How To Build A Shopping App Like Temu: Its Features, Cost, Tech-Stack

Cost To Build A Shopping App Like Temu: A Complete Guide

In this dynamic world, where online shopping trends are constantly flipping, planning to build a shopping app like Temu will be a worthy decision. 

E-commerce is quickly changing the landscape of the retail industry as we know it. With the changing shopping habits of customers, businesses have to adapt to new shopping trends and invest in apps that can quench modern customers’ needs. 

According to the reports, the e-commerce industry is expected to hit a revenue of $1.7 trillion by 2027. Yes, you heard it right – it’s TRILLION! 

The figures reflect the growing demand for these online shopping services and Temu-like shopping apps are setting a new standard in the online shopping markets. If you are looking to make a mark on the e-commerce industry, then you are right place. 

Whether it be migrating the brick-and-mortar retail store to an online platform or creating an online store like Temu from scratch, it will be a complex task. 

The e-commerce apps like Temu have already surged in the market. Instead of just replicating or creating a clone app of Temu, it’s worth adopting a unique approach to app development aligned with innovative features that make your app stand apart in the market. 

As of 2024, the e-commerce market is expected to cross 29.6 million downloads across the world, therefore planning to create a shopping app like Temu to tap into the growing market opportunities. Here in this blog, we have covered all the details including features, cost, tech stack, and monetization method. 

Aspiring businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to enter into this growing e-commerce market can create a shopping app like Temu by hiring a mobile app developer. Let’s discuss the details!

Why Should Businesses Invest in an E-commerce App Like Temu?

Investing in an e-commerce app like Temu offers budding businesses a significant edge and allows them to take a straight entry into the e-commerce industry that is expected to generate 5.5 trillion in sales by 2027.

“Temu gained immense popularity right after its launch in the US in 2022, by simply redefining the shopping rules for the customers. With its feature-rich app structure, it ensures easy collaboration between sellers in China and Consumers worldwide which exactly makes it a big game.

Within one year of launch, it secured 17% of the market share in 2023. This high-power yet well-designed e-commerce store has already inspired many startups looking to make a way into the e-commerce industry.”

Moreover, in this tech-driven era, having a dedicated app increases a company’s visibility and accessibility, especially when it’s confirmed that the online shopping trend will continue to rise in the future.

You don’t have to take our word. Take a look at the key statistics explaining why hiring an Android app developer to customize a shopping app like Temu is a worthy decision. 

• By 2025, 2.77 billion shoppers are expected to shop online.
• Six out of ten’s shopping journey starts from an online shopping platform.
• 99% of customers look for the reviews when they shop online.
• 52% of online shopping looks for products internationally which means it takes your business globally. 
• 34% of shoppers shop online at least once a week. 

Temu is one of the top shopping apps in the US, which it means is integrated with features that meet the changing needs of the customers. If you are all set to launch the next e-commerce app that matches the success of Temu, then determine the process of creating an app.

Step-By-Step Guide to Build a Shopping App Like Temu

So finally you are ready to start creating a shopping app like Temu. But not sure where to start and what to consider in the app development process?

Well, developing a feature-rich e-commerce app requires a comprehensive approach and strategic planning. So if you are launching on multiple platforms, you need to think about the key components that you require to build an e-commerce app store. For this, you can also hire a React Native app development company with expert experience in e-commerce app development. They may help you run your business more efficiently.

Step 1: Define Your App’s Purpose and Target Audience

Start by understanding your business requirements and determine what exactly you are expecting from an app. Who will be your target audience and what exactly do you need to serve through this app? 

Instead of rushing to start coding an app and turning it into a blunder, it is worth taking time to understand your audience’s needs and design the features that align with their preferences and enhance user experience. 

Step 2: Conduct Market Research and Analyze Competitors

Analyze your market competitors and identify the gaps and USPs. Most businesses overlook this step and get straight to the process of hiring an app developer. However, the research will guide you in creating USPs for your e-commerce app and ensuring that it stands apart in the overcrowded marketplace.

Step 3: Design UI/UX

To create an e-commerce app like Temu, make sure you pay attention to its interface. The app should have a user-friendly and visually appealing UI that ensures easy and simple navigation between screens. Always keep in mind the more straightforward your app design is, the higher the user engagement will be and less cart abandonment because 4 out of 5 apps fail due to pool UI/UX design.

Step 4: Choose the Right Tech Stack

Developing an online ecommerce app is a complex task and making it run like a well-oiled machine is super challenging. Temu is a comprehensive app, heavily loaded with features and advanced algorithms which always ensure a hassle experience for the users. 

So select a technology that supports scalability, flexibility, and security. For this, you need to choose the right frameworks, programming languages, and APIs that are dependable, safe, and simple to use. 

Step 5: Select a Development Team

To create a shopping app like Temu you need a team of project managers, 3 backend developers, 2 Frontend developers, 2 UI/UX designers, and QA engineers. Xicom is one such reputed mobile app development company that allows you to hire a dedicated app developer on flexible engagement models based on hourly, monthly, or fixed billing. 

Step 6: Test and Launch an App

Once you code an app, make sure you test it in-depth on multiple platforms and deploy it to the app store following the respective guidelines. 

This is a basic process that may take around 3 to 5 months of the timeline. But as every business has different requirements, therefore you can directly schedule a 15-minute free consultation call with our experts to get the estimations in real-time. 

Transform your retail business with a cutting-edge shopping app.

Mobile commerce is expected to account for 72.9% of all e-commerce sales by 2024. Become a part of this competitive market by developing an app that keeps your customers engaged and future-ready.

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Must-Have Features to Create a Shopping App Like Temu

E-commerce apps like Temu are developed with advanced app features which have been gradually upgraded in the app. Launching an app with a complete set of features can increase the risk of going out of budget soon. So it is worth prioritizing the essential features of creating a shopping app like Temu.

• Create a User-Friendly Interface: Make sure your app has a simple, easy-to-navigate, and visually appealing interface that attracts users’ attention and keeps them engaged longer with a smooth experience of browsing products, adding items to the cart, and completing the shopping process without any hiccups.

• Seamless Onboarding Process: Offer a quick and hassle-free signup process to the users and allow them to sign up for an app using an email ID, phone number, or social media account. A short and easy onboarding process encourages users to shop for more without any friction.

• Product Search and Filter: Implement advanced search and filtering options that allow users to easily find the product by filtering the categories, prices, brands, and other attributes.

• Personalized Recommendations: Use AI-driven algorithms to provide personalized product recommendations based on the user’s browsing history, preferences, and past purchases. This feature can 10x your product sales if used smartly.

• Gamification and Reward System: To create a shopping app like Temu, make sure you incorporate gamification elements like daily rewards, discounts, and interactive challenges. Keep in mind, that this feature is Temu’s biggest reason for success.

• Secure Payment Gateway: Integrate secure and multiple payment gateways to offer various payment methods including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, online banking, and more. 

• Order Tracking and Management: Provide real-time order tracking access to the users and allow them to monitor their purchases from shipment to delivery. An easy order tracking feature can help you build customer trust.

• Multi-Language Support: If you are targeting a global audience, then offer multi-language and currency support and allow global users to access your shopping app without any barriers. 

• Customer Review and Ratings: Allow users to rate your product and services by sharing their feedback. This feature helps other users to make an informed buying decision.

• Push Notifications: Now this could be the perfect marketing tool that allows you to keep your users engaged about new products, flash sales, order status, and personalized offers. All you need to judge is to send the notification at the right time that triggers your buying decision.

• Wishlist and Favorite: Allow users to save products to their wishlist or quickly mark them as favorites for future reference. With this, they don’t have to go through the whole app or revise the items that they are interested in.

• Customer Support: Provide robust customer support with options like live chat with experts. This will assist new buyers to quickly go for FAQs and get their issues resolved immediately. 

These are the essential features to create a shopping app like Temu which may cost between $12,000 to $15,000+, but for the advanced app version, you need to create four panels including the User Panel, Admin Panel, Seller Panel, and Super Admin Panel. Each panel required dedicated features to make the app work flawlessly. 

User Panel	Admin Panel	Vendor/Seller Panel	Super Admin Panel
Edit Profile, View Order History, Manage Address	Manage User Accounts, View User Activity, Handle User Queries	Add/Edit/Delete Products, Manage Inventory	Manage Admin Roles/Permissions, View Admin Activity
Advanced Search, Filters, Categories, Product Details	Add/Edit/Delete Products, Manage Inventory, Product Categorization	View/Manage Orders, Update Shipping Status	Set Platform Policies, Manage Payment Gateways, Configure Security Settings
Add to Wishlist, Mark as Favorite	View/Manage Orders, Update Order Status, Process Refunds/Returns	View Earnings, Manage Payment Withdrawals, Transaction History	Overview of Platform Performance, Revenue Tracking, User Engagement
Add/Remove Items, Update Quantity, View Cart	Payment Gateway Integration, Transaction History, Refund Handling	Set Up Discounts, Manage Special Offers	Set Up Currency/Language Options for Different Regions
Payment Options, Address Selection, Order Summary	Create/Edit Discounts, Manage Coupons, Set Up Promotions	View Sales Reports, Product Performance, and Customer Feedback	Ensure Legal Compliance, Data Protection, and Content Moderation
Real-Time Order Status, Delivery ETA, View Invoice	Sales Reports, User Analytics, Product Performance, Revenue Analysis	Update Seller Information, Manage Store Settings	Schedule Backups, Monitor Server Health, Handle Downtime
Push Notifications for Offers, Order Updates, and New Arrivals	Schedule/Send Push Notifications, Manage Notification Templates	Respond to Queries, Manage Reviews, Handle Complaints
Leave Reviews, Rate Products, View User Feedback	Manage Banners, Ads, Promotional Content
Live Chat, Email Support, FAQ	User Authentication, Data Encryption, Security Audits

Developing an app loaded with all features can take around 6 to 9 months, but can be a costly deal. So basically, businesses thinking of completing an e-commerce app like Temu can look to develop an online shopping app with these extensive features.

But how much will it cost to create a shopping app like Temu…

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Shopping App Like Temu?

Estimating the development cost of a shopping app like Temu includes various factors. These are related to the level of complexity of the app, the developers’ skills, the features and functionalities of the app, and the ongoing maintenance and promotion required for the app to perform correctly. 

Though there is no fixed cost of developing a shopping app, if it comes to providing a rough estimation of the cost to build a shopping app like TEMU, then look at the categories below:

• Basic Temu-Like App: The average cost to develop an app like Temu can range between $8000 to $12,000+ integrated with simple features. For example, item listing, cart-based checked process, integration of payment methods, and more.
• Moderate Level-Temu App: A moderate Temu-style app with some extra essential features like push notifications, social network integration, login management personal product recommendations, and more will cost between $15000 to $20,000+.
• Advanced Level-Temu App: A complex custom shopping app like Temu integrated with the latest technologies and features like using AI algorithms, handling inventory, bilingual support, multi-vendor collaboration, and access to ERP and CRM systems which may cost between $25,000 and $35,000+.

Ready to build an e-commerce app to 10x Your business sales?

With the market forecasted to increase between 67.47% by 2028, its time to partner with Xicom to tap into the thriving industry with tailored shopping app development solutions.

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Best Ways to Monetize Your E-commerce App Like Temu

No matter how brilliant a shopping app you have developed, your ultimate goal is to make money from an e-commerce app. Temu has emerged as a popular shopping app in the UU, which is forecasted to bring $37.13 Billion to $50.67 Billion in 2024-25. Temu’s revenue generation is almost doubling year-on-year. So let’s check out what monetization strategies they follow to make money…

– Charging Commissions From Sellers

Temu primarily generates revenue by charging commissions on each sale made through an app. Sellers list their products on Temu, and for every transaction, a percentage of the sale price is taken as a commission. 

– Logistics and Fulfillment Services

Online shopping apps like Temu may also generate revenue by offering logistics and fulfillment services to sellers. By offering this additional shipping, warehousing, and delivery services, Temu charges the handling fees for the end-to-end process.

– Data Monetization

Temu is a big e-commerce app that boasts a large user base and collects significant data on customer behavior, preferences, and trends. This data is further monetized by offering insights and analytics services to sellers and third-party companies looking to understand market trends or trying to increase business sales. 

– Premium Services To The Sellers

Shopping apps like Temu offer sellers access to premium features like advanced performance analyzing tools, priority support, and exclusive marketing options based on the subscription plan. 

Apart from these monetization strategies, you can consider third-party advertising, using a combination of transaction fees, sales commissions, and more which provides a solid foundation for Temu’s business model. 

What are the Top Trends to Integrate in Online Shopping App?

In the aggressively growing and evolving e-commerce market, where you need to compete with tech giants like Temu, Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart, staying ahead of the competition requires additional efforts. For this, you need to look to integrate the latest trends into your online shopping app.

When you choose to hire a software development company, you can customize the app with the most impactful trends. But if you are wondering what trends you need to consider including the shopping app, then look at the below trends:

Social Media Commerce

Social media leaders such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat are the biggest examples the social commerce. Did you that 38% of sellers generate sales from social commerce?

All you have to do is integrate accessive and interactive features like an in-app checkout process, buy buttons, and instant messaging tools that ensure an easy shopping experience for the users.

Voice Assistants

It is predicted that by 2045, 95% of users will be using voice search commands for buying products and services. This is why voice assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa are already transforming how people interact with the technology, including shopping. 

So if you are creating a shopping app, then make sure it includes voice-enables search, voice-activated shopping lists, personalized recommendations, and more.

Chatbot Integration

Chatbots are quickly revolutionizing customer services by providing instant, automated support which is available 24/7 for customers. Adding this to your shopping app can 100X your business sales. 

Read More: 115+ Top Mobile App Ideas in 2025 For Startups, Entrepreneurs etc.

Conclusion

With the rapidly expanding e-commerce market size, deciding to create a shopping app like Temu makes sense for budding entrepreneurs. But today it isn’t enough to create a clone app of Temu. With the changing technologies and emerging trends in the e-commerce industry, you need to customize the app with adequate features and functionalities.

If you are also into the need to build a shopping app, then hire a mobile app development company. The experts can help you create an app adopting innovative strategies that ensure maximum functionality to all scopes of businesses.

For more details, you can drop a query below or contact us!

FAQs

If you still doubt creating an online shopping app, then consider this FAQs section to get your questions answered.