It's hard to imagine someone who doesn't like to shop online. In our fast-paced world, saving time is crucial. Most people prefer using shopping apps to avoid long drives or commutes via metro or bus, thus saving extra costs.
Statistics show that two out of three customers use their mobile phones when shopping. They use various shopping lists, apps with discount coupons, and product review and comparison apps. The variety of these apps is astonishing, with billions of users worldwide benefiting from such services.
The online shopping app market is growing rapidly, doubling compared to the previous year. On the one hand, this indicates high demand, and if you have an e-commerce project idea, you can easily enter the market. However, the presence of market giants makes the process challenging, so you need a very attractive idea to find a suitable position in the competitive online shopping app market.
Whether you want to start designing your online store or create a new idea, our article provides you with detailed information on the development and design of online shopping apps.
Features of a Shopping App Design
When creating an app for a customer, you must pay close attention to their needs and desires. The best way to do this is to review user feedback on existing shopping apps to avoid similar potential mistakes. Below is a list of features for designing shopping and retail apps.
1. User Registration
Undoubtedly, this is a crucial feature. Ensure users can register through various methods, including phone number, social networks, email, etc.
A useful tip: Allow customers to make a purchase without registration if possible. This expands your audience. To encourage registration, offer compelling reasons (e.g., a reward and discount system).
2. Product Catalog
You can't have an online shopping app without this feature, ranking second in importance.
There are two main types of customers: some browse for products, others seek something specific. To cater to both, create a searchable catalog. This colorful catalog should showcase all your products, allowing users to find items based on features like color, size, etc.
3. Online Payment
Designing a shopping app without online payment is impossible.
Sometimes, customers might need to see a product before buying it, so you need to specify pick-up locations. During the design and development, simplify the online shopping and payment process as much as possible. Otherwise, why would a customer download your app?
Another crucial aspect is security; you must develop and expand the customer authentication system.
4. Shopping Cart
You can't create a shopping app and forget this essential element. What should a shopping cart be like? Here are some key features:
- Attractive and simple graphic design (users easily understand how to add items).
- Ability to add and remove items;
- Calculation of the final price and payable amount.
5. Search Bar
How to build an online shopping app like Amazon or eBay? A key feature of these popular services is their excellent search engines. Your app should also offer easy product searching with a strong filtering and sorting system.
6. Wishlist
Not all stores are online, but that doesn't mean they should forgo app design. For offline stores, offer a "wishlist" feature. This shortens customer service time and simplifies product selection.
A mobile shopping app can act as a user assistant, allowing them to create a list of desired items (a wishlist) and generate a preliminary invoice. Then the customer can go to your store and select their order effortlessly. This simplifies customer service, saving time for both customers and staff.
7. User Reviews
If you want to know how to design an online shopping app like Amazon, this feature is essential. Amazon leverages user participation by suggesting products from other users.
The principle is simple: by analyzing user behavior, you can understand their needs and suggest products they might be interested in or likely to purchase. For example, suggest products similar to those the user has previously purchased or viewed.
8. Customer Support
To create an engaging shopping app, consider sales rewards and discounts. Many such ideas exist; you can design a loyalty system. For example, offer discounts to those who select and pay for products online via the app.
9. Online Chat
This allows potential buyers to ask questions anytime. This benefits both parties, as many customers prefer online consultants over in-person salespeople.
For this, use a chatbot system. This means the app answers questions (at least initially), with support staff added later if needed. This is ideal when many customers use the app during non-business hours.
10. Barcode Scanning
This allows users to scan barcodes to get product pricing and information, saving time asking salespeople.
11. Nearest Store Search
If you're creating a shopping app and want to simplify the process, a feature to find the nearest store is essential (if you have a chain store system).
12. Instructions and Useful Materials
If you sell complex or specialized products, your shopping app acts as a user guide.
13. Push Notifications
Designing a shopping app isn't enough; you need to encourage users to install it and remind them of your store and products. Push notifications help achieve this.
However, to ensure these reminders don't annoy users, use them only for important sales events, discounts, and activities.
14. Shipping System
You can create a shopping app where customers receive an invoice and pick up/pay for items in-person. However, for online purchases with online payment, a home delivery system is needed. The best solution is to partner with shipping companies or postal services.
15. Customer Feedback
Reading negative reviews is unpleasant, but it helps assess the situation and resolve issues. Statistics show that implementing this feature increases sales by 15-20%.
Shopping app features can be gathered in stages. First, define the main design goals, then discuss features and implementation. With the right combination, you can ensure customers appreciate your app.
