Introduction
The eCommerce industry has evolved from broad marketplaces into niche-focused platforms. Edamama stands as a strong example of how personalization, curated shopping flows, and convenience encourage frequent purchases. With parents shopping more often for essentials, clothing, wellness products, and learning items, building an Edamama-like shopping app today can create a profitable long-term business.
However, before investing, you need clarity what is the actual cost to develop an eCommerce app like Edamama, and what determines it? This guide breaks down the cost, development stages, feature scope, monetization strategies, and essential technical decisions.
Why Build an App Like Edamama?
Edamama gained trust because it solved a recurring buying problem. Parents make repetitive purchases, need fast access to genuine products, and value recommendations aligned with their child’s age. That insight shaped Edamama’s success model.
If you build an app on similar lines, it helps you:
Serve a Focused Audience
Parents, caregivers, and family shoppers make high-frequency orders.
Improve Retention With Subscriptions
Diapers, food, vitamins, seasonal clothing, etc. are repeat purchases.
Increase Order Value
Personalized bundles consistently bring higher cart totals.
Build Strong Market Credibility
Reviews, child-age-based suggestions, and safety badges boost trust.
When executed well, the platform not only sells products it becomes the primary shopping destination for a specific family segment.
Must-Have Features for an Edamama-Style eCommerce App
1. Registration & Login System
Enable users to securely sign up and log in using email, mobile number, or social accounts like Google or Facebook. This lays the foundation for a personalized shopping experience.
- Simplifies onboarding with quick login options
- Enables personalized recommendations and saved preferences
- Provides a secure user identity for order tracking and support
2. Smart Product Search
Let users instantly discover the most relevant products with AI-powered filters and search suggestions.
- Reduces browsing time
- Increases product views per session
- Enhances personalization from the first click
3. Loyalty & Rewards
Reward returning users with cashback, points, or exclusive deals that encourage repeat purchases.
- Boosts customer retention
- Encourages word-of-mouth through referrals
- Adds long-term value for loyal shoppers
4. Secure Payments
Enable fast, secure, and diverse payment methods like Razorpay, Stripe, PayPal, and UPI.
- Builds trust at checkout
- Supports multiple regions and gateways
- Prevents drop-offs due to failed payments
5. Real-time Order Tracking
Keep users informed with live updates on orders from dispatch to doorstep.
- Reduces support inquiries
- Improves transparency and satisfaction
- Builds confidence with each purchase
6. In-app Chat Support
Provide real-time customer support through live chat or AI bots within the app.
- Solves user issues quickly
- Reduces return/refund queries
- Increases trust and engagement
7. Admin Panel
Control your app’s backend with a powerful dashboard for managing products, orders, users, and analytics.
- Simplifies daily operations
- Tracks performance across all metrics
- Supports team-based workflows securely
8. Product Subscription Management
Allow mothers to automate purchases for frequently needed items like diapers, formula, or snacks.
- Improves convenience for busy users
- Increases recurring revenue
- Creates a seamless shopping habit
9. Multi-Language & Currency Support
Make your app inclusive by offering content in local languages and currencies.
- Increases adoption in new markets
- Builds familiarity and trust
- Simplifies international expansion
10. AI-Based Recommendations
Show users the most relevant products based on browsing behavior and past purchases.
- Enhances product discovery
- Increases cart size naturally
- Keeps users engaged longer
11. Push Notification Control
Allow users to control alert preferences for deals, restocks, and order updates.
- Improves engagement without being intrusive
- Keeps communication relevant
- Helps re-engage dormant users
12. Product Videos & 360° Views
Let users explore products through video demos and interactive 3D images.
- Reduces product-related doubts
- Boosts purchase confidence
- Minimizes return rates
13. Smart Invoice & Tax Handling
Automatically generate bills, receipts, and apply regional taxes based on buyer location.
- Professional checkout process
- Reduces errors in accounting
- Ensures business compliance
Technology Stack
Choosing the right tech stack is crucial for performance, scalability, and efficiency. Explore the latest tools driving innovation in 2025 in our blog on Must-Have Mobile App Development Tools.
What Is the Cost to Develop an eCommerce App Like Edamama?
The average cost to develop an eCommerce app like Edamama ranges between $50,000 and $450,000+, influenced by features, design depth, integrations, and platform choices. Below is a realistic cost-stage overview:
| Development Stage | What It Covers | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Requirements | Business goals, feature list, user flows, and technical scope. | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| UI/UX Design | Wireframes, visual design, prototypes, and interaction patterns. | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Frontend Development | Mobile app screens, navigation, forms, and user-facing logic. | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| Backend Development | APIs, databases, business logic, security, and integrations. | $25,000 – $80,000 |
| Payments & Logistics Integration | Payment gateways, tax rules, shipping, and order workflows. | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Testing & Quality Assurance | Functional, performance, security, and device compatibility tests. | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Maintenance & Updates (Yearly) | Bug fixes, new features, OS updates, and infrastructure tuning. | $8,000 – $50,000+ |
| Overall cost to develop an Edamama-style eCommerce app typically ranges between $50,000 and $450,000+, depending on complexity and scale. | ||
Factors Affecting Edamama App Development Cost
1. Feature Complexity
Basic features like catalog browsing and cart management cost less.
Advanced modules increase both development effort and testing time.
Examples that increase cost:
loyalty engine
voice-based search
subscription ordering
family-based access
dynamic recommendation engine
Each feature impacts architecture, database planning, and UI workflows.
2. UI/UX Structure
Since mothers often shop with limited time, UX needs to be direct:
Single-page reorder flows
Easy repeat purchase buttons
Information placement that reduces hesitation
Micro-interactions and animations increase development hours, but they improve adoption and conversion.
3. Platform Choice
Cross-platform (Flutter/React Native) → Faster and economical
Native (Swift/Kotlin) → Higher performance, higher cost
Launching on both stores natively almost doubles the effort.
4. Security Architecture
Sensitive data such as:
saved payment methods
delivery addresses
child’s age
require:
encrypted storage
fraud-prevention layers
PCI-compliant payment flow
Security increases cost but cannot be ignored for family-focused shopping.
5. Post-Launch Scaling
After launch, you will need:
seasonal features
performance tuning
code upgrades
analytics-based redesigns
Most brands allocate yearly maintenance budgets to remain competitive.
Monetization Strategies for eCommerce Apps Like Edamama
- Direct Product Sales
Generate revenue from every order placed through your app, whether you sell your own inventory or act as a marketplace for third-party vendors. - Sponsored Listings
Allow sellers or brands to pay for premium placement in search results, homepage carousels, or category sections, increasing their visibility and your income. - Subscription Models
Introduce paid plans offering benefits such as early access to new products, exclusive discounts, free shipping, or curated bundles for loyal customers. - Affiliate Partnerships
Collaborate with third-party brands and earn commission by promoting their products within your app through banners, product pages, or blog-style integrations. - Flash Deals & Urgency Banners
Drive impulse purchases using countdown timers, time-sensitive discounts, and urgency banners that boost conversions during special campaigns or limited-time events.
Step-by-Step Process to Build an Edamama-Style App
1. Discovery & Research
The process begins with market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and stakeholder discussions to define the app’s core purpose and target audience.
2. Requirement Analysis
Functional and technical requirements are documented to clarify app features, architecture, third-party integrations, and platform scope.
3. UI/UX Design
User flows, wireframes, and visual prototypes are created to ensure a seamless and intuitive shopping experience across all screens.
4. App Architecture & Planning
The technical foundation is laid by structuring APIs, data models, and system logic to support real-time interactions and scalability.
5. Frontend & Backend Development
Teams simultaneously work on coding user interfaces and implementing backend services, ensuring synchronization and performance optimization.
6. Testing & QA
End-to-end testing covers usability, security, cross-device compatibility, and speed to ensure a smooth and bug-free launch.
7. Deployment & Post-Launch Support
The app is published on app stores, followed by real-time monitoring, regular updates, and feature enhancements based on user feedback.
For a deeper breakdown of timelines across different development stages planning, design, development, and testing check out our detailed guide on How Long It Takes to Develop an App.
Conclusion
Developing an eCommerce app like Edamama gives businesses a chance to build real community-level loyalty. When built correctly, it solves frequent buying needs efficiently, improves monthly revenue predictability, and helps brands enter a growing niche.
From initial research to full-scale rollout, every decision—feature complexity, UI patterns, platform choice, and backend infrastructure—directly affects cost and results.
If you plan to develop an Edamama-like app, invest in an experienced eCommerce app development company that understands real user behavior, scalability requirements, and post-launch adaptation.
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FAQ's
1. What is the cost to build an eCommerce app like Edamama?
The cost to develop an Edamama-style app typically ranges from $50,000 to $450,000+. The final budget depends on features such as subscriptions, multi-user accounts, personalized recommendations, and order automation, along with platform choice and backend structure.
2. How long does it take to develop an app similar to Edamama?
A full Edamama-style app usually takes 4 to 10 months, depending on design depth, number of integrations, backend logic, and testing cycles.
An MVP version can launch in 8–12 weeks.
3. Can I start with a small version before full development?
Yes. Most brands begin with an MVP that includes core features such as product listings, checkout, delivery tracking, and payment gateways.
Once users start interacting, you can add subscriptions, loyalty rewards, and smart recommendations.
4. Which features influence Edamama-style app cost the most?
The most cost-driven features are:
AI-powered product suggestions
Family-based accounts
Subscription ordering
Real-time order tracking
Brand placement modules
Multi-vendor support
These features require additional interface flows, security layers, and testing.
5. Which platform should I build first—Android, iOS, or both?
If your goal is faster launch and reduced cost, a cross-platform build using Flutter or React Native is the best approach.
For enterprise-scale operations, many brands later shift to native apps.
6. What backend is used for apps like Edamama?
Reliable backend stacks include:
Node.js + PostgreSQL
Node.js + MongoDB
Django + PostgreSQL
These stacks support:
scalable product catalogs
heavy search queries
secure checkout flows
7. How much does yearly maintenance cost?
Expect $8,000 to $50,000+ per year, covering:
platform updates
bug fixes
new offer onboarding
security patches
database optimization
8. How can an Edamama-style app generate revenue?
Common monetization strategies include:
direct product sales
sponsored product rankings
paid promotional banners
subscription memberships
affiliate commissions
This creates both steady and recurring income streams.
9. Can the app support multiple family members under one account?
Yes. A multi-member account structure can be added, allowing parents, guardians, or family members to add products, manage wishlists, or schedule recurring deliveries.
10. Why do personalization features increase development cost?
Personalization requires:
behavior tracking
recommendation algorithms
auto-sorting product feeds
These require backend logic, performance tuning, and structured user profiling—leading to higher development time.
