Cost to Build an E-commerce App Like Amazon 2025 Guide

Have a game-changing idea for an online store and wondering how much it would cost to build an app like Amazon? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re a startup founder or small business owner ready to scale, building an e-commerce app is a smart move but it does come with planning, timelines and of course, costs. And no, it doesn't have to break the bank if you know what to expect and how to prioritize your features.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost to build an e-commerce app like Amazon, what features to include, the time and resources needed, and how pricing varies based on location, especially India vs. USA. Let’s dive in!

What Features Go Into an E-commerce App Like Amazon?

Before we talk numbers, let’s talk about features. The cost of any mobile app, especially e-commerce, depends heavily on what you want your app to do.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key modules:

1. User Panel (Customer Side)

• Sign up/login (email, phone, social media).

• Product search and filters.

• Product pages with images, reviews, pricing.

• Shopping cart

• Wishlist

• Order tracking

• Payment gateway integration.

• Push notifications

2. Admin Panel (Backend)

• Dashboard to manage users, products, orders

• Add/update/delete product listings

• Manage promotions and coupons

• Access analytics and reports

• Inventory management

3. Vendor/Seller Panel Optional for marketplace model

• Seller registration/login.

• Add and manage product listings.

• Track orders and earnings.

4. Payment & Delivery Integrations

• Multiple payment options UPI, cards, wallets.

• Integration with logistics APIs Delhivery, Shiprocket, etc.

Each additional feature adds to the development time and therefore, cost. The more complex the feature (e.g., real-time tracking, in-app chat), the more you’ll need to invest.

How Much Time and Resources Are Needed?

Let’s look at the rough development timelines based on feature complexity.

User App (iOS/Android): Estimated development time is **6 to 10 weeks

**

Admin Panel (Web): Estimated development time is **3 to 5 weeks

**

Backend Development: Estimated time is **5 to 8 weeks

**

UI/UX Design: Typically takes **2 to 4 weeks

**

QA & Testing: Requires around 2 to 3 weeks

For a basic to mid-level e-commerce app (without AI, AR or highly custom features), you’re looking at 3–4 months total development time, assuming a dedicated team of:

• 1 Project Manager

• 2–3 Developers (Frontend & Backend)

• 1 UI/UX Designer

• 1 QA Engineer

Going for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)? You can trim this down by focusing on essential features only.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an E-commerce App?

Here’s a realistic cost breakdown based on complexity and location.

MVP E-commerce App

Includes: User app + basic admin + limited features (no multi-vendor, no fancy UI)

• India: ₹6 – ₹12 lakhs (~$7,000 – $15,000)

• USA/UK: $40,000 – $60,000+

Full-Featured E-commerce App (Like Amazon Lite)

Includes: User + Admin + Vendor panel + advanced features (multi-language, coupons, analytics)

• India: ₹15 – ₹30 lakhs (~$18,000 – $36,000)

• USA/UK: $80,000 – $150,000+

Enterprise-Grade App Like Amazon Prime with AI, AR, and advanced logistics

• India: ₹40 lakhs+ (~$48,000+)

• USA/UK: $200,000+

Pro Tip: Start with an MVP, validate your idea, then add features as you grow. Deorwine offers flexible engagement models to help you scale cost-effectively.

Cost in India vs. USA – Why Founders Outsource to India

Let’s be real cost is one of the biggest reasons startups and SMBs outsource app development to India. But it's not just about being cheaper, it's about getting quality work at competitive rates.

Here’s a quick comparison:

**Hourly Developer Rate:

**

• India: $15 – $30/hour

• USA: $100 – $200+/hour

**Design + Development:

**

• India: Full-stack teams available under one roof

• USA: Often requires hiring separate vendors for design and development

**Communication:

**

• India: English-speaking project managers with global experience

• USA: Native fluency, easier real-time collaboration

**Delivery Time (for MVP):

**

• India: Typically 3–5 months

• USA: Typically 3–6 months

**Legal & IP Protection:

**

• India: Strong NDAs and service contracts are standard

• USA: Protected under US law and regulations

At Deorwine, we work with both Indian and global clients and offer clear communication, detailed timelines, and transparent pricing.

Why Startups Choose Deorwine for E-commerce Apps

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Transparent Pricing

No hidden costs. No hourly surprises. You get a clear quote with a feature-wise breakdown and we stick to it.

2. End-to-End Development

From wireframes to app store launch we handle everything, including design, development, testing and support.

3. Agile & Scalable

Start with an MVP, and we’ll help you grow into a full product step-by-step. Need to switch features mid-way? No problem.

4. Post-Launch Support

The app isn’t “done” once it’s live. We offer affordable maintenance and upgrade packages too.

5. Global Experience

We’ve worked with startups in the US, UK, Australia, and of course, India. We understand cross-border business needs.

Conclusion : Start Smart, Scale Fast

Building an e-commerce app like Amazon is a solid business decision but it all starts with knowing what you want and how much you’re willing to invest.

• Got a tight budget? Go for a feature-light MVP.

• Want to dominate your niche? Plan a scalable app with future-proof architecture.

• Need help deciding? We’re just a message away.