December 31, 2024
Ecommerce app development is booming. And guess what! Alibaba, a well-known ecommerce company, has made a considerable profit in the industry by building apps like Taobao.
Taobao, an online marketplace in China, is launched by a known Chinese company in 2003— Alibaba Group. It is a portal for business and consumer-to-consumer sellings. Further, it is the greatest entrepreneurship platform for young thousands of budding entrepreneurs launching their business ventures. Thus, in Chinese, Taobao literally translates as “search for treasure.”
It greatly appeals to Chinese customers with hundreds of millions of listings for goods and services. It has over 8 million stores, over 1 billion product listings, and well over 930 million monthly active users. It is among the top ten most frequented websites globally, contributing to around 60% of mainland e-commerce sales.
So, if you also want to develop an app like Taobao, you stand out as a business startup.
Below we have shared a detailed guide on the development of how to make a Taobao-like app, and what is the cost of the Taobao- like app to help you make an overall budget.
Steps to Develop App like Taobao Like App
While eCommerce app development looks simple, it is not. Taobao like app need very careful consideration during the development. Before beginning with the Taobao development cost breakdown, let’s understand the steps to develop a Taobao -like app. Here are some considerable steps to developing an app like Taobao.
Market Research & Planning Strategy
First step you need to start with is research and planning of your target market and customers. Understand what solution can help customers shop more in your software. also , analyze whether you want to target B2B (business-to-business), B2C (business-to-consumer), or both.
Before you target any business model niche, you must know that both customers have unique requirements to buy or use the specific services. That’s why make sure you know and analyze your top competitors, including their services for their audience. Also try to know their successful business strategy and negative points as well, and how they retain their targeted audience.
Hire A Reputable Development Firm
Consider reputable development firms to stand out in the business market within your specific niche once you have a good business idea. After you hire your development team, discuss requirements, functionalities, looks, integrations, and targeted platform where you would want to launch the app. And guess what you can freely choose between hybrid or native app development with different platforms and technologies required for making your app.
Incorporate High-End Features & Functionalities
Want to retain users for a long time? That’s when it is important to decide the right and accurate features to include in your software. This will help you align with the user’s engaging approach. For this you have to understand about the services you want to provide your targeted audience with. And then accordingly, decide what features integration can help you achieve your goals seamlessly.
If you are developing an Ecommerce website app like Taobao, consider implementing User Registration/Login, Order Tracking, Shopping Cart, Search Functionality, Checkout and Payment Gateway Integration, Product Listings and Details, User Profile Management, Push Notifications as Basic Features.
Personalized Product Recommendations, Wishlist/Favorites, Ratings and Reviews, Social Media Integration, Multi-language Support, Integration with Third-party Services (e.g., CRM, ERP), AR/VR Product Visualization, Loyalty Programs and Rewards, Advanced Analytics and Reporting, In-app Messaging/Customer Support will work great as the Advanced Features for Taobo like app development.
Make User-Centric Designs
Any app’s interface ensures sustainable user growth in your business. A simple and elegant platform interface ensures a pleasant user experience. During this stage, entrepreneurs should decideon the accurate app wireframe, work on CTA buttons, ensure an engaging user experience etc.
Although, entrepreneurs looking to build a standing-out app with great designs can hire experienced UX/UI developers. They will help you make a fully functional app with an attractive and clean User Interface by choosing the best wireframe tools, color scheme, graphics, and logo.
Testing & Deployment
The testing process began once the software was ready for release. At this stage, everything in your platform must be validated for appearance and link function across every system. How dropshipping sites such as Taobao perform in various search engines depends on how well the names and descriptions are penned down. Upon the audience’s finalization, the software will be released to the public pre-validated multiple times to check that all materials are rightfully published.
Maintenance & Updates
Regular updating and maintenance are very essential practices. Maintenance and continuous updates in real-time improve the lifespan of online eCommerce marketplace software for businesses. Such maintenance and updates could save you from the cost of substantial mobile app development someday.
Technologies To Integrate In The Taobao Like App
Using technology in your software development is a game-changing business potential in the fast-paced eCommerce industry of today. Technology enables companies to reach a wider audience, streamline the purchasing experience, and establish stronger customer connections.
By investing in these advances, businesses may boost profitability, save operating expenses, and draw in new clients. Adopting cutting-edge technology is now essential for long-term market leadership and sustainable growth in a world where innovation is what drives success.
Here are some of the technologies:
AI Development
Taobao and other eCommerce sites are being revolutionized by AI, which provides individualized and effective buying experiences. AI examines consumer data to determine preferences, forecast purchasing trends, and suggest pertinent products. Businesses can use AI to modify prices, guaranteeing competitive offers that optimize profitability dynamically.
AI-powered chatbot development powers answers questions promptly, offering round-the-clock assistance and enhancing client happiness. These solutions automate fraud detection and inventory management, which lowers operating expenses. Personalization, improved customer service, and operational efficiency drive increased sales and long-term profitability.
Natural Language Processing
On websites like Taobao, Natural Language Processing (NLP) improves client interactions by allowing users to comprehend and reply to inquiries accurately. Investing in AI integration services helps users locate what they’re looking for more quickly by refining product searches. Additionally, it makes bilingual help possible, removing language barriers and expanding the clientele internationally.
Sentiment analysis enables firms to evaluate client feedback and modify tactics accordingly. NLP develops a devoted clientele by enhancing communication, fostering trust, and offering smooth navigation, which promotes recurring business and boosts income.
AR Technology
Online shopping is being revolutionized by Augmented Reality (AR), which bridges the gap between virtual and actual interactions. Customers may clearly understand products before making a purchase via metaverse development, such as virtual try-ons for apparel or accessories and 3D visualization for eCommerce or devices.
Using this technology in your software development reduces return rates and related expenses while removing all uncertainty. Additionally, AR makes purchasing more memorable and immersive, which keeps customers interested for longer. Companies that use augmented reality (AR) can differentiate themselves in a crowded market, draw in tech-savvy customers, and turn attention into purchases, greatly increasing revenue and customer satisfaction.
Cost Of Taobao Like App Development
There is no exact amount that can be the estimation of your investment cost to build Taobao like app. However, you must know that the cost of developing an app like Taobao depends on various factors. Typically, you can expect to have a a budget from $25,000 to $250,000. Thos can be less and ever a bit higher due to several factors. All the investment depends on the type of app you want to build.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Taobao like app
Apart from the key investments, some other cost factors need your careful consideration. Here are some factors:
- Complexity of the app
- Platform type
- Experts experience
- Development location
- API integration
- Features integrated
- Maintenance and updates
- Technology integration
- App type (Taobao clone/ script/ from scratch)
Out of these factors, here is the detailed explanation of Taobao development cost breakdown:
Complexity Of The App
Complexity level | Cost range |
Simple Complexity | $10,000 to $30,000 |
Moderate Complexity | $30,000 to $70,000 |
High Complexity | $70,000 to $150,000+ |
Platform Type
Type Of App | Average Cost |
Native Apps ( Android & iOS) | $50k- $100k |
Web App | $15k- $50k |
Cross Platform | $25k- $60k |
Hybrid apps | $10k- $150k |
Development Team Expertise
Expertise Level | Estimated Hourly Rate |
Senior Developers | $100 – $200/hour |
Mid-Level Developers | $60 – $120/hour |
Junior Developers | $30 – $60/hour |
Freelancers/Contractors | $25 – $100/hour |
API Integration
Complexity Level | Description | API Integration Cost |
Basic Integration | Simple API, limited endpoints, basic data handling. | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Moderate Integration | It have several API endpoints, a quite complicated data handling, and few custom logic. | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Complex Integration | It holds huge API integration, custom feature integration and advanced data processing. | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Development Region
Region | Costing |
United States | $100 – $150 |
Western Europe | $80 – $120 |
Eastern Europe | $40 – $80 |
Asia | $30 – $60 |
South America | $25 – $50 |
Africa | $20 – $40 |
These are some of the development cost factors you must know before investing in Taobao app development. These are only a few factors you can consult with any ecommerce app development company or explore the eCommerce app development cost to make your overall budget without any risks or hidden charges.
RichestSoft— Your Incredible Support System In Taobao App Development
While the investment cost is huge, no one can afford to take risks while developing your iconic business idea. This is why it is essential to hire a reputable development company like RichestSoft.
We are specialized eCommerce app developers who help businesses grow faster and smoother. We build high-quality white label Taobao apps that are efficient and productive. Whether your initiative is to start an ecommerce app development from scratch or want to invest in whitelabel Taobao like app development, we are all by your side. We have experienced professionals with accurate knowledge and expertise in helping businesses grow in the ecommerce market through our developed app. Although, we are ideal for your business because we are proficient in everything, whether it’s planning or deployment.
By choosing us you can be confident in the quality of your eCommerce app like Taobao. So why wait? Get in touch with RichestSoft today and start developing your eCommerce app.
Conclusion
Taobao has established a top-rated online position in the e-commerce industry. However, developing a successful eCommerce app like Taobao is no wonder a profitable deal for you. Want to build an ideal Taobao like software to start a business? Make sure you conduct overall market research and strategically plan the type of app you want to build, also analyze the key features integration, choose the right technology integration, and keep the regular maintenance in loop in your project even after your platform launch.
Also remember to understand the app like Taobao’s cost to avoid any surprising expenses. For more understanding, you can contact a well-reputed development company like RichestSoft. We stand out as an ideal support for eCommerce app development, such as providing a white label Taobao app.