Develop an app like Doordash: Cost & Features
August 26, 2024

The demand for food delivery services is skyrocketing, driven by our busy lifestyles and the need for convenience and variety. Apps like Uber Eats, Zomato, and DoorDash have changed how we order food, giving us access to countless restaurant options and smooth delivery experiences.

For entrepreneurs, developing an app similar to DoorDash is a great opportunity to tap into this booming market. With the global online food delivery market projected to hit $1.79 trillion by 2028, there's huge potential for success in this industry.

Numbers often tell the story of a business's success, but what specific features and technology stack are needed to create an app like DoorDash? More crucially, what are the costs involved in developing such a DoorDash clone app?

Building an on-demand app requires a thorough understanding of the unique and innovative elements that can make your app stand out in a competitive market. These features are essential to enhance the customer experience and drive traffic to your platform. So, let's dive into the essentials!

Understanding DoorDash App

DoorDash, Inc., a company based in San Francisco, runs an online platform for food ordering and delivery, trading under the symbol DASH. With a 56% market share, it is the leading food delivery service in the United States and also holds a 60% share in the convenience delivery market.

Customers can use the DoorDash app or website to order food from local restaurants, and Dashers (delivery drivers) bring the food right to their doorsteps. DoorDash stands out in the food delivery industry, making it easy for restaurants and customers to connect for quick and convenient meal deliveries.

DoorDash Key Stats

After looking at the above stats, you might be wondering about the significance of an app like DoorDash in a developed country like the US. Isn’t it mind-boggling?

Easy steps to develop an app like DoorDash

The demand for food delivery apps like DoorDash is skyrocketing. So, here are some easy steps to help you get started on building your next dream for your own food business.

Research and Analyze the Market

Begin by diving deep into market research and analysis. This helps you understand the feasibility and sustainability of your project. Look at what your competitors are doing and see where there are gaps that you can fill to better serve your audience.

Choose a Food Delivery Model

Select a delivery model that aligns with your business goals:

  • Order-Only Model: Your app will handle orders, but restaurants will take care of the preparation and delivery.
  • Order-and-Delivery Model: Your app manages orders and delivery, leaving the restaurant to just prepare the food.
  • Restaurant-Specific Order: Restaurants manage everything from order to delivery, which allows for more personalized service and branding.

Select a Monetization Strategy

Decide how your app will generate revenue. Here are some popular strategies:

  • Commission-Based: Charge a fee for each order processed through your app.
  • Advertising-Based: Earn money by displaying ads from other businesses.
  • Surge Pricing: Increase charges during peak times or high demand.
  • Subscription: Offer premium features for a subscription fee, such as free delivery or exclusive discounts.

Choose a Mobile App Development Company

Find a reliable team to build your app. You can hire freelancers, an in-house team, or outsource to a specialised restaurant app development company.

Easy steps to develop an app like DoorDash

Choose Essential Features

To make your app user-friendly and functional, consider these key features:

  • Customer Panel: Easy sign-up and login, search and filter options, order tracking, restaurant suggestions, multiple payment methods, customer support, reviews and ratings, and order history.
  • Restaurant Panel: Options to accept or reject orders, manage the menu, track payments, monitor delivery drivers, access to admin support, respond to reviews, view daily analytics, keep records of previous orders, send push notifications, and offer discounts.
  • Delivery Panel: Profile creation, accept or reject orders, view order details, communication options (chat and call), push notifications, delivery status updates, and payment method information.

Choose Technology Stack

Select the right technology to build your app. Common choices include:

  • Frontend: React Native, Flutter
  • Backend: Node.js, Ruby on Rails
  • Database: MongoDB, PostgreSQL
  • Payment Gateway: Stripe, PayPal
  • Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud

Manage App Development

Ensure your development process is smooth and efficient:

  • Agile Methodology: Break the project into smaller tasks for more manageable and frequent deliveries.
  • User Experience: Focus on creating an intuitive and appealing design to keep users engaged and satisfied.

Test the Application

Before launching, thoroughly test your app to catch any errors. Perform various tests, including functional, UI, configuration, performance, security, recovery, and usability testing, to ensure everything works perfectly.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

Once your app is live, continue to support and maintain it. Listen to user feedback, fix any issues quickly, and keep improving the app to ensure it stays reliable and user-friendly.

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Why do you need a food delivery app?

If you’re looking to grow or expand your food business, then introducing it into the digital world is exactly what you need! We know…we know…that your mind must be brimming with a lot of questions regarding why exactly you need to digitize your food business and why to start the digitalization journey by investing in a mobile app. Right? Well, we’ve listed some facts below regarding why in this digitally-dependent world having an app for your restaurant is of utmost importance.

Customized User Experience

A food delivery app makes life easier for customers. When they’re hungry, they can simply open the app on their smartphone and place an order effortlessly. It’s as simple as that. Plus, the app can gather customer data to offer personalized menu recommendations. When customers feel the app understands their food preferences, they’re more likely to spend time exploring it, trying new features, and placing additional orders. This not only benefits users but also presents a perfect opportunity for upsells, meaning more revenue for your business.

Brand Visibility and Recognition

Optimizing your app for app stores (ASO) can significantly boost its visibility. By using the right keywords, compelling visuals, and informative descriptions, your app can rank higher in search results. When users search for food delivery options, they’re more likely to find your app. Once they start using it regularly, they become more familiar with your brand. Satisfied customers are likely to leave positive reviews and ratings, which further improve your app’s ranking.

Global Reach and Scalability

A food delivery app allows you to reach customers outside your local area. This is crucial for expanding your business to new regions. Creating a scalable app eliminates the need for physical stores. You can always scale your app’s resources to handle increased traffic, making your business accessible in different regions.

Efficient Order Management

Many food delivery apps provide real-time order tracking, letting customers monitor their meals' status and location. Integrating route optimization algorithms can help delivery personnel follow the most efficient routes, reducing delivery times and costs. An inventory management system can prevent customers from ordering out-of-stock items, ensuring a seamless ordering process.

Data-Driven Decision Making

A food delivery app records each user’s order history, providing insights into customer preferences. Analyzing this data helps you understand what dishes, cuisines, and ordering times are popular. This information is invaluable for making strategic decisions about marketing and operations. You can adjust staff schedules during peak hours or offer promotions during slower periods to boost sales.

How much does it cost to develop an app like DoorDash?

Developing an app like DoorDash involves several cost factors, including app complexity, development team, features, and platforms. Here's a detailed breakdown of the potential costs involved…

1. App Complexity

  1. Simple App: Basic features such as user registration, search functionality, order placement, and payment processing.
  2. Advanced App: Includes additional features like real-time tracking, push notifications, and multiple payment gateways.
  3. Complex App: Incorporates all the advanced features along with AI-based recommendations, advanced analytics, multi-language support, and seamless third-party integrations.

2. Development Team

  1. Freelancers: Generally less expensive but may require more management.
  2. In-House Team: Higher cost due to salaries and benefits, but offers better control.
  3. Outsourcing: This can vary greatly depending on the region (e.g., developers in India are much cheaper than in North America).

3. Platform

  1. Single Platform (iOS or Android): Less expensive than developing for both platforms.
  2. Cross-Platform: Using frameworks like Flutter or React Native can save costs by developing a single codebase for both iOS and Android.

4. Features

  1. Basic Features: User login, search functionality, order placement, and basic payment options.
  2. Intermediate Features: Real-time tracking, push notifications, advanced payment gateways.
  3. Advanced Features: AI-based recommendations, multi-language support, complex third-party integrations.
Feature Category Basic App (USD) Advanced App (USD) Complex App (USD)
UI/UX Design $3,000 - $6,000 $7,000 - $12,000 $15,000 - $25,000
Frontend Development $10,000 - $20,000 $25,000 - $35,000 $40,000 - $60,000
Backend Development $10,000 - $15,000 $20,000 - $30,000 $35,000 - $50,000
API Integrations $5,000 - $10,000 $12,000 - $20,000 $25,000 - $40,000
Real-Time Features $0 - $2,000 $5,000 - $10,000 $15,000 - $25,000
Payment Gateway Integration $1,000 - $2,000 $3,000 - $5,000 $7,000 - $10,000
Testing & QA $2,000 - $5,0000 $139,000 - $275,000> $275,000 - $535,000
Project Management $2,000 - $4,000 $5,000 - $10,000> $10,000 - $15,000
Maintenance & Support (Annual) $5,000 - $10,000 $12,000 - $20,000> $25,000 - $35,000
Total Estimated Cost $38,000 - $74,000 $96,000 - $154,000 $187,000 - $280,000

The cost of developing an app like DoorDash can range widely based on the complexity and feature set. For a basic version with minimal features, expect to invest between $38,000 and $74,000. An advanced app with more sophisticated features will cost between $96,000 and $154,000, while a complex app with all the bells and whistles can range from $187,000 to $280,000. 

Note: Keep in mind that these are estimates and actual costs can vary based on specific requirements and regional cost variations.

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Must have features to include in your DoorDash clone app

Creating a successful food delivery app like DoorDash means offering a range of features that cater to everyone involved- customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers. Here’s a look at the must-have features for each of these groups to ensure your app stands out and operates smoothly.

For Customers

To attract and keep users, your app needs to be intuitive and packed with useful features. Here’s what to include:

  • Easy Sign-Up and Login: Make it simple for users to create accounts and log in using email, phone numbers, or social media.
  • Search and Filter Options: Allow users to search for restaurants and filter results by cuisine, location, ratings, and delivery times.
  • Order Placement and Tracking: Let customers place orders quickly and track their delivery in real-time.
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Support various payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery.
  • Order History: Give users access to their past orders for easy reordering.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Enable customers to rate their experience and read reviews from other users.
  • Customer Support: Provide a chatbot or live chat option to handle questions and concerns efficiently.
  • 3D Food View: Integrate a 3D view of menu items to give customers a realistic preview of their food before ordering, enhancing their decision-making process.

For Restaurants

Restaurants need tools to manage their operations effectively. These features will help:

  • Order Management: Allow restaurants to accept or decline orders and keep track of them.
  • Menu Management: Make it easy to update menu items, prices, and availability.
  • Payment Tracking: Offer a way to track payments and manage financial transactions.
  • Delivery Tracking: Let restaurants monitor the status of their deliveries in real-time.
  • Customer Reviews: Provide a way for restaurants to view and respond to customer feedback.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Offer insights into sales, popular dishes, and customer trends.
  • Notifications: Send alerts for new orders, payment confirmations, and other updates.

For Delivery Partners

Delivery personnel need a set of tools to manage their tasks and ensure timely deliveries. Include these features:

  • Profile Management: Allow drivers to create and manage their profiles.
  • Order Management: Let drivers accept or reject orders and keep track of their deliveries.
  • GPS Navigation: Provide real-time navigation to help drivers find the fastest routes.
  • Order Details: Give drivers all necessary information about the pickup and drop-off locations.
  • Communication Tools: Include options for chat or calls to facilitate communication between drivers, customers, and restaurants.
  • Earnings Tracker: Allow drivers to view and track their earnings.
  • Notifications: Send updates about new orders, route changes, and other important information.

Extra Features to Consider

To make your app even more appealing, think about adding:

  • Push Notifications: Keep users informed about their orders, special offers, and promotions.
  • Loyalty Programs: Reward regular customers with discounts, points, or special deals.
  • In-App Chat: Enable communication between all parties within the app.
  • Surge Pricing: Implement dynamic pricing based on demand or other factors.
  • Promo Codes and Discounts: Let restaurants offer special deals to attract more customers.
  • Multi-Language Support: Offer the app in multiple languages to cater to a diverse user base.
  • Social Media Integration: Allow users to share their experiences and favorite dishes on social media.

By including these features, you’ll create a food delivery app that serves the needs of all users effectively, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience.

How can you leverage AI while building a food delivery app like DoorDash?

Food delivery apps have undergone a significant transformation due to next-gen technologies and one such technology is AI. So, let’s take a look at how you can leverage AI in a food delivery app like DoorDash.

1. Personalized Recommendations

AI can make food recommendations based on a user's past orders, dietary preferences, and browsing history. This helps users find meals and restaurants they'll love, enhancing their experience with your app.

2. Optimized Delivery Routes

AI can plan the best delivery routes by considering real-time traffic, weather, and delivery priorities. This ensures quicker deliveries and reduces operational costs, making both customers and drivers happier.

Optimized Delivery Routes

3. Predictive Analytics 

AI can predict busy times by analyzing customer order patterns. This helps restaurants manage inventory and staff better and ensures that delivery drivers are prepared for peak hours.

4. Enhanced Customer Support 

AI-powered chatbots can handle customer questions and issues around the clock, providing instant responses. This improves customer satisfaction and takes some of the pressure off your human customer service team.

5. Fraud Detection 

AI can monitor transactions for unusual patterns that might indicate fraud. This helps protect your business and your customers by detecting and preventing fraudulent activities in real-time.

How can you leverage AI while building a food delivery app like DoorDash

6. Efficient Order Management

AI can streamline order processing by sorting and prioritizing orders based on factors like delivery location and restaurant availability. This ensures smooth and timely deliveries.

7. Improved Search Functionality

AI enhances the search feature by understanding natural language queries better. This means users can find what they’re looking for more quickly and easily, improving their overall experience with your app.

8. Dynamic Pricing

AI can adjust prices based on demand, time of day, and other factors. This allows for more competitive pricing, helping you maximize profits while still offering value to customers.

9. Quality Control

AI can analyze customer reviews and feedback to identify common issues with certain restaurants or dishes. This information can help maintain high-quality standards across the platform.

10. Targeted Marketing

AI can manage targeted marketing campaigns by analyzing customer data to determine the best times and channels to reach different customer segments. This makes your marketing efforts more effective and boosts customer engagement.

Using AI in your food delivery app can greatly improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and keep you ahead in a competitive market. By leveraging these technologies, you can create a smarter, more responsive app that meets the needs of today's consumers.

How can Antino help you with food delivery app development?

Food delivery apps simplify life for customers by allowing them to order meals from the comfort of their homes.

For businesses in the food and beverage industry, having a mobile app is essential for establishing a global presence, adapting to market changes, and gathering user feedback to enhance their services.

If you haven't yet invested in a food delivery app, now is the perfect time. With the expertise of our team at Antino, you can create a profitable mobile app without breaking the bank.

So, get in touch with us today to discuss your needs in detail.

FAQ's

How do I create a delivery app?

To create a delivery app, start by conducting market research, defining your app's features, selecting a suitable development team, and using agile methodologies to ensure a user-friendly, scalable, and efficient final product.

How much does it cost to develop a DoorDash app?

The cost to develop a DoorDash-like app can range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the app's complexity, features, and the geographic location of your development team.

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AUTHOR
Peeyush Shrivastava
(AVP- Technology, Antino)
Peeyush is a seasoned software engineer with a notable history of developing high-end applications. His expertise spans across iOS design, iOS development, Objective-C, and Cocoa Touch.