor app, even if it comes as an addon/premium feature. Using it, sellers can easily manage their online & offline sales and keep those sales tracking.

9. Order Management

Order management is the feature that helps sellers keep track of all the incoming, ongoing and delivered orders. It ensures they can efficiently process and fulfill each one. This feature is crucial because it allows sellers to organize, monitor and update the status of orders in one central place. It is the key to run a successful online store, keeping everything in order and customers happy.

10. Order Details

The seller app must have the order details feature. Reason? Sellers need to see what the order is all about! All order-related settings should be done from the order details section. 

11. Delivery Management

The delivery management feature is the behind-the-scenes hero that ensures the products reach customers seamlessly. With this crucial feature in their app, the seller can easily track orders, manage inventory and coordinate deliveries, making the entire process smoother. It’s like having a trustworthy assistant who keeps things organized and on track.

12. Help and Support

The help & support feature includes prompt communication among the customers and deliverymen. When any of those two users need assistance in any store-centric situation, sellers can handle those on their own.

The seller app of the 6Valley multi vendor eCommerce solution is equipped with all these features that an ideal seller app must have. Test the seller app demo and see how it interacts with the other components of the solution.

eCommerce App Features for Deliveryman 

1. Account Information

The deliveryman app should have information about every deliveryman. This information includes their name, email, phone number, address, identification documents, etc. It should also have the option to edit the login information, such as phone number, email and password.

2. Online/Offline Status

For a deliveryman using an eCommerce deliveryman app, the online/offline status is like a superhero’s signal. Being online means they’re all set to pick up packages and deliver them across their designated zones. It’s like turning on the “delivering mode”. On the flip side, when they need a break or something, they can go offline. During this time, they might grab a snack, take a well-deserved rest, or just chill. This feature is super important because it keeps everyone in the loop, ensuring the admin and the app know when the delivery superhero is ready to save the day!

3. Multiple Languages

Not everyone speaks the same language, right? So, expecting all deliverymen to be proficient in the default language, “English”, will not be a wise decision to take. When deliverymen can operate the app using their own languages, they can easily understand what they need to do and what not! The implementation of different languages lets deliverymen choose the language they are comfortable with. This enhances the user experience of the deliverymen and deliveries become quicker and accurate. That’s the reason you must consider an eCommerce deliveryman app that has multi-lingual features.

4. Light and Dark Mode

Choosing how things look is a personal decision. But in the tech world, adding dark mode isn’t just about personal preference. Deliverymen rely heavily on apps to get their orders delivered quickly. The default light mode strains their eyes, especially since they use the app so much. If the delivery app has a dark mode, it helps protect their eyes. These days, delivery workers from various online shopping platforms really want dark mode in their apps. It’s become a must-have for any eCommerce business.

5. Order-related Notifications

It’s not possible to check when a new order is assigned to a deliveryman. That’s why the real-time notification is important. As soon as a deliveryman is assigned for delivery, the app must instantly notify him about his next delivery. Not only that, these notifications should be stored in a section for tracking later. So, this is a must-have feature for an eCommerce deliveryman app.

6. Change Order Status

In the deliveryman app, all the orders should be categorized based on the order status. It helps deliverymen to find all the orders, including running and previous orders. Considering the deliveryman app of 6Valley, you’ll find a well-constructed order category. You will see assigned, out for delivery, paused, delivered, returned and canceled tabs that ensure your deliveryman can quickly find all the orders in an organized way. Check the 6Valley deliveryman app demo and see how it interacts with the entire system.

7. Contact Customers

For any situation, for instance, a deliveryman can’t find the exact home delivery location, what will they do? Obviously, they will try to reach out to the customer to get the delivery location precisely. If the deliveryman app has a messaging feature that allows deliverymen to communicate with customers, it can save them from late deliveries. Ultimately, it boosts customer happiness and your business.

8. Ratings

You must have encountered a situation where your app asked you about the delivery experience after receiving a delivery from the deliveryman. This is a crucial feature for any eCommerce business. You must know how good the deliveryman was and how the delivery experience was for the customer. That’s the reason a deliveryman app must have the rating feature. It allows deliverymen and admins to know how they are doing and make informed decisions based on that.

9. Proof of Delivery

The Proof of Delivery feature is super important for a deliveryman in an eCommerce app. This feature shows that the delivery has actually happened, like a virtual high-five confirming the package reached its destination. It’s not just cool but also super useful. When delivering a product, the deliveryman needs to take a picture and upload it to the app. This image(s) will be sent to the admin and customer who ordered it. This ensures proper delivery proof. When your deliverymen have the evidence, no trouble-maker customer can claim fake refunds. It protects the deliveryman and your business from any “Where’s my stuff?” mysteries. So, for the trusty deliveryman, this feature is their sidekick in making sure everyone gets their goodies safe and sound.

These are the apps that complete the eCommerce mobile app package. Check for the features that I mentioned earlier. 

Readymade eCommerce Mobile App

6Valley is a readymade multivendor eCommerce CMS and delivery app solution that comes with all the necessary web panels and user apps to ensure a complete eCommerce ecosystem. 

It comes with- 

✅Laravel Admin Panel ✅User/Customer App

✅Vendor/Seller Panel ✅Seller App 

✅Use Website ✅Deliveryman App 

If you want to skip the eCommerce app development part and have a quick head start, then 6Valley is a great choice. It’s developed by one of the most popular Envato Elite Authors: 6amTech. So you can trust their code quality and bring your business idea to life. 6Valley is solely available on Envato Marketplace: CodeCanyon.

A Final Few Words

If you want to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape, developing an eCommerce app for your online business is a MUST. with 6Valley, you get everything in a package. So be confident about your eCommerce app development journey and build a high-performing, feature-rich, and conversion-friendly shopping experience for your customers. 

Thanks for reading this blog. Hope this one helps you find the best eCommerce mobile app from the market. If that is so, share it with others and help them too.

Talk to you in the next one!

FAQs