The US E-commerce market has long been led by local online retailers, but now two international companies, Temu and Shein, are challenging the status quo. 

The e-commerce industry in the US is expected to generate $1.2 trillion in revenue in 2024, and by 2029 Americans’ growing love for online shopping is predicted to boost this figure to $1.8 trillion. Among the most popular products bought online are electronics and fashion items as they attract the most shoppers.

“Amazon Reigns and Other Follows”

Amazon dominates the market, with other retailers following behind Amazon is the clear leader in the US online retail market, holding nearly 37.6% of the market share.

Popular e-commerce apps like Amazon have become the go-to option for online shopping. Today, the way businesses operate has shifted from traditional methods to AI-powered and digital.

Many businesses are developing their shopping apps like Amazon, such as Walmart, eBay, Alibaba, and Shopify, to sell their products online. The rise of online shopping is driven by convenience, as no one wants to waste time standing long at physical stores or waiting to pay. With e-commerce apps like Amazon, people can shop from home, saving time and fuel.

Are you thinking about creating a business app to sell your products online?

If so, your first step is to learn how to start an e-commerce app like Amazon and build the right app for it. And to develop an app like Amazon, it is essential to clearly define your business goals from the start.

But first, you need to look into the history of Amazon.

Amazon: The Humble Beginning to E-commerce Giant

In 1994, Jeff Bezos started Amazon with a simple idea: to sell books online. What began as a small online bookstore operating out of Bezos’ garage in Seattle quickly became something far greater. By 1995, Amazon had officially launched, and within a month, it was selling books in all 50 US states and 45 other countries.

But Bezos has a grander vision. He wasn’t just interested in selling books, he saw the future of e-commerce. In 1998, Amazon expanded its offerings to include music, DVDs, and electronics, and it soon became a one-stop shop for everything under the sun. The year 2000 marked a game-changer for small businesses, with Amazon Marketplace opening doors for third-party sellers to reach millions of customers worldwide.

Amazon’s rise wasn’t just about selling products,  it was about innovation. The launch of Amazon Web Service (AWS) in 2002 laid the groundwork for the future of cloud computing.

With Amazon Prime in 2005, the company revolutionized customer loyalty, making fast, free shipping the norm.

Today, Amazon’s journey from a modest online bookstore to a global leader in e-commerce is an inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere. With the right vision and commitment, your e-commerce app could be the next big success story in the digital marketplace. 

Are you ready to start building?

Key Aspects of Developing an E-commerce App Like Amazon

Planning & Market Research

Top E-commerce apps like Amazon have become dominant players in the online retail landscape. In today’s digital-first world, traditional business models are rapidly evolving. Many companies are now leveraging custom-built e-commerce applications to drive their e-commerce strategies.

The surge in online shopping is fueled by consumer demand for convenience, no one wants to waste valuable time standing in long checkout lines or waiting for manual payment processing. With e-commerce applications, customers can shop seamlessly from the comfort of their homes, saving both time and resources.

Are you considering building your business app to tap into the thriving e-commerce market? If so, your top priority should be understanding how to launch a successful e-commerce business and develop the right application for your needs.

In today’s digital transformation, having an intuitive and scalable app is crucial, whether you opt for a web application, a mobile, or a cross-platform solution that caters to both platforms.

Amazon remains the gold standard among e-commerce apps, outperforming its competitors. To create an app like Amazon with similar impact, it’s essential to first set clear, actionable business goals. With the right strategy, your app could redefine your industry.

Competitor Analysis

Once you’ve defined the products or services you want to sell, the next critical step is conducting a thorough competitor analysis. This will help you gain valuable insights and enhance your market strategy. Compile a detailed list of competing e-commerce platforms and identify the factors that make them the go-to choice for consumers.

Instead of duplicating their features or business models, use these observations as inspiration to innovate and design something even better. Conduct an in-depth analysis of leading e-commerce apps like Amazon to understand how they deliver exceptional user experiences and meet customer needs.

Additionally, it’s beneficial to study their marketing tactics, and pay attention to how they promote their platforms, the strategies they use to engage with their audience, and the keywords they leverage for search optimization. Adopting the right strategies will position your app for success and give you a competitive edge in the market.

Choose Essential Features

This step is crucial as it determines the long-term success of your application. Your goal isn’t just to replicate Amazon, but to create something even more innovative and user-centric. To build a standout e-commerce app like Amazon, it’s vital to focus on integrating intuitive and user-friendly features.

Avoid designing an app that pushes users to take unnecessary actions. Instead, aim for simplicity and functionality, and create a seamless mobile UI design that naturally encourages visitors to convert into loyal customers.

While deciding the UI/UX of your e-commerce app development like Amazon should prefer the user opinions. It should be user-friendly and smooth to use while eliminating unnecessary elements.

Choose a Platform

Android or iOS Development? The right platform choice hinges on thorough market research to ensure your e-commerce app reaches your target audience where they are most active.

You can opt for Android, iOS, or even both platforms, depending on the nature of your products and the preferences of your target market. Understanding your audience’s behavior and platform usage will guide you in making an informed decision that aligns with your business objectives.

Advanced Tech Stack

Building a scalable application requires leveraging cutting-edge technologies to future-proof your platform. Stay informed about the latest advancements and incorporate them into your app development process to ensure longevity and adaptability.

To achieve this, familiarize yourself with the right technology stack, which encompasses everything from frameworks and front-end technologies to back-end systems, databases, programming languages, and server-side technologies. A solid understanding of the technologies stack will empower you to make informed decisions that elevate your app’s performance and capabilities.

The type of application you choose depends on your long-term goals. If sustainability and robust performance are priorities, consider developing a native application. However, if speed to market is critical, a hybrid application might be the best fit, offering a quicker launch without sacrificing functionality

Do you want to understand more about how you can choose the right tech stack for your development project?

Streamlined Registration Process

Ensure your app’s registration process is seamless and user-friendly. Keep the form simple and intuitive, minimizing friction for new users. To enhance convenience, integrate social media login options, allowing users to sign up effortlessly through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Gmail. This not only simplifies registration but also improves user retention by providing a hassle-free experience right from the start.

Implement Notification Feature 

To maintain ongoing customer engagement with your e-commerce platform, “Push Notifications” are a powerful tool.

Every customer has unique needs, and as a business owner, it’s your responsibility to cater to them. Push notifications keep your customers informed about key updates such as sales, discounts, personalized product recommendations, promotions, and special offers. These timely notifications help drive traffic back to your platform, ensuring your customers stay connected and engaged with your brand.

Feedback Section

Gaining insights from feedback is the most effective way to identify areas for improvement. Incorporate a rating and review section on your platform to gather valuable input on both the strengths and weaknesses of your website.

Customer satisfaction and feedback are critical in evaluating your website’s performance. Use constructive criticism to strengthen your platform, address negative feedback, and resolve issues to enhance functionality and improve the overall user experience.

Must-Have Features in E-commerce Apps Like Amazon

The e-commerce industry is coming up with innovation day by day. Amazon is taking those trends and marking its territory more. Now it is your turn to mark your territory. Here are some must-have features in e-commerce apps like Amazon.

Livestream Shopping

Post-pandemic, one feature that has reshaped the online shopping experience is live-streaming shopping. Initially popularized by social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, live streams have become a game-changer for brands. Through live streaming, businesses can showcase products in real-time, providing direct links to purchases right on the screen.

For instance, Dribble live streams its designs and illustrations, offering users access to resources and allowing them to connect with the creators. As of 2022, live streams boast conversion rates that are 10 times higher than traditional e-commerce features. Also known as live commerce, this trend is set to grow exponentially, projected to hit $35 billion by 2024.

Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL)

Consumers are increasingly drawn to buy now pay later services, such as Afterpay, as a flexible payment option. This feature allows users to make purchases and split payments into installments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional credit cards. BNPL transactions are expected to surge by over $450 billion by 2026, with more consumers opting for installment plans over credit card payments.

Tech giants like Apple have also embraced BNPL, introducing Apple Pay Later to their e-commerce offerings. This feature enables users to invest and divide the total purchase cost into four payments, with or without interest. Leading e-commerce apps have already upgraded their payment options to include this must-have feature for your e-commerce app like Amazon, that caters to evolving consumer preferences.

Headless Commerce

In today’s digital transformation world, agility is key to staying competitive. Headless commerce is a modern approach that enables e-commerce applications to adapt quickly to ever-evolving consumer behavior. Business owners are increasingly adopting headless architecture to deliver a seamless and personalized user experience.

According to Forbes, the demand for headless technologies has driven $1.65 billion in funding over the past two years. Headless architecture allows for real-time information exchange between front-end processes, back-end systems, tools, and consumers through APIs. This integration enables businesses to manage multiple channels efficiently, without the need for separate systems and tools.

Augmented Reality Assistance

Augmented Reality is revolutionizing the online shopping experience, offering a new level of interactivity. Among all the advanced features in e-commerce apps like Amazon. AR assistance has made the biggest impact. A recent survey of retail trends revealed that one-third of the US population uses AR technology when shopping online.

Amazon, for instance, leverages AR to let users virtually try products in real time. Recently, Amazon Fashion introduced a virtual try-on feature for shoes and other products within the app. Similarly, Sephora uses AR technology in its Virtual Artist tool, which employs facial recognition to allow users to try makeup virtually.

Social Media Integration

Social media integration is one of the most powerful features in the e-commerce world. Integrating social media into your app not only simplifies user registration and login but also enables users to share products, discounts, and promotions with their networks.

This feature helps users spread the word about your brand, driving awareness and increasing sales. Social media integration also allows users to share their achievements or milestones reached within the app, creating an additional layer of engagement with your audience.

Exceptional User Experience

In a market saturated with intuitive and user-friendly apps, offering an exceptional user experience (UX) is non-negotiable. Users won’t hesitate to abandon your app if it doesn’t meet their expectations. Your app’s UI/UX should stand out by delivering a superior experience that keeps users coming back.

Anyone investing time and money in your app should feel that it’s worth their effort. Ensure your app offers a unique experience that sets it apart from competitors and creates lasting impressions.

Rating and Feedback

One of the fundamental features of any e-commerce app like Amazon is a rating and feedback system. While feedback options benefit users, they are equally valuable for business owners as well. Every piece of feedback offers guidance on how to improve your app and enhance customer satisfaction.

A five-star rating system is often publicly displayed just like how you see on Amazon. It serves as a strong recommendation for potential users. It will ultimately drive more traffic to your application. Positive ratings not only reflect customer satisfaction but also build credibility, contributing to the growth of your user base.

Benefits of Having an E-commerce App Like Amazon

Expanded Reach and Accessibility

Recently the geographical boundaries have been obliterated, allowing businesses to tap into a global market. Mobile e-commerce apps like Amazon take this a step further by ensuring your business is accessible 24/7, right in the palms, and customer segments that were previously out of reach.

Moreover, mobile apps are inherently more user-friendly on handheld devices compared to traditional websites. With enhanced user interfaces and smoother navigation, they create a more immersive shopping experience that encourages consumers to browse and purchase. This ease of access directly translates into increased customer traffic and higher potential sales.

Take e-commerce apps like Amazon, for example. It’s not just a shopping platform, it’s a portable, always-open marketplace, contributing significantly to Amazon’s global e-commerce dominance.

Elevated Customer Engagement

Mobile e-commerce apps like Amazon come equipped with features like push notifications and in-app messaging that significantly boost customer engagement. These tools help businesses maintain a continuous connection with their users by delivering real-time updates on new products, special promotions, and personalized offers.

Additionally, mobile apps can harness user data to deliver a highly customized experience. By analyzing user behavior, preferences, and purchase history, businesses can tailor their interactions, making customers feel understood and valued.

The Starbucks mobile app exemplifies this by offering personalized recommendations and deals based on individual user preferences, which significantly enhances customer loyalty and engagement.

Customized Shopping Experience

Current market, personalization is king. Mobile e-commerce apps can track and analyze user behavior and shopping habits, enabling businesses to deliver tailored recommendations and content.

This personalized experience not only elevates customer satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of conversions. Businesses can further leverage this data to create highly targeted marketing campaigns, which are far more effective than generic ads. Personalized push notifications and emails based on individual interests can substantially drive engagement and sales.

Netflix, while not a conventional e-commerce app, excels in personalization, recommending content based on user viewing history, which keeps users engaged and more likely to maintain their subscriptions.

Reduced Operational Costs

Operating a mobile e-commerce app like Amazon is often far more cost-effective than maintaining a physical storefront. Savings on rent, utilities, and staffing add up quickly. Furthermore, the digital nature of mobile apps reduces the need for large inventories, as products can be sourced or manufactured on demand.

Automation features in mobile apps also streamline various business processes such as inventory management, customer support, and marketing, minimizing human error and reducing reliance on manual labor.

Platforms like Shopify allow businesses to efficiently build and manage their e-commerce apps, lowering the technological barriers for small businesses to enter the digital marketplace.

Scalability and Agility

Mobile e-commerce apps like Amazon offer unparalleled scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to grow without the need for significant infrastructure changes. As your business expands, your app can scale to accommodate more products, services, and a larger customer base.

Additionally, mobile apps provide the agility to swiftly adapt to market changes. Whether it’s adding new features, updating the UI, or integrating with third-party systems, apps can evolve to meet the demands of your business with ease.

eBay’s mobile app is a prime example, having evolved over the years to include innovative features like image search and augmented reality, demonstrating the adaptability of mobile e-commerce apps.

Boosted Sales and Conversion Rates

Mobile e-commerce apps like Amazon often outperform websites when it comes to conversion rates. The streamlined shopping experience, intuitive navigation, and secure payment gateways encourage users to complete purchases more frequently.

In-app promotions and limited-time offers can also act as powerful incentives for immediate purchases. The ability to send instant notifications about special deals directly to users' phones can drive impulse buying.

The ASOS app, with its minimalist design and frictionless checkout process, has successfully boosted sales and improved conversion rates, thanks to its user-centric approach.

Streamlines Inventory and Supply Chain Management

E-commerce apps like Amazon can seamlessly integrate with inventory and supply chain management systems, providing real-time visibility into stock levels, order fulfillment, and delivery status. This integration enhances inventory management, reducing the risks of overstocking or stockouts.

Moreover, automation of supply chain processes through mobile apps improves efficiency and minimizes the potential for errors, which is essential for maintaining customer trust and loyalty.

Walmart’s mobile app exemplifies this by integrating directly with its inventory system, ensuring that products listed in the app are available and ready for fulfillment, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Direct Marketing and Communication Channels

E-commerce apps like Amazon serve as direct channels for marketing and customer communication. Through push notifications, in-app messaging, and personalized emails, businesses can effectively promote products, announce flash sales, and relay crucial updates to customers.

This direct communication fosters a deeper relationship with customers, making them feel more connected to the brand.

Sephora’s app demonstrates this by sending personalized alerts and makeup tutorials to users, effectively utilizing direct communication to enhance customer loyalty and brand affinity.

Enhanced Brand Recognition and Customer Loyalty

A dedicated mobile e-commerce app can significantly elevate brand recognition and foster customer loyalty. An app that offers a superior user experience strengthens brand perception and encourages repeat purchases. Loyalty programs and rewards, when integrated into the app, can turn one-time shoppers into long-term customers.

Nike’s SNKRS app is a stellar example, offering exclusive sneaker releases and content that build brand loyalty and create a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Rapid Adaptation to Market Trends

Mobile e-commerce apps empower businesses to swiftly adapt to shifting market trends and evolving consumer behaviors. Features can be added or updated in response to customer feedback or emerging opportunities, ensuring that your business remains relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

For instance, the H&M app frequently updates its features and product offerings to align with the latest fashion trends, ensuring that it stays ahead of consumer demands and industry shifts.

Cost of Developing an E-commerce App Like Amazon

Estimating the cost of building a mobile app similar to Amazon isn’t simple. The price depends on various factors like features, functionalities, and the platform (Android or iOS). Additionally, the cost can vary based on the resources available, location, and how quickly the project needs to be completed.

To get the most accurate pricing for your app development, feel free to contact us. Share the details of your online shopping app, and we’ll build it efficiently within a reasonable budget and timeline.

On average, creating an app like Amazon can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $300,000. This range is influenced by several factors, including the number of features, app complexity, design, and the hourly rates of the developers.

However, e-commerce apps like Amazon or Flipkart require key features like geolocation services, data synchronization, delivery scheduling, OTP verification, and real-time customer support. Adding these features will naturally increase the cost of developing apps for both Android and iOS.

Conclusion: Why Your Online Business Needs an E-commerce Mobile App?

The future of e-commerce lies in mobile shopping. Today, most people prefer to shop online through their smartphones, so having just an e-commerce website isn’t enough to grow your business. You need to provide a shopping experience that’s optimized for mobile devices as well.

A mobile e-commerce app like Amazon can unlock your business's full potential. It can enhance customer service, boost loyalty, and deliver a more engaging and interactive shopping experience.

By partnering with a skilled mobile app development company,  like TechAhead, you can create a mobile e-commerce app that’s specifically designed for your business. From customizing the look and feel of the app to implementing secure payment systems, an experienced team can help you build an app that achieves your goals and meets your customers' needs.