How To Develop A Food Delivery App: Step-by-Step Process Explained

Quick Summary: Have you ever thought of building a food delivery app and got stuck in the middle? Was it because of a lack of planning or market understanding? Whatever the reason, our guide will give you a complete insight into what goes into making a food delivery app

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The industry of food businesses is facing rapid change. Everything from fast food to healthy meals has gone online. Customers prefer ordering food online rather than spending time in the kitchen.

Therefore, creating a successful food delivery app acts as the best solution for them to fulfill their food cravings. These food-ordering apps are largely focused on convenience and customer experience. Users can quickly search for their favorite food, avail of special deals, and get food delivered from a local restaurant.

For instance, the best food delivery service, like DoorDash, provides features like customization, a wide range of food options, discovering local restaurants, and much more for a smooth online food delivery experience.

If you’re thinking of starting a food delivery venture, you need to take a few key steps to get things off the ground. One of the most important is building a solid business roadmap that includes everything from market research and customer analysis to finalizing your business model and deciding on the features and customizations you’ll need to succeed. And, at last the most crucial step is choosing the best food delivery app development company to help bring your vision to life.

So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of launching a food delivery app startup, starting with a deep dive into customer behavior and market demand.

Changing Customer Demand and The Market

On demand food delivery apps are not a decade-old concept; instead, the first online food ordering service started in 1995, known as Worldwide Waiter (now known as waiter.com). Since then, this market has seen an uphill in its growth. 

But what makes the best food delivery apps attractive and addictive for users?

The first reason, of course, would be the convenience, but other factors like discounts, unlimited options, easy payments, etc., are also responsible for its growth. Such features have made food apps so addictive that users now mostly prefer ordering food online rather than paying a visit to the restaurant.

The food delivery app industry is projected to reach $320 billion by 2029. Further, 60% of restaurant owners believe that offering food delivery has added great sales to their business.

Source: BusinessOfApps

Types of On Demand Food Delivery Apps

Models of food delivery apps can be divided into two based on the number of restaurants they provide. These include restaurant-to-consumer delivery and platform-to-consumer delivery.

1. Restaurant-to-consumer Delivery

Such a model is used by restaurants that provide a digital version of their restaurants. It aims at providing food to the consumers from a particular restaurant through their application.

One of the best examples of this is Domino’s. Though Domino’s is available on other platforms like UberEats and more, it also has its own food delivery app, where customers can directly place an order and receive it straight from Domino’s (hence, not including any third party).

2. Platform-to-consumer Delivery

The Aggregator model has already acquired the food delivery market by providing services at the convenience of consumers. Platform-to-consumer delivery apps bring multiple local restaurants on one platform, where they can place their menus, discounts, and offers. Furthermore, the users can search for restaurants, place orders, and get them delivered quickly.

The best examples of food delivery services are UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, which have millions of users on their respective applications. The aggregator model gives a variety of options to choose from, making it lovable among the audience. 

The industry of food businesses is facing rapid change. Everything from fast food to healthy meals has gone online. Customers prefer ordering food online rather than spending time in the kitchen.

To learn more about how Uber Eats generates revenue, check out this insightful blog post, where we explained the Uber Eats Business Model.

Therefore, mobile apps act as the best solution for them to fulfill their food cravings. These food-ordering apps are largely focused on convenience and customer experience. Users can quickly search for their favorite food, avail of special deals, and get food delivered from a local restaurant.

How Much Does Food Delivery App Development Cost?

Estimating the exact amount for food delivery apps can be difficult as it can only be decided after considering factors like the complexity of the app, maintenance, app platform, software and technology required, and the team you will hire to develop the app. 

The average food delivery app development cost can range between $15,000 to $60,000. But this can further vary depending on the factors mentioned above. Hence, choosing a food delivery app development company that fits your budget requirements is extremely important.

But why does the cost vary so much? And what other factors affect the development cost? The answer is app features. To build a competitive food delivery app, you need basic and advanced features for all four apps—customer, service provider, admin, and delivery agents.

The section below mentions the must-have features for a successful food delivery app.

Essential Features of a Food Delivery App

What makes an app great? Or what kind of app retains its users? It is all the game of kinds of features that an application provides. Here, we will discuss the essential elements from the basis of consumers, admin, and courier.

1. Features of Customer App 

Once your app comes into the market to the point where it gets valuable customers, engaging and retaining them is vital. The following features can help with it.

1.1. Easy User Registration

Registration is the first step that users will take. So, it should be simple and quick. It can be either done through email and password or via social media like Google, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Whatever the app contains, the data should be protected, so the user has a sense of security.

1.2. User Profile

Now that the users have registered, they would want to manage their profiles. Their profile will include personal information, favorite restaurants, order history, saved payment options, food preferences, and much more that can provide quick access to them.

1.3. Geo-Location

Setting the exact location should be simplified. It can be done via auto-detecting or filling in the details manually. The location can be further categorized into the home, work, or other categories.

Their exact location will also help users to find nearby restaurants. Additionally, it will also connect the users with local restaurants.

1.4. Restaurant/Dish Search

Search option directly affects user retention. The easier it is for users to find a restaurant or dish, the better the chances of them coming back. To make the feature more user-friendly, you can add certain filters like location, food category, etc.

They should be able to locate multiple restaurants quickly.

1.5. Placing an Order

Making an order should be totally easy for the user. They should be able to add items to the cart, remove items, or add more if needed. The total cost, including the delivery fee, should also be available in the cart with other information regarding tax, service fees, and more. Further, a feature like pre-order food will be a cherry on top of the cake. 

1.6. Quick Payment

Now that the user has placed an order, making payment should not be a problem. They must get multiple payment options like debit or credit card, cash on delivery, UPI, or through other in-built payment methods.

1.7. Real-time Tracking

Real tracking of the order allows users to get instant updates on their food, whether it is in the preparation stage, packing stage or prepared food is on its way, and estimated delivery time so that they can monitor it throughout.

Further, information regarding the delivery driver gives them access to contact the person directly.

1.8. Customizing Orders

People have become conscious about what they eat. A customization option in the application will help in user retention. Restaurants and food delivery providers must adjust to the users’ options. For instance, some may be allergic to a food item, or others may want gluten-free food.

1.9. In-app Messaging

The feature is crucial as it will allow users to contact customer care in case of any problem. An in-app messaging feature will also help them communicate with couriers.

1.10. Rating and Reviews

Consumer feedback is an essential part of the app. They should be able to rate both the food and the delivery. It provides them a space to share positive and negative experiences with others. Also, the admin can use this to enhance their app.

1.11. Push Notifications

Through push notifications, users can get information regarding discounts, coupons, special offers, and estimated delivery time, ensuring that they get every important data. It is also used for providing every-minute details on their current order.

2. Features of Restaurant App

Restaurants are another part of this three-sided business model. Hence, each restaurant should be able to display menus, provide information, and quickly get in touch with its customers. Its features should include the following:

2.1. Admin Dashboard

It is the primary feature, ensuring access to multiple management tools like controlling delivery orders, public data, and other content. 

2.2. Registration

This feature will help a restaurant create a representative account that will be displayed on the search. Restaurants usually undergo authorization with login (company name) and password.

2.3. Content Management

Content management features will let the restaurant edit public information like restaurant name, working hours, address, dish prices, delivery rates, menu, photos, videos, and much more.

2.4. Order Management

This function will help restaurants track the order in real-time. It can contain information about order status, whether it’s accepted, ready, delayed, or canceled. 

2.5. Receiving Payments

As restaurants receive the payment after placing the order, a payment feature is essential for a transaction fairness guarantee.

2.6. Customer Support

Restaurants should be able to track their customer’s concerns via live chat. They should quickly receive any questions from buyers and answer them instantly.

3. Features of Delivery Partner App

Source: ValueAppz

Food delivery app development for delivery partners is equally important as they will use it on the go. It must include all features that make food delivery an easy process and where they can contact in an emergency.

3.1. Registration

As much as it is necessary for customers and restaurants to make a profile, so is it for the delivery people. It can be done either by email and password or via social media accounts.

3.2. Profile Management

The profile usually contains information about name, working hours, photo, and others. The feature should be easy to use to make any changes hassle-free.

3.3. Order Management

Such a feature will help delivery workers view, accept, or reject orders.

3.4. GPS Support

It is imperative to ensure that the driver delivers food to the correct address without the delivery person getting lost in the way. 

3.5. Contact Restaurant/Customer

The delivery person should be able to contact a consumer or restaurant if needed while delivering food.

4. Features of Admin Dashboard

The admin app gives the admin complete control over the food delivery operations. From managing orders to handling deliveries, restaurants, and more, a robust app can help the admin manage everything seamlessly.

Source: ValueAppz

4.1 Dashboard

The dashboard will enable the admin to have a centralized view of key performance indicators like order volume, revenue, customer feedback, and more relevant metrics.

4.2 Order Management

This particular feature is essential for the admin to access and manage all incoming orders through one app. It should include viewing order details, tracking status, and updating it timely.

4.3 User Management

The admin should also be able to manage user accounts, including customers, delivery drivers, and restaurant partners.

4.4 Restaurant Management

The admin app must also give the power to manage restaurant partners through the app by verifying their information, setting commission rates, and assisting with menu setup.

4.5 Analytics and Reports

The analytics and reports are another vital feature to include in the admin app. They should be able to access data on order trends, feedback, sales, and more.

4.6 Delivery Fleet Management

This feature should let the admin manage and assign deliveries. They should be able to track driver locations, assign or reassign orders, and monitor the delivery progress.

Complete Process to Develop a Food Delivery App

There is massive competition in the on demand food delivery industry, so how to develop a food delivery app that engages the target audience? Below is the complete process to develop a food delivery app.

1. Market Research

When creating a food delivery app, market research is an essential stage. To build a successful app, it assists you in recognizing the competition, understanding customer expectations, and making wise selections.

Further, market research will help analyze the competition. You can evaluate their features, user experience, pricing strategies, and customer reviews to understand if there is still any gap in meeting the customers’ demands.

2. Choose a Business Model

Another crucial stage in the process to develop a food delivery app is picking the appropriate business model. Consider alternatives like an aggregator strategy, in which you collaborate with numerous restaurants and provide a wide selection of options, or a logistics-focused approach, in which you concentrate on delivery services for restaurants without their own drivers. 

Another choice is a fully integrated approach, where you partner with cloud kitchens or offer delivery services in addition to having your own kitchen. To ensure the success and sustainability of your food delivery app, the business model you choose should be compatible with your target market, competitive landscape, available resources, and overall value proposition.

3. Choose the App Features

Once you know your business model, you must pick the right features for your food delivery app. A user-friendly interface for simple ordering and tracking, a thorough restaurant listing with search and filter options, secure payment options, real-time order tracking, restaurant reviews and ratings, customer support, loyalty programs, and push notifications to keep users interested are important features to take into account. 

Furthermore, taking into consideration features like social media integration, tailored suggestions, and in-app chat can improve user experience and set your app apart in the competitive food delivery industry.

4. Pick Revenue Models

How will you make money with your food delivery app? There are several possibilities to think about, like commission-based business models where you deduct a fee from each order handled through the app. Using a subscription-based model, where customers pay a monthly or yearly price for premium features or perks, is an additional strategy. 

Alternatively, you may partner with restaurants or other pertinent businesses to add advertising as an income stream. Regardless of the model you select, it’s critical to carefully assess the market, user trends, and competition to establish the best and most efficient revenue strategy for your food delivery service.

5. Design the App

The layout should be simple to use, sensible, and visually appealing. It should have essential functions, including simple navigation, restaurant and menu item search and filter choices, a quick and secure ordering process, real-time order tracking, and practical payment alternatives. 

A well-designed app should also take into account the various user preferences, including adaptable profiles, tailored recommendations, and seamless social networking platform integration for simple sharing and rating of food experiences. A user-centric design strategy can improve the overall user experience and increase the likelihood that your food delivery app will succeed.

6. Develop the App

The development process typically involves a number of essential tasks, such as frontend development for designing user interfaces, backend development for implementing the app’s logic and server requirements, integration with third-party services like payment gateways, mapping, and geolocation APIs for precise delivery tracking, and robust database management to handle user profiles, order histories, and restaurant information. 

To maintain solid and dependable software, it’s crucial to adhere to industry standards, follow best practices for development, and carry out extensive testing. Additionally, taking responsive design and cross-platform compatibility into account helps increase user accessibility and reach a larger audience. A vital first step in creating a useful and user-friendly food delivery service is successful app development.

7. Third Party Integrations

It lets the app take advantage of already-existing features and services, improving user experience and optimizing processes. Payment gateways for safe transactions, mapping, and geolocation APIs for precise tracking and delivery, SMS or push notification systems for order updates, and restaurant APIs for gaining access to menus and inventory data are just a few examples of third-party services that can be integrated. 

The app can offer seamless and effective interactions between clients, restaurants, and delivery personnel by integrating various services, making it more functional and feature-rich.

8. Testing Beta Version

Testing is a crucial component in the process to develop a food delivery app. In-depth user acceptance testing and quality assurance are used to find and fix any errors, problems, or usability difficulties. A thorough testing process must include the user interface, functionality, performance, security, and compatibility with a range of hardware and operating systems. 

Testing thoroughly allows developers to ensure that the app is stable, safe, and offers the best user experience, ultimately resulting in a successful and dependable food delivery service.

9. App Launch and Marketing

Launching and efficiently marketing a food delivery app is the last phase in the development process. It includes developing a thorough marketing plan incorporating branding, online and offline promotion, social media interaction, and collaborations with nearby eateries. Creating an intuitive app with simple navigation, appealing design, and safe payment methods is also essential. 

You may continuously enhance the functionality and user experience of the app by putting in place effective customer service channels and obtaining user feedback. Last but not least, data analytics will help monitor important indicators and make data-driven choices for individualized marketing campaigns and app improvements.

How to Make Money With a Food Delivery App?

When you think about creating a food delivery application, there must be a question like, “How will I make a profit from it?”. Well, there are three ways to make money from food delivery apps. 

1. Delivery Fees for Every Order

Earning money through delivery fees is the most popular way among food delivery companies. There can either be a fixed delivery fee or can be charged depending on the distance between the restaurant and the customer. 

2. Commission from Restaurants for Each Order

It is a stable way to get money. A commission fee can be fixed based on the size and popularity of the restaurant, and you can change it depending on the orders a particular restaurant receives. So, every time the restaurant gets an online order, a specific commission can be charged.

3. Cost for Advertising

Charging for advertising is an effective monetization method. Restaurants would want to enhance their brand recognition on the food delivery apps, and one way that will help them is by creating effective ads. They can be charged a service fee for advertising to increase their chances of engaging more customers.

4. Partnering with Restaurants

Some of the food delivery apps collaborate with restaurants to provide exclusive deals or partnerships. These partnerships include revenue-sharing agreements, where the food delivery app receives a percentage of revenue generated by these collaborations.

Are you interested in tapping into the lucrative food delivery market? Let us help you generate revenue by launching your own customized platform. For more information, get in touch today.

Turn Your Food Delivery App Startup Idea Into Reality with ValueAppz

We understand that finding the perfect food delivery app development team for the best food delivery apps can be a big challenge. You would want a reliable team that understands all the specific details you want for the app.

ValueAppz has the right combination of technology and experts to provide quality work. With us, you could get your app built in a range of $15,000 to $60,000 (but the price can change based on the above factors). 

Further, if you want an app like UberEats, Zomato, or other food delivery services, we can also provide such food delivery services.

So, waste no more time searching the team for your food delivery business and contact us for more details. Let’s build the best food delivery services for your app idea.

Key Takeaways

• Do extensive market research to understand consumer preferences and the competitive landscape before starting to design food delivery apps.
• Recognize the change toward online food ordering, where consumers favor convenience and speedy access to their favorite items.
• Understand types of food delivery apps like restaurant-to-consumer delivery (like Domino’s) and platform-to-consumer delivery (like UberEats, and DoorDash), as well as their distinctions.
• Focus on the most important features to customers, restaurants, and delivery employees, such as order management, registration, real-time tracking, personalization, and user reviews.
• To monetize your food delivery service, look into other revenue streams such as delivery fees, restaurant commissions, advertising, and partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do Food Delivery Apps Make Money?

On demand food delivery apps make money through various models like commission fees, delivery fees, subscriptions, and more.

Q2. What are the Steps for Developing a Food Delivery App?

The steps for developing a food delivery app include:

• Research the market
• Choose a business model
• Pick revenue models
• Design the app
• Develop the app
• Integrate third party
• Test the app
• Launch and market the app

Q3. What is the Cost of Food Delivery App Development?

Food delivery app development costs vary from $15,000 to $60,000. It can further change based on app design, complexity, features, etc.

Q4. What is the Process of Online Food Delivery Services?

It is a three-way model where customers choose a restaurant and add the items to the cart. Further, they add the address details, make payment, and the restaurant gets the food delivered via a delivery driver to their doorstep.

Q5. How can I Succeed in the Food Delivery World?

Ensuring that all the necessary features are added to the app and promoting the application creatively can help your food delivery service app succeed.