{"id":7590,"date":"2026-02-06T04:43:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T04:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deonde.co\/blog\/?p=7590"},"modified":"2026-03-18T08:29:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:29:50","slug":"how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app-like-zepto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deonde.co\/blog\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app-like-zepto\/","title":{"rendered":"How much does it cost to build an app like Zepto"},"content":{"rendered":"

With no signs of slowing down, Zepto, an Indian Q-commerce startup, has become a go-to grocery delivery app for households across India.<\/p>\n

Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra founded this Q-commerce company in 2021. Though Zepto is headquartered in Mumbai, it has over 350 dark stores in 10 major cities and aims to grow that number significantly.<\/p>\n

With a valuation of $5 billion, this young grocery delivery startup<\/a> is now competing against giants like Amazon, Blinkit, and BigBasket.<\/p>\n

The cost to build an app like Zepto ranges from $10,000\u2013$50,000 for a basic version to over $150,000 for a full-scale platform \u2014 depending on features, tech stack, team location, and whether you build from scratch or use a ready-made solution.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll discuss what it takes to build an app exactly like Zepto, the essential features of a grocery delivery app, Zepto’s business model, and the costs involved.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s begin.<\/b><\/p>\n

Why is Zepto so popular?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Very similar to Blinkit, Zepto<\/a> is an on-demand, quick-service mobile delivery app that delivers everyday home essentials and more at the tap of a button.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The name of the brand Zepto derives from the unit of measurement called the zeptosecond. A zeptosecond is equal to one trillionth of a billionth of a second, truly reflecting the brand\u2019s biggest USP\u2014-quick deliveries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with the promise of a 10-minute delivery, Zepto also offers a range of products on its app, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, snacks, personal care products, home essentials, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Statista, the worldwide online grocery industry is worth $ <\/span>50.28 billion<\/span><\/a> and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.8% from 2023 to 2030. Zepto has clearly carved its space in this growing market of on-demand grocery delivery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By maximizing user convenience, Zepto and apps like it are truly transforming the way we shop our groceries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Build an App like Zepto
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Impressed with Zepto and want to build an app like Zepto? Here\u2019s everything you need to know:<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from strategic dark store acquisitions, Zepto has also significantly invested in its mobile ordering application. From creating a seamless app, and adding advanced features to providing timely support\u2014Zepto does it and all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So if you too want to build an app like Zepto, you\u2019ll need to focus on creating a user-friendly and highly responsive mobile app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Steps<\/p>\n

Step 1: Decide your USPs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>on-demand grocery delivery app<\/span><\/a> market is highly competitive. To stand out, you need to decide your brand values and USPs and communicate them effectively. Zepto\u2019s 10-minute delivery promise is a perfect example of how to use your USPs to target consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: Planning grocery app features\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Develop an on-demand grocery delivery app with a full range of advanced features and modules. Make these features accessible and easy to use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0To get you started, here\u2019s a list of some of the top grocery delivery app features that you simply cannot afford to miss:<\/span><\/p>\n

Hassle-free Registration & Sign-in<\/b><\/p>\n

Enable quick sign-ups with easy and user-friendly registration processes. Allow users to create their profiles using social media sign-ins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advanced sort & search options<\/b><\/p>\n

Improve the grocery app user’s experience by making product search more efficient with filters and a search bar that works across the entire platform. Have a category listing to make online shopping easier for the app users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Payment Gateways<\/b><\/p>\n

Offer <\/span>multiple payment <\/span><\/a>options like debit cards, credit cards, UPI, QR, and COD and facilitate secure, one-tap transactions on the app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Real-time Order & Delivery Tracking<\/b><\/p>\n

Enable users to check on their orders in real-time through GPS tracking and real-time updates. The order confirmation notification typically includes an order ID, order summary, and estimated delivery timings. It also includes a live-tracking segment where users can see the movement of delivery drivers in real-time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

User Dashboard<\/b><\/p>\n

The dashboard lets users quickly check their previous orders and repeat them exactly as they were. The user dashboard also allows them to check out the delivered products and pending orders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recommended Products<\/b><\/p>\n

Accelerate users\u2019 shopping experience and create opportunities to upsell products with the recommended product functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wishlist & Add-to-Cart<\/b><\/p>\n

Enable users to add their selected groceries to a virtual cart. Users can also edit and build a wishlist of items they wish to purchase. Also, add a notification option for out-of-stock items\u2014so users know when they are refilled and can continue shopping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Order Customization<\/b><\/p>\n

Customers should have the freedom to browse seamlessly and add products to the cart before checkout. Also, include functionality to adjust quantities of ordered products for maximum convenience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Push Notifications<\/b><\/p>\n

Notify your app users about their order and delivery updates using push notifications. YOu can also leverage push notifications to promote offers and engage dormant users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Refund Policy<\/b><\/p>\n

Instill trust by setting up a transparent and fair refund policy. Train customer service reps to escalate and resolve customer queries promptly. You can also integrate customer servicing AI tools to heighten customer satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings and Reviews<\/b><\/p>\n

Giving customers tools to voice their concerns regarding the quality and delivery of ordered groceries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inventory Management<\/b><\/p>\n

Track inventory and optimize the supply and packaging of grocery items. An inventory management module will help dark store owners mitigate losses due to inventory shortages. Track average daily orders and leverage data insights for efficient inventory management.<\/span><\/p>\n

In-app Communication Channels<\/b><\/p>\n

Facilitate conversations through in-app chatting or voice calls. This will reduce the need for you to follow up on delivery drivers or customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: UI\/UX for your grocery delivery app<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Designing the user interface for your on-demand grocery delivery app is probably the most important part of the process. Your app should be neat, easy to use, and should reflect brand values.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This process will involve multiple mock-ups, wireframes, and design templates. Follow an iterative feedback model to fast-track designs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To start with, keep your app design simple and easy to navigate. Intentionally place CTA and navigation buttons within the line of sight. Also, make sure your design is responsive and can adapt to all screens, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Lastly, personalize your app with the brand logo, taglines, and brand colors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: Backend Development\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your app\u2019s backend will handle all the information storage and processing. Hence, it\u2019s important to secure all backend processes and encrypt data to prevent hacking or data leaks. Depend on reliable third-party integrations to facilitate operations like ordering, payment processing, and customer information management.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, make sure your backend process can handle more workload as your business grows. Make it flexible and agile\u2014so when the time comes, you can scale seamlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 5: Choosing your tech stack<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

For a compatible grocery app that works well with all operating systems, choose frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development.<\/a> For Backend Development, try using a robust interface like Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use reliable databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB for efficient data management. Lastly, take your app online with Cloud Services like AWS or Google Cloud. Inspect cloud space and user seats carefully before purchasing a cloud-service subscription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 6: Testing and QA<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before launching your grocery delivery app, it is important to test it thoroughly for functionality, usability, and security. This involves conducting a range of tests, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 7: Launch and App Deployment<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Now that we are done with testing and debugging\u2014your app is flawless and ready to be deployed. However, you still need a plan to launch it. We recommend you start with a soft launch to test the waters. Observe how your grocery delivery app is doing in real-world scenarios.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, you need to optimize your app store optimization: Put relevant keywords and descriptions to your Play Store and App Store accounts. Affiliate marketing has become particularly effective for your grocery app marketing. Use it to spread the word. You can also offer exclusive discounts for first-time users and encourage them to invite friends and family for bonuses.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does it cost to create a Grocery Delivery App like Zepto?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The grocery delivery app development cost<\/strong> depends on several factors: features, target platform, geographical location of your development team, tech stack, and more.<\/p>\n

Here is a realistic cost breakdown for 2026:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nBasic \/ MVP<\/th>\nFull-Scale<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
UI\/UX Design<\/td>\n$3,000\u2013$8,000<\/td>\n$15,000\u2013$30,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Customer App (iOS + Android)<\/td>\n$10,000\u2013$20,000<\/td>\n$40,000\u2013$80,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Admin Panel \/ Merchant Dashboard<\/td>\n$5,000\u2013$12,000<\/td>\n$25,000\u2013$50,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Driver App<\/td>\n$4,000\u2013$10,000<\/td>\n$15,000\u2013$35,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Backend & API Development<\/td>\n$8,000\u2013$15,000<\/td>\n$30,000\u2013$80,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Real-Time Tracking<\/td>\n$3,000\u2013$8,000<\/td>\n$15,000\u2013$40,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dark Store Integration<\/td>\n$4,000\u2013$8,000<\/td>\n$20,000\u2013$50,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
QA Testing<\/td>\n$2,000\u2013$5,000<\/td>\n$8,000\u2013$20,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Estimate<\/strong><\/td>\n$10,000\u2013$50,000<\/strong><\/td>\n$100,000\u2013$300,000+<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Note: Estimates based on offshore development teams (India\/Eastern Europe at $20\u2013$50\/hr). US-based teams cost 2\u20133x more.<\/em><\/p>\n

What pushes costs up:<\/strong><\/p>\n