Build a Grocery App Like BigBasket: Cost Insights and Breakdown!

Types of Grocery Apps

Let’s learn the different types of grocery applications. Understanding these categories will assist you in choosing the right grocery application for your business. 

1. Online Grocery Stores

Think of traditional grocery shopping where you’ve to visit a physical store. Now, if we talk about online grocery – they act as digital storefronts for grocery chains or retailers. 

81% of consumers like online grocery apps because they are convenient. 

Customers can browse products, add items to their carts, and place orders for pickup or delivery from the comfort of their homes.

 Retail giants like Walmart and Kroger use these apps to improve customer retention and optimize operations.  

2. Grocery Delivery Apps

In November 2024, 77.8 million households opted to buy groceries online, highlighting the growing reliance on digital solutions for everyday needs.

Grocery delivery apps have transformed the grocery delivery market and offered unparalleled convenience by delivering products directly to customers’ doorsteps—often within minutes or hours.

These apps, which include industry giants like Shipt and Instacart, place a high value on speed and efficiency. They work with local stores and warehouses to ensure a perfect shopping experience.

Features that make grocery shopping easier and faster, such real-time order tracking, configurable delivery scheduling, and a range of secure payment options, add to their appeal. 

3. Specialty Grocery Apps

Specialty grocery applications target specialized markets by offering a carefully curated selection of specialty food items, such as organic, vegan, gluten-free, or ethnic goods. These apps are designed to take into account the unique nutritional needs and lifestyle of each user.

In 2023, the global organic food market grew by an astounding $272 billion, largely due to online sales. Specialty apps give users the flexibility to manage subscriptions and change orders to suit their requirements and tastes. 

MilkBasket and DailyNinja are well-known examples that are notable for their emphasis on providing fresh, superior items that are customized to the interests of its customers. 

In addition to making grocery shopping easier, these applications improve user experience by offering smooth order management and tailored recommendations. 

4. Subscription-based Grocery Apps

Subscription apps deliver groceries on a regular basis for a recurring cost. Customers can create their own delivery schedules and product lists. 70% of users stay subscribing due to convenience and cost savings.

These applications, like HelloFresh and Blue Apron, provide consumers with meal kits or grocery boxes that are personalized to their specific needs. Subscribers frequently benefit from discounts and loyalty perks. 

5. Individual Grocery Apps

Individual grocery applications are standalone apps created by specific supermarket businesses. These apps frequently provide in-store navigation, digital coupons, and loyalty programs.

To strengthen their brand identification, retailers such as Aldi and Lidl develop individual grocery applications. Finally, these apps improve their digital footprint and consumer experience.

Essential Features of Grocery Delivery App Development

We’ve discussed the top features to integrate into your grocery delivery app, including the user, admin, and delivery partner panels. 

Let’s get into details:

Features for User Panel

Let’s check the features that you can consider for the user panel for the grocery app:

Features for Admin Panel 

Let’s check the features that you can consider for the admin panel for the grocery app:

Features for Delivery Partner Panel 

Let’s check the features that you can consider for the delivery partner panel for the grocery app:

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Grocery Delivery App Like BigBasket?

There’s no fixed development cost for online grocery app development. This is mainly because the development cost depends on several factors. This includes the project’s complexity, app platform, UX UI, tech stack, development team, and more.

However, the estimated grocery delivery app development cost ranges from $10,000 to $80,000 or above. 

Let’s check the estimated development cost of the grocery delivery application:

Here’s a formula through which you can easily calculate your app development cost:

Let’s now take a look at the developer’s hourly rates:

Now, let’s know the developer’s hourly rates based on their experience:

How to Make Money from Grocery App Development Like BigBasket?

Let’s understand top 5 monetization strategies for grocery app development like BigBasket:

1. Commission-Based Model

Earn a percentage of each sale made through your app by partnering with local grocery stores, vendors, or brands. This model is particularly effective for multi-vendor platforms.

• Example: Charge vendors 10% to 20% of their order value as commission.
• Benefit: A scalable revenue stream that grows with the number of vendors and orders.

2. In-app Advertising

Allow businesses and grocery retailers permission to advertise their products on your app. Examples of in-app advertising that can generate a substantial amount of revenue include banner ads, sponsored listings, and exclusive offers. 

• Example: Charge $500–$5,000 per ad campaign, depending on app traffic.
• Benefit: Provides additional income without increasing costs for users.

3. Delivery Service Fee

When clients’ orders fall short of the minimum purchase quantity, they are charged for delivery. Additionally, tiers of delivery fees can be added based on distance, delivery duration, or request urgency. 

• Example: $2–$6 per delivery for orders below $30.
• Benefit: Encourages larger order sizes while covering delivery logistics costs.

4. Surge Pricing

When demand is high, such as on weekends, holidays, or in inclement weather, use dynamic pricing. For assured time slots or quicker delivery, customers pay more. 

• Example: A 10%–30% increase in delivery charges during peak times.
• Benefit: Boosts earnings during increased demand while balancing the delivery load.

5. Collaborative Partnership

Collaborate with banks, credit card companies, or payment systems to provide users discounts, rebates, or loyalty rewards. You get a share of the promotional costs from these partnerships. 

• Example: Partner with a digital wallet provider for exclusive discounts funded by the partner.
• Benefit: Attracts new users while creating a win-win for all stakeholders.

5 Benefits of Grocery App Development Like BigBasket

Building a grocery app like BigBasket offers significant advantages for both businesses and customers. Here are five key benefits:  

1. Increased Customer Convenience

Grocery applications provide a seamless shopping experience by enabling users to order products at any time and from any location. Features like scheduled deliveries, real-time order tracking, and easy payment alternatives boost user happiness.   

• Example: Customers can schedule grocery deliveries for specific times, reducing the hassle of visiting stores.  
• Benefit: Builds customer loyalty and expands your user base.  

2. Broader Market Reach

A grocery app allows you to offer customers in different locations by eliminating geographical limits.  This leads your business to reach a broader market and target customers at a large scale. 

• Example: BigBasket operates in various cities, enabling access to a larger customer base.  
• Benefit: Increases revenue potential and establishes your brand in new markets.  

3. Cost Efficiency for Businesses

Digitalizing grocery operations reduces rent and other costs associated with operating physical locations. Simplified inventory management and automated processes further boost operational efficiency.   

• Example: Automated stock updates prevent overstocking or understocking.  
• Benefit: Higher profit margins and reduced operational overheads.  

4. Enhanced Customer Engagement

Integrated features that keep customers interested include personalized suggestions, loyalty plans, and promotion alerts. Offers can be customized to each customer’s preferences using data-driven insights.   

• Example: Offering discounts based on a customer’s purchasing history increases repeat orders.  
• Benefit: Boosts customer retention and encourages frequent purchases.  

5. Diverse Revenue Streams

Multiple revenue streams, including vendor commissions, in-app advertising, and delivery fees, are made possible by grocery applications. Your company can expand and continue to turn a profit if it has multiple sources of income.  

• Example: BigBasket earns revenue through subscription plans (BB Star), advertising, and partnerships.  
• Benefit: Ensures a steady and diversified income flow.  

Your Grocery App Business Success Starts Here—Partner with Apptunix Today!

Ready to build a grocery delivery app that stands out?

Partner with Apptunix, a leading on-demand delivery app development company where we bring your vision to life with cutting-edge technology, seamless designs, and unmatched expertise. Our expert Android & iOS developers, designers and our entire team will assist you with custom solutions tailored to your business needs to creating scalable, user-friendly apps, we ensure your app performs efficiently and grows with your business.

Here’s why we’re your ideal partner:

Start your journey to success with Apptunix—your trusted partner in grocery app development. Let’s build something extraordinary today!