What is the Cost of Developing a Food Ordering App in 2021

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the food delivery market has surpassed $25 billion in the US alone. With online food deliveries becoming a routine, food delivery platforms across the globe are engaged in a battle to gain a larger market share.

The rise of online food apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Swiggy has also transformed traditional restaurant dine-ins into food delivery hubs. This is leading to a  lot of local restaurants and micro food brands wanting to have their own food delivery app. Especially if one has a customer base then why pay the food delivery companies like Uber Eats a heft 20-25% of the bill amount in addition to the delivery fees.

For budding entrepreneurs or established food related businesses aspiring to get into the food delivery business, the fundamental question is–what is the overall cost of developing a food and beverage app? 

Since there are no precise estimates, agencies are charging different rates depending on a number of geological, technical, and financial factors.At NetworkON we have prepared this blog to help you get all the answers to your how, why, and when for developing a food delivery app. So let’s dive into it!

What is a Food Delivery App?

A Food delivery app is a mobile interface with which clients can place an order from restaurants available in their location. 

Since most people have little time to go to restaurants, food delivery apps act as a bridge between restaurant owners and customers, enabling seamless food ordering and delivery right at the doorsteps.

How does a Food Delivery App work?

An online food delivery platform is not just a single app but four different apps that work in integration to ensure a seamless food delivery process.

Customer App

The customer app is installed on the smartphone of your customers. The app needs to be user-friendly with important features to check out all the available restaurants and discount offers. 

• Customers sign in and register their profile with a valid email address
• Users can browse the food menu of each available restaurant
• Upon selecting a choice of food, the user can place an order
• By making the final payment, the order is confirmed
• Users can track the delivery time and location of the drivers in realtime
• Upon receiving the order, users can review the food and service

Restaurant App

The restaurant owner also uses a web application that lets them manage delivery orders.

• The restaurant lists the food menu with prices.  An update the menu, change pricing and run special promotions.
• They receive an order and confirm it on the basis of availability
• The restaurant assigns the staff to prepare the specific order after confirmation
• While preparing the food item, the restaurant owner can also check the nearby delivery agents and assign one to begin food delivery
• Once a delivery agent is selected, real-time tracking helps to project an ETA

Delivery Agent App

The delivery agent manages the pick-up and drop-off using this app.

• The agent registers a profile on the app by entering personal details and driving license number
• Once the information is verified, the delivery agent can receive and accept orders based on their convenience
• Once an order is accepted, the delivery agent receives all the delivery task details will real-time navigation and route suggestions
• Once the food is delivered, the delivery agent can mark the order as complete on the app

Admin Panel

The admin panel allows seamless integration and smooth functioning between the restaurant, delivery agents, and the end customer. 

The basic features and functionalities of an admin panel are:

• Order Booking and Fulfilment  Management
• Vehicle and Delivery Agent Detail Management
• Location and Route Tracking of All Agents
• Manage Ratings and Reviews 
• Real-time Messaging and Customer Support
• Run Promotions and Discounts

Selecting the Right Technology to build Food Delivery App

Choosing the right technology is important to create a successful app. For an on-demand delivery app, here is the tech stack you will require to go forward:

How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Food and Beverage App?

To create an accurate cost of developing food ordering App, parameters like features, functionalities, and platforms have to be considered.

The simple formula of getting a cost estimate is:

Total mobile app development cost = Total development hours x Developer’s hourly rate 

With US-based developers, you may have to pay an hourly rate between $50 to $200, depending upon the expertise you require. While European and Asian developers charge anywhere between $20 to $80 an hour. 

The NetworkON Advantage

For a food and beverage delivery app development, it’s important to understand your target niche market, challenges you would face, and how would you resolve them.

A successful food delivery app should fit into a customer’s schedule, should be user-friendly, and work seamlessly for restaurant owners.

With NetworkON, you have the power to develop an app that synergizes with your capabilities and helps you achieve business growth and success. Our food delivery app development packages start from just $4k, while extra customizations and integrations are available at different rates. To know more visit our website or get in touch with our team at info@networkon.io.