Tarun Nagar 
There’s no denying that Amazon is among the 6 largest multinational e-commerce companies. Introduced in 1999 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon ecommerce app has millions of buyers and suppliers. According to Statista, revenue in the eCommerce market is projected to reach US$4.32tn in 2025. The popularity of Amazon is one of the biggest reasons for the economic rise of the e-commerce platform development market.
Another key factor responsible for the evolution of the e-commerce market is the rise of GenZ. 74% of these digital natives shop using mobile platforms, and they are quickly emerging as your main clientele. The popularity of Amazon has inspired many businesses to create their own e-commerce marketplace like Amazon.
Are you a business that wants to create an online marketplace like Amazon? If yes, then you’ve arrived at the right place. In this blog, we share tips from our experts who know how to create an online marketplace like Amazon. Keep reading till the end to get in-depth understanding.
What is an E-commerce App Like Amazon?
An Amazon like marketplace is a mobile software that lets users browse, manage products, make purchases, or book services online. e-commerce platforms like Amazon functions as a digital marketplace, providing a convenient platform to buyers for directly purchasing items or services from anywhere at any time.
These marketplaces like Amazon are designed to facilitate online retail, offering features such as product browsing, shopping carts, payment processing, and order tracking.
E-commerce App Development Market Overview
- Markets and Markets forecasts that the eCommerce platform market size will grow from USD 1 billion in 2023 to USD 13.5 billion by the end of 2028, at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period.
- Revenue is expected to project a CAGR of 02% between 2025 and 2029, resulting in a projected market volume of US$ 5.89 trillion by 2029.
- The U.S. mobile application market is projected to grow at a CAGR of1% from 2024 to 2030.
- With a projected market volume of US$38 trillion in 2025, China has the most revenue generated.
- In the e-commerce app market, the number of users is expected to reach around 6 billion by 2029.
How Do Online Marketplaces Like Amazon Work?
Investing in ecommerce marketplace website development is a smart move for businesses. However, before deciding to make a website like Amazon, you must know how the app works. In this section, we will discuss the function of the app and its scalability, along with the value of network effects. So let’s take a look:
1. Download and Sign Up
According to top experts that offer ecommerce app development services, the first step is to download the ecommerce platform like Amazon or access the website. Next, users need to create an account by signing up and providing basic details, such as a phone number, social media credentials, or email. The same goes for the sellers. They also need to register into the app to list their products or services.
Key features: Identity Verification, User Profile Management, Onboarding Flow.
2. Browse and Search
After signing in, buyers can browse through various product categories or find specific items by advanced search filters. A well-organized catalog, intuitive UI, and smart recommendation service enhances the shopping experience. If you want to create an ecommerce shopping app like Amazon, offering a wide range of products and services with advanced search options is crucial.
Key features: Search Bar, Filters, Product Listings, and AI-powered recommendations.
3. Add to Cart and Checkout
After choosing products you want to purchase, users can put them into the shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Here, they choose shipping options and make payments through integrated gateways.
Key features: Cart Management, Secure Payments, Order Summary, Coupon Application.
4. Receive and Review
Once the order is placed, it’s processed by the seller and shipped to the customer. After receiving the item, users can leave ratings and reviews, which influence the seller’s credibility and the buying decisions of future customers.
Key features: Order Tracking, Notifications, Review System, Returns & Refunds
How AI has Influenced Ecommerce App Development
Artificial Intelligence has highly impacted eCommerce app development by introducing data-driven and high tech features. Adding these features enhances both user experience and backend efficiency.
AI allows highly personalized recommendation of products by analyzing user behavior, browsing history, and purchase patterns, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction. It powers smart search functionalities, including voice and image-based search, making product discovery more intuitive.
AI-driven chatbots provide 24/7 customer support, decreasing response times and cost of operationsF. On the backend, AI improves inventory and supply chain management by forecasting demand and automating restocking processes.
For more informed decision-making, they also allow dynamic pricing, detects frauds in real time, and provides predictive analytics. Overall, AI in e-commerce creates scalable, seamless, and intelligent eCommerce ecosystems.
What Are The Reasons Behind Amazon’s Success?
According to a top marketplace app development company, here are some of the significant success drivers of e-commerce apps like Amazon:
- Customer-Centric Approach: Amazon prioritizes customer satisfaction at the core, offering seamless service, fast delivery, and easy returns.
- Vast Product Selection: Amazon serves as a one-stop shop for nearly every consumer need, providing millions of products and items.
- Technological Innovation: Technologies like Artificial intelligence like AI, machine learning, and automation enhance both user experience and operations.
- Efficient Logistics Network: Amazon has advanced delivery systems and fulfillment centers that ensure rapid, dependable, and global shipping.
- Amazon Prime: The Amazon Prime app offers a subscription model that promotes loyalty via perks like free, shipping, special deals, and streaming content.
- Third-Party Marketplace: Amazon and Walmart app allows external sellers to expand product offerings and boost revenue without increasing inventory risk.
- Data-Driven Strategies: if you want to create an app like Amazon, then utilize data-driven strategies. Real-time analytics power personalization, inventory management, pricing optimization, and marketing decisions.
- Global Expansion: Amazon’s strategic international growth and diversification into various industries keep the Company competitive and resilient.
Why Should Businesses Invest in Developing E-commerce Marketplaces Like Amazon?
In today’s digital landscape, developing an app like Depop or Amazon is a smart move for businesses. Here are the reasons to invest in the development of an e-commerce marketplace like Amazon:
1. Consumer Behavior Shift
Today’s consumers prefer the convenience of online shopping. Investing in an app similar to Amazon ensures your business stays relevant and accessible where customers already prefer to shop.
2. 24/7 Business Availability
This is one of the main reasons for businesses to invest in Amazon clone app development. Unlike physical stores, eCommerce marketplaces operate round the clock, allowing continuous sales and customer engagement without limitations based on time zones or holidays.
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3. Multiple Monetization Opportunities
This is among the reasons why businesses want to create an online marketplace like Amazon. To ensure diverse and sustainable revenue generation, platforms like Amazon provide various revenue streams, including seller commissions, featured listings, advertisements, subscription models, and service charges.
4. Enhanced Seller Ecosystem
Hosting multiple sellers increases product variety, drives more traffic, and solidifies the value proposition of the app platform, ultimately enhancing user retention and satisfaction. Businesses who want to develop an online marketplace like Amazon
5. Low Inventory Risk
Marketplace owners don’t have to manage stock directly. This reduces operational costs, minimizes inventory risks, and makes the business model highly scalable. Take note of this aspect if you want to build an online marketplace like Amazon.
6. Faster Go-to-Market for Sellers
Develop an online marketplace like Amazon that lets sellers launch products more quickly. Amazon-like marketplace enable sellers to launch products without building their own platforms, encouraging more vendors to join and enriching the platform’s offerings.
7. Cross-Selling and Upselling Opportunities
Provide upselling opportunities to create an online marketplace like Amazon. AI tools recommend relevant products, increasing cart value through cross-selling and upselling, which directly boosts average revenue per user (ARPU).
8. Customizable User Experience
If you are a business that wants to launch an online marketplace like Amazon, ensure that you provide a customized user experience. Marketplaces can personalize layouts, recommendations, and offers based on user behavior, improving engagement and building long-term customer loyalty.
Top 10 E-commerce Apps To Look Out For in 2025
Here are the top 10 e-commerce apps to consider in 2025. Each of the apps mentioned in the list is created by the top ecommerce app development companies.
E-commerce App | Launch Year | Store Ratings (avg.) | Platform Availability |
| BigCommerce | 2009 | 4.4 ★ (Play Store), 4.6 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| Shopify | 2006 | 4.5 ★ (Play Store), 4.7 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| Wix | 2006 | 4.2 ★ (Play Store), 4.5 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| WooCommerce | 2011 | 4.3 ★ (Play Store), 4.6 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android (via WordPress) |
| OpenCart | 2008 | 4.0 ★ (Play Store), 4.3 ★ (App Store) | Web, Android (via 3rd party), iOS |
| Squarespace | 2004 | 4.5 ★ (Play Store), 4.7 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| Adobe Commerce (Magento) | 2008 | 4.1 ★ (Play Store), 4.3 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android (via PWA/custom) |
| Big Cartel | 2005 | 4.3 ★ (Play Store), 4.6 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| Ecwid | 2009 | 4.6 ★ (Play Store), 4.7 ★ (App Store) | Web, iOS, Android |
| Shift4Shop | 1997 (as 3dcart) | 4.0 ★ (Web-based) | Web (mobile-optimized) |
Features to Incorporate in an E-commerce App Like Amazon
Features are the most crucial aspect in online marketplace platform development. In this section, we will take a look at some essential features:
1. Essential User Features
- User Registration & Login: Make a website like Amazon that allows users to sign up via email, phone, or social accounts. Ensure secure authentication through OTP or password encryption.
- Advanced Product Search & Filters: Online marketplaces like Amazon require advanced product search. It enables keyword, voice, and image-based search. Add smart filters and sorting for faster product discovery.
- Product Listings with Detailed Descriptions: Showcase products with HD images, specs, prices, FAQs, delivery info, and seller ratings for transparency.
This feature is crucial to incorporate in an ecommerce app, especially if you want to develop marketplace apps like ETSY.
- Cart Management: To build ecommerce website like Amazon, you need to add a cart management feature, it lets users easily add, remove, or adjust item quantities. Apply discount codes and view total price before checkout.
- Secure Checkout & Multiple Payment Options: Support payments via cards, UPI, wallets, net banking, and COD. Ensure PCI-DSS compliance for secure transactions.
- Order Tracking & Notifications: According to experts at a top iOS app development company, you need to provide real-time updates on order status through push notifications, SMS, and email alerts.
- Ratings & Reviews: Users can leave star ratings and detailed reviews. Display verified buyer badges to maintain trust. Don’t forget to add ratings and review features in your app if you want to create an online marketplace like Amazon.
2. Seller Features
- Seller Onboarding & Profile Management: According to a top lifestyle app development company, easy registration with identity verification and dashboard setup is essential to manage seller info and settings.
- Product Upload & Inventory Management: Allow sellers to add/edit product listings, update stock levels, and manage variations and prices.
- Order & Return Management: Sellers can view order status, approve or decline returns, and process shipments efficiently.
- Sales Analytics & Dashboard: To develop a shopping app like Target, you need to provide insights into sales, revenue, traffic, and product performance through intuitive dashboards.
3. Admin Features
- User & Seller Management: Admins can add, remove, or block users/sellers. Set role-based permissions for better control.
- Product Category Management: Easily organize products by categories and tags. Add or delete as needed to keep the catalog clean.
- Content & CMS Management: Create an online marketplace like Amazon with CMS management features. Manage home page banners, policy pages, blog sections, and static content via an easy CMS.
- Order & Payment Control Panel: View and manage all orders and payments. In online marketplace development, developers incorporate this feature to help resolve disputes and ensure smooth transaction flow.
- Discounts & Promotions Management: Create and schedule promo codes, flash sales, and special offers. Track their performance and usage.
How To Build an Ecommerce Marketplace Like Amazon: The Key Steps
Here are the steps you need to follow to create an Amazon alternatives:
1. Discovery Phase
The foundation of any successful marketplace starts with deep discovery. This involves identifying your business goals, defining your value proposition, and analyzing the competition. In this initial phase, you need to:
- Define who your target audiences and decide core features
- Choose the business model, whether it’s B2C, B2B, or hybrid models
- Select the right monetization strategies(commission, subscription, etc.)
- Identify the befitting tech stack (e.g., React, Node.js, AWS, MongoDB)
We then provide a detailed guideline to build an Amazon clone app including timeline estimates, budget planning, and the composition of your development team. This phase is crucial for aligning business goals with technical execution.
2. UX/UI Design
According to experts from a top mobile app development firm who create an online marketplace app like Amazon, Once your business and technical requirements are clear, the next step is to focus on design. A smooth, user-friendly experience is key to increasing conversions and user retention.
- Create app like Amazon by starting with clickable prototypes to simulate how the app will function.
- Early prototyping helps identify usability issues and reduce rework.
- Once approved, we refine visuals with colors, typography, button styles, and layout schemes.
Using an intuitive design to build a multivendor app like mazon helps create trust, improve engagement, and differentiate your marketplace from competitors.
3. Marketplace MVP Development
To Launch an online marketplace like Amazon, it is better to invest in a full-featured app from the start, we recommend building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). According to a top agency providing marketplace app development services, This allows you to test your idea in real conditions with minimal risk.
An MVP includes:
- Core buyer and seller features (e.g., product search, checkout, seller login)
- Admin dashboard for managing users, listings, and orders
- Basic order tracking and notification features
This cost-effective approach ensures quicker time-to-market and lets you gather early feedback from real users to guide future iterations.
4. Quality Assurance
Android app development services like quality assurance ensure your marketplace is stable, secure, and bug-free is essential for a smooth user experience and long-term scalability. Robust QA prevents costly issues post-launch and ensures your MVP works flawlessly under real-world conditions.
During QA, we:
- Perform functional, UI/UX, and integration testing
- Use automated tools for speed and efficiency
- Verify compatibility across devices, screen sizes, and browsers
- Test for performance, security, and error handling
5. Maintenance and Support
Your work doesn’t stop after launch. Continuous maintenance is required to meet evolving user expectations, adapt to market trends, and fix bugs or security issues. If you are an entrepreneur who wants to Create an online marketplace like Amazon and lead the competitive market, then make sure to find a development partner that offers 24/7 maintenance and support service for your app.
The post-launch services include:
- Regular performance monitoring and server optimization
- Applying security patches based on industry standards
- Adding new features based on user feedback
- Technical support and uptime monitoring
Cost to Develop an Online Marketplace Like Amazon
The cost to create an online marketplace like Amazon is $8,000 to $25,000 and it can go higher depending on the complexity of the platform and the features .Cost to build an Online marketplace website with basic features and functionalities can cost around $8,000 to $15,000.
However, Cost to develop an online marketplace like Amazon with the latest features and technologies, will be around $15,000 to $30,000 or higher. This wide range is due to factors like the app’s complexity, the number of platforms (iOS, Android, web), the UI/UX design, the team size, and the developer’s location.
Marketplace Type | Development Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Web Marketplace | 6–8 weeks | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Mobile App (Android/iOS) | 7–9 weeks | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Web + Mobile (Cross-platform) | 8–12 weeks | $18,000 – $25,000 |
Factors Affecting the Cost to Create an Online Marketplace Like Amazon
Here are some of the key factors that influence the cost to create an online marketplace like Amazon.
1. App Complexity & Features
Feature complexity of your ecommerce app is one of the key factors that impacts the Cost to make an online marketplace like Amazon. According to a top mobile app development agency, A basic marketplace with standard features will cost much less than a fully featured Amazon-like app with advanced search filters and AI-based recommendations.
Level | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Basic MVP | 2–3 weeks | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Intermediate | 3–4 weeks | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| Advanced | 4+ weeks | $6,000 – $7,000 |
2. Platform Choice (Web, Android, iOS)
The number and type of platforms you choose significantly impact the cost to create an online marketplace like Amazon. A single-platform app (e.g., Android only) is less expensive than a cross-platform or native app for both iOS and Android.
Platform Type | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Web Only | 1–2 weeks | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Mobile Only (Android/iOS) | 2–3 weeks | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Web + Mobile | 3–4 weeks | $4,000 – $5,000 |
3. UI/UX Design Requirements
A sleek, intuitive design improves user experience and conversion rates but also requires more design hours. Custom UI elements, animations, and micro-interactions increase the time and cost compared to using ready-made design systems.
Backend Scope | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Basic APIs & Logic | 1–2 weeks | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Scalable Architecture | 2–3 weeks | $3,000 – $5,000 |
4. Backend Development & Scalability
Cost to develop a peer-to-peer marketplace website is also influenced by backend services. A robust backend is essential for managing users, orders, payments, reviews, and inventory. If you aim to scale like Amazon, you’ll need microservices architecture, cloud hosting, caching systems, and content delivery networks (CDNs). These add both initial development and ongoing infrastructure costs.
Backend Scope | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Basic APIs & Logic | 1–2 weeks | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Scalable Architecture | 2–3 weeks | $3,000 – $5,000 |
5. Third-Party Integrations
Another factor that impacts the Cost to create an online marketplace like Amazon is third party integration. Integrating services like payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe), shipping APIs (Shiprocket, FedEx), or analytics tools (Google Analytics, Mixpanel) not only incurs license or usage fees but also increases development time due to compatibility and security concerns.
Integration Type | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Basic (Payment Gateway) | 1 week | $800 – $1,200 |
| Advanced (Shipping, CRM, Chat) | 1–2 weeks | $1,300 – $2,500 |
6. Maintenance & Support
Your marketplace will require continuous support after launch. Annual maintenance usually costs 15–25% of the original cost to make an online marketplace like Amazon and should be factored into your budget from the start. According to experts who develop multi-vendor ecommerce marketplace, maintenance cost can significantly increase the development cost.
Support Type | Estimated Timeline | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Basic (Bug fixes, patches) | 1–2 weeks | $300 – $600 |
| Ongoing Monthly Support | Monthly Retainer | $700 – $1,000/month |
Monetization Strategies For An E-commerce Marketplace Like Amazon
Here are some of the best monetization strategies used by top businesses to make their e-commerce app successful in the market.
1. Commission on Sales
Charge sellers a percentage of every successful transaction made through your platform. This is the primary revenue source for most marketplaces.
2. Subscription Plans
Offer premium seller memberships with benefits like lower commission fees, featured listings, advanced analytics, or priority support. It can also apply to buyers (e.g., Amazon Prime).
3. Listing Fees
Charge sellers a fixed fee to list products, especially for high-demand categories or time-sensitive items. Valid for limited-time deals and flash sales.
4. Featured Listings & Ads
Allow sellers to pay for sponsored product placements, homepage visibility, or banner ads. This helps sellers gain more exposure and boosts your revenue.
5. Logistics & Fulfillment Services
Offer value-added services like inventory storage, packaging, shipping, or last-mile delivery (similar to Amazon FBA) and charge sellers for these.
Conclusion
The above-provided details and information discuss how to create an e-commerce platform like Amazon. We hope this guide clears up any doubts or queries you might have regarding Amazon mobile app development. Whether you’re launching an MVP or a full-scale platform, a well-structured approach is the key to success in the competitive eCommerce space.
If you are a business wanting to create an e-commerce marketplace like Amazon from scratch, then contact Dev Technosys, a leading on demand app development company. Stay tuned for more informative updates.
FAQs
Q1. How Much Does It Cost To Build an E-commerce Marketplace Like Amazon?
The cost to develop an app like Amazon typically ranges from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on the platform type, features, complexity, and the team’s geographic location.
Q2. How to Create an Online Marketplace Like Amazon?
Here’s how you develop an app like Amazon:
- Research your niche, users, and competitors.
- Define core features like search, cart, checkout, and seller panel.
- Select tech stack (React, Node.js, AWS).
- Design UI/UX that’s simple and mobile-friendly.
- Build an MVP with key features.
- Test and launch on the web and mobile.
- Maintain and scale based on feedback.
Q3. How Long Does It Take To Develop A Marketplace App?
Building a feature-rich marketplace like Amazon usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the app’s complexity and the number of platforms involved.
Q4. Can I Start with Just a Web or Mobile Version First?
Yes, starting with either a web or mobile MVP is cost-effective, allowing you to test user interest before scaling to other platforms.
Q5. What Are The Must-Have Features For An Amazon-Like App?
Essential features to incorporate in your Amazon e-commerce app include product search, listings, cart, checkout, reviews, seller dashboard, order tracking, secure payment options, and admin management tools.
Q6. How Can I Monetize My E-commerce Marketplace?
You can generate revenue through commissions, subscriptions, ads, featured listings, logistics services, and affiliate programs targeting both sellers and buyers.
