Mobile App Design Cost
Mobile apps not only help businesses reach customers quickly and efficiently but also provide convenience and better shopping experiences for users. However, a common question always arises: How much does it cost to build an online shopping app? What does the app development cost include? In this article, let’s explore the factors that influence mobile app design costs with Nhất Tâm Solution.
1. How to Calculate Mobile Shopping App Development Costs
Unlike other services, the cost of building an online shopping app depends on many different factors.
Cost Formula:
Cost = Features × Development Time × Human Resources
Among these, features are the most important factor determining the final cost of your shopping app. Let’s look deeper into each component below.
Key Factors
Features
- Product Listing: Shows products with images, descriptions, prices, and details.
- Shopping Cart: Allows users to add products and review before purchase.
- Payment Integration: Supports gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and local payment methods.
- Order Management: Tracks order status and purchase history.
- Login/Registration: Email, phone number, or social login support.
- Search & Filters: Advanced search tools and smart filters.
- Push Notifications: Promotions, order updates, new product alerts.
- Ratings & Reviews: Users can review and comment.
Development Time
- Analysis & Design: 2–4 weeks
- Development (Frontend + Backend): 8–16 weeks
- Testing & Deployment: 2–4 weeks
Human Resources
- Frontend Developer
- Backend Developer
- UI/UX Designer
- QA Tester
- Project Manager
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2. Five Factors Affecting Shopping App Development Cost
2.1 Application Features
The most impactful factor is the app’s complexity.
Simple features → lower cost
Complex, advanced features → higher cost due to more development time and resources.
Basic features:
- Login/Registration
- Product List
- Search & Filters
- Cart
- Payment
- Order Management
- Push Notifications
Advanced features:
- Social media product sharing
- Product recommendations
- Live chat support
- Inventory management
- Loyalty program
- Multi-language
- Analytics & reporting
Shopping apps generally cost more than apps like gym or travel apps due to security requirements (payments, user data, marketing, etc.).
2.2 Development Agency
Experienced agencies usually charge more but provide higher quality and better support.
Nhất Tâm Solution offers 6+ years of experience and has supported 1,000+ projects.
2.3 Development Timeline
Complex apps take longer → higher cost.
Simple App: 15–20 weeks
Complex App: 25–30 weeks
2.4 Platform (Android vs iOS)
If your budget is limited, choose the platform most used by your target customers.
iOS apps typically take 40% less time than Android apps → lower cost.
👉 Get a quote from Nhất Tâm Solution today!
2.5 Publishing Cost
To publish apps on stores:
- Apple App Store: $99/year
- Google Play Store: $25 (one-time)
(These fees go directly to Apple & Google.)
3. How Much Does It Cost to Build & Maintain a Shopping App?
3.1 Average Development Cost
Shopping apps require a high level of customization and complexity.
Starting cost: 25,000,000 VND
Can reach hundreds of millions depending on features.
Pricing tiers:
Simple App: 25–70 million VND
~400 development hours
Simple UI, no complex API connections
Mid-Range App: 70–200 million VND
500–800 hours
Custom UI/UX, API integrations, payment, shipping…
Advanced App: 200–500 million VND
800–1500 hours
E-commerce, multi-language, advanced features, custom UI/UX
3.2 Maintenance Cost
Maintenance typically costs 15–20% of total development cost per year.
Includes: bug fixes, updates, new features, improvements.
Apple App Store: $99/year
Marketing & user acquisition costs may also apply.
4. Three Common Types of Shopping Apps
4.1 Web App
Mobile version of a website.
Cheapest + simplest option.
4.2 Native App
Built separately for each platform (iOS, Android).
Best performance, highest cost.
4.3 Hybrid/Cross-Platform App
Works on all platforms using one codebase.
Cheaper than native, mid-range pricing.
👉 Free consultation available!
5. Nhất Tâm Solution – The Optimal Shopping App Solution for Businesses
Nhất Tâm Solution provides high-quality apps at reasonable prices, offering:
- Custom-branded app
- Modern design & smooth user experience
- 100% secure, stable operation
- Full support throughout development
- Dedicated 24/7 customer care
👉 Get free consultation now!
6. Conclusion
App development cost depends on complexity, platform, features, and timelines. Nhất Tâm Solution hopes this article helps you estimate your own app budget more accurately.
For more information, contact us at 0772114881 or register for a consultation.