Special Man Logo

The Cost Of Building a Food-Ordering App In Nigeria In 2023

An image of a food app and coins showing the cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria
An image of a food app and coins showing the cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria

Food ordering apps have revolutionised the way we order food. If you have ever used a food-ordering app to satisfy your cravings, then you can relate when I say that food-ordering apps have made life easier.But have you ever wondered what it takes to build a food-ordering app or, the cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria?

These apps have made the process of ordering food more convenient and accessible, allowing you to browse menus, place orders, and make payments with just a few taps on your smartphone. 

In this article, we’ll take an informative look at the world of food-ordering apps and explore what it takes to create one, from the features every food-ordering app should have to the cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria in 2023.

If you’re considering building a food-ordering app, grab your pen and paper and let’s delve in.

What is a Food-Ordering App?

A food ordering app is a mobile application that allows users to order food from restaurants and other food establishments using their smartphones or other mobile devices. These apps typically allow users to browse menus, select items, customize orders, pay for orders, and track the progress of their orders in real-time.

Why Build a Food-Ordering App?

There is a growing demand for building food-ordering apps, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent survey by Statista, the food delivery market is expected to reach a value of $151 billion by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% between 2021 and 2023.

Furthermore, research from eMarketer shows that mobile food ordering and delivery sales are expected to grow by 25% annually, reaching $38 billion by 2020. This growth is driven by the convenience of mobile ordering and delivery, which appeals to busy consumers who are looking for quick and easy meal options.

In addition, a survey by Toast found that 79% of consumers have used a restaurant’s website to order food online, and 60% have used a restaurant’s mobile app to order food. This highlights the importance of having a user-friendly and convenient mobile app for food ordering.

Building a food-ordering app can help you tap into this growing market and provide consumers with a convenient way to order food from their favourite restaurants. With real-time order tracking, loyalty programs, and other features, your app can help to build customer loyalty and increase sales for your business.

Essential Features Every Food-Ordering App Should Have

While the specific features of your food-ordering app will depend on your goals and target audience, there are a few essential features that every food-ordering app should have:

  1. User Registration and Login: To use your app, customers should be able to register and log in with their email addresses or social media accounts.
  1. Search and Browse Menus: Users should be able to browse menus by category, search for specific dishes, and view images and descriptions of each dish.
  1. Easy Ordering and Payment Options: Customers should be able to place orders directly from the app, select payment methods, and receive confirmation of their orders.
  1. Delivery and Pickup Options: The app should allow users to choose delivery or pickup options and provide information on delivery times and fees.
  1. Reviews and Ratings: Users should be able to leave reviews and ratings for the restaurants they order from, which can help other users make informed decisions.
  1. Push Notifications: The app should allow for push notifications, which can be used to inform users of special promotions or discounts.

Other features that can enhance the user experience include;

  1. Order Customization: Users should be able to customize their orders to their specific preferences, such as specifying the level of spice or selecting specific toppings.
  1. Real-Time Tracking: Users should be able to track the status of their orders in real time, from preparation to delivery.
  1. Loyalty Programs: Users can be incentivized to use the app more frequently by offering rewards, such as discounts or free meals, after a certain number of orders.
  1. Social Media Integration: Users should be able to share their orders on social media, helping to promote your app and restaurant partners.
  1. Contact and Support: The app should provide easy access to customer support and contact information for the restaurant, in case of any issues.

Types of Food-ordering Apps 

There are several types of food ordering apps that you can build, depending on the type of service you want to offer. Some of the most common types include;

  • Aggregator apps: These apps aggregate menus from multiple restaurants in a given area, allowing customers to browse menus and place orders from multiple restaurants.
  • On-demand delivery apps: These apps offer delivery services from restaurants to customers, often using third-party delivery services.
  • Meal kit delivery apps: These apps offer pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for customers to prepare meals at home.
  • Grocery delivery apps: These apps allow customers to order groceries online and have them delivered to their homes.
  • Food truck apps: These apps allow customers to locate and order food from food trucks in their area.
  • Subscription meal delivery apps: These apps offer pre-made meals or meal kits delivered to customers regularly, often weekly or monthly.
  • Group ordering apps: These apps allow groups of people to place orders together, with one person paying and coordinating the delivery or pickup of the food.

What you need to put in place before building your food-ordering app.

Before building a food ordering app, there are several important things that must be put in place to ensure that your app is successful. Here are some key steps to take:

Conduct market research

Before building your app, conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience, understand their needs and preferences, and identify any gaps or opportunities in the market. This research will help you to develop an app that meets the needs of your target audience and stands out from the competition.

Define your app’s features and functionality

Based on your market research, define the key features and functionality that your app will offer. This might include features such as real-time order tracking, menu browsing and customization, payment processing, loyalty and rewards programs, and customer support.

Develop a business plan

Create a business plan that outlines your app’s value proposition, revenue streams, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This plan will help you to identify potential risks and opportunities and to develop a roadmap for your app’s development and launch.

Obtain necessary permissions and licenses

Make sure that you obtain any necessary permissions and licenses before launching your app. This might include permits for food delivery and compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations.

Figure out your budget

Figuring out your budget is an important aspect to consider before building a food-ordering app.

Determine your budget for development, hosting, maintenance, marketing and advertising, payment processing, legal and regulatory fees, and any other expenses related to building and launching your app.

By putting these important steps in place before building your food ordering app, you can increase your chances of success and create an app that meets the needs of your target audience.

The cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria in 2023

The cost of building a food ordering app can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here are some of them;

App Platform

The platform you choose to develop your food ordering app for can significantly impact its cost. There are two primary platforms to consider: iOS and Android mobile devices. Developing an app specifically for both platforms will typically be more expensive than developing for just one. Additionally, you will need to also build a web platform for the business management operations, which has its own cost too.  If you then consider building an app for the web, which can be accessed via a browser rather than from the app stores, an increase to the overall cost of the platform is imminent.

App Complexity

The complexity of your app is another important factor to consider. A basic food ordering app with simple features such as menu browsing, ordering, and payment processing will be less expensive than an app with advanced features such as real-time order tracking, push notifications, and loyalty programs.

Design and User Experience

Design and user experience are critical elements that can significantly impact the cost of building a food-ordering app. A well-designed app with an intuitive and user-friendly interface will generally cost more than a basic app with a simplistic design.

App Development Team

The cost of building a food ordering app will also be influenced by the development team you choose to work with. Factors such as location and experience will impact the cost. It’s important to work with a reputable development team with experience building food ordering apps to ensure your app is built to a high standard.

Third-Party Integrations

If you’re looking to integrate third-party services such as payment gateways, analytics tools, or map services, you should expect to pay additional fees. The cost of these services will vary depending on the provider and the features you require.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Building a food ordering app is not a one-time cost. Ongoing maintenance and support will be required to ensure that the app remains up-to-date, secure, and functional. Ongoing costs may include hosting fees, app updates, bug fixes, and security patches.

So, what is the actual cost of building a food-ordering app in Nigeria?

Based on the factors listed above, the cost of building a basic food ordering app can range from NGN 2,500,000 to NGN 5,500,000. However, for a more complex app with advanced features, the cost can range from NGN 5,500,000 to NGN 15,500,000. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of building a food-ordering app will vary depending on your specific requirements.

In conclusion, building a food ordering app can be a significant investment. It’s important to take the time to consider your requirements, budget, and resources before beginning the development process.

 Working with an experienced development team like specialmansolution.com and incorporating a user-friendly design, and reliable third-party integrations will ensure that your app is well-positioned to succeed in a competitive market. 

If you’re considering building a food-ordering app, it’s always best to consult with experts to get a more accurate estimate of the cost and discuss the features that would be best for you, so reach out to support@specialmansolution and let’s work together to build your food-ordering mobile app that will succeed.

Starting a new project?

Turn your ideas into incredible products

Related

7 Innovative food business ideas you can build in 2023.
Do you ever stop to think about the incredible power of food? It sustains us, fuels us, and brings us...
The Cost of Building a Ride-Hailing App Like Uber, Bolt and Indriver (2023).
A mobile phone showing a map and a car illustrating the cost of building a ride-hailing app The demand...
The Cost of Building a Healthcare App in Nigeria
In today’s digital age, healthcare apps have become an essential tool for managing one’s...