Innovative and creative ideas have become a trend in the competitive market of the Multivendor eCommerce Marketplace. Etsy, a custom and creative goods marketplace app, delivered one such unique e-commerce idea.
Etsy’s extensive market growth inspires entrepreneurs to build a specific and unique multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace app. However, the complexity of the app development process is developing the curiosity of entrepreneurs. Hence, before starting the app development process, they want to learn more about “How to Build an Online Marketplace mobile app Like Etsy?”
It is important to understand the multi-vendor marketplace concept and know more about Etsy before we can actually focus on the app development part.
Multi-Vendor Marketplace apps
Amazon is a great example of a multi-vendor marketplace app because a number of sellers sell products, may they be from the same niche or a different niche. The competition on multi-vendor marketplace platforms is intense since different sellers sell at different price points.
In contrast, Single Vendor marketplace apps are owned by a single vendor. Apple’s own shopping site is a strong example of a Single Vendor marketplace app. Users can buy gadgets offered by Apple. However, there is a fixed product niche as determined by the single vendor, apple, and there are no other vendors except the official products or services sold
Etsy: Custom & Creative Goods mobile app
Now that we understand the multi-vendor marketplace app, we must explore the Etsy app before heading to the app development process.
With 4.9-star ratings from 1 million people and 10 million+ downloads on the app, Etsy is setting the trend of unique multi-vendor e-commerce app development ideas. The app lets users shop for millions of handmade, vintage, creative, and custom goods. It is a great marketplace to purchase gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and more, presenting a unique multi-vendor marketplace idea.
Unique features of Etsy mobile app
Etsy is a go-to destination for unique gifts and product ideas. The reason behind the massive success of the app is its unique features that Etsy offers better than other multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace apps. Here are some of them.
- Saving favorite items with personalized recommendations to save related items
- Notification when your favorite vendor adds new items or items goes on sale.
- Direct message platform with vendors to build a customized product
- Common payments supported by different regions
- A smooth and convenient order tracking
- Multi-language support to deliver an optimum regional user experience
After looking at the features, we can head toward the cost and development part.
Cost of building an app like Etsy
Several factors affect the cost of app development. However, the cost of building starts from $1000 and reaches as much as $1,50,000, depending upon the features and functionalities you want in your app. We suggest you consult your mobile app development partner to consult the cost factor in detail.
Building Multi-vendor marketplace mobile apps like Etsy
A mobile app development process relies on multiple technologies; Android and iOS. Once we understand the available technologies, you will have enough information to kickstart your project by consulting with a mobile app development company.
Android app development
Android is an open-source mobile app development platform powering billions of smartphone users. When you target an Android platform to build an app like Etsy, you unlock maximum ROI, user base, and engagement. Your app development process will contain the following:
- Consultation
- UI/UX designing & Wireframing
- The custom app development process
- Quality analysis and Software testing
Here are the tech stacks used in Android app development
- Languages: Java, Kotlin, Android Studio (tool)
- Platforms: Mobile, watch, tablets, tv
- SDK integrations: social media, analytics, maps, SMS, payment, carts, chatbot
iPhone app development
With iOS, you can target premium customers and earn massive revenue with your Etsy-like app idea. However, you have to tackle strict iOS app publishing guidelines since Apple focuses extensively on the quality of the app. iOS app developers are fewer in number as compared to Android developers, but the customer base is less too. However, when you target premium customers, you can keep bigger margins of profits.
The development process remains the same as in Android, but the tech stack changes in iOS app development.
Tech stack for iOS app development
- Languages: Swift, Objective C, X-code
- Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, iWatch
- SDK integrations: social media, analytics, Apple and Google Maps, Apple pay & other payment gateways
Hybrid app development
You can opt for Hybrid app development if you want to target a broader base of smartphone users, irrespective of platforms. Etsy follows a Hybrid app development approach. Here is the tech stack required for Hybrid app development:
- Languages: React Native, Flutter, ionic, Xamarin
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- SDK integration: A mix of Android or iOS mentioned above.
With the app development knowledge, you are ready to build an app like Etsy, stepping into multi-vendor eCommerce app development.
Conclusion
While building an App like Etsy, it is important to understand the difference between a single-vendor marketplace and multi-vendor marketplace. Etsy is a multi-vendor marketplace. Next, you have to determine the features Etsy offers to its users and add your unique features to deliver a better experience to the users. Finally, with the mentioned technologies in Android, iOS, and Hybrid app development, you can start working on your multi-vendor eCommerce app like Etsy.
Author Bio:
Ishan Gupta is the CEO and Co-founder of RipenApps, a leading web and mobile app development company specializing in android and iOS app development. Deploying feature-loaded mobile & web app solutions to SMBs globally transforms business all around.