In this guide, we have collected all the essential information you need to know to build food delivery apps that leave competitors behind.
Highlights:
- Standing out in the food delivery industry requires a unique value proposition and innovative features.
- Studying successful apps like Postmates helps identify gaps and opportunities to outperform existing solutions.
- Understanding customer pain points allows you to create food delivery apps that truly resonate with your target audience.
It’s not a secret that entering the food delivery market requires the right business approach and an experienced development partner. If you’ve ever wondered how to make an app like Postmates, you might have noticed that there are lots of ‘how's' that are blowing your mind from the very beginning.
→ How to create a food delivery app that will find its audience and bring you success?
→ How to validate the idea of your future business?
→ How to choose the right development partner?
→ How much will it cost to develop a food delivery app?
And so on…
According to our experience with food delivery app development, the success of any mobile app is defined by several initial steps: thorough market research, professional ideal validation, and choosing the right food delivery app development partner.
Thanks to conducting thorough business analysis and discovery, we managed to build a competitive online delivery app, James Butler, for Denmark. Particularly, we figured out that busy Danes preferred to order delivery without specifying detailed product descriptions on the shopping lists. Taking short product descriptions as our trump card, we got almost 5,000 shopping lists created within the app three months after its launch. At Mind Studios, we definitely know how to tackle all the development challenges from the concept to launch, and we are ready to share our expertise with you!
If you need to validate your idea and get answers to all your questions about food delivery application development, do not hesitate to contact our expert team for a free consultation.
How your business can benefit from a food delivery application development
Whether you run a restaurant, a grocery store, or a logistics company, a custom food delivery app can transform your business, drive revenue, and help you stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Based on our wide expertise in app development, we have discovered a few tendencies on how different types of businesses can benefit from developing a Postmates-like app.
Accelerate ROI and attract investments
As you have already noticed, building a food delivery app isn’t just about convenience—it’s a smart investment. The growing food delivery market is highly attractive to investors, offering fast returns and growth opportunities.
Industry insight:
- HungryUS, a U.S.-based food ordering startup, secured $1.1M in funding just two years after launching.
- Cajoo, a Paris-based grocery delivery company, raised an impressive $47.2M in its first year.
- Yummy, operating in Latin America, amassed $83.9M in funding within two years of its launch.
| Business Type | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Attract funding for app-based expansion | Faster scaling and diversified revenue |
| Grocery Stores | Secure investor interest for delivery logistics | Broader delivery network and customer reach |
| Startups | Build investor confidence with scalable tech solutions | Increased valuation and rapid growth |
| Franchises | Expand into new markets with investor backing | Global reach and brand recognition |
Expand your customer base
Any mobile app allows your business to serve more customers with less effort. Whether you're delivering meals or groceries, features like real-time order tracking can significantly improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Industry example:
Take Karla, a German startup. They prioritized advanced delivery tracking in their app, allowing customers to monitor their orders from dispatch to drop-off. As a result, they’re expected to reduce over 71% of disputes related to delivery errors, according to PYMNTS experts. This significantly enhances customer trust and optimizes operational efficiency.
| Business Type | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Serve more customers with minimal staff | Increased order volume without extra overhead |
| Grocery Stores | Streamline last-mile delivery with real-time tracking | Reduced delivery errors and customer disputes |
| Logistics Companies | Optimize routes and reduce delivery times | Enhanced efficiency and cost savings |
| Catering Services | Simplify bulk order management | Better coordination and customer satisfaction |
Unlock new marketing channels
Food delivery app development provides powerful marketing opportunities that traditional methods can’t match. For instance:
- Location-based promotions: companies like Telepizza have integrated geotargeted offers to provide instant sales, earning $2,400–$2,600 from a single push notification. Send discounts or promotions to users near your restaurant or delivery zone to attract foot traffic and boost orders.
- In-app loyalty programs: you can reward repeat customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers directly within your app. Loyalty programs not only encourage frequent orders but also create a sense of community around your brand. For instance, Starbucks has seen massive success by integrating rewards into their mobile platform.
- Referral programs: encourage existing customers to invite friends and family by offering incentives, such as discounts or free deliveries. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and referral programs help you tap into new customer bases with minimal effort.
| Business Type | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Use push notifications for promotions | Increased engagement and higher repeat orders |
| Grocery Stores | Offer personalized deals based on customer preferences | Enhanced loyalty and customer retention |
| Franchises | Run geo-targeted campaigns to attract local customers | Boosted foot traffic and localized sales |
| Cloud Kitchens | Leverage app analytics for targeted marketing strategies | Efficient ad spend and maximized ROI |
All these benefits can significantly boost your business to become a valuable player in the constantly changing market. If you want to get a detailed action plan on how to make your own food delivery app, contact Mind Studios experts for a free consultation. With years of experience in food ordering app development, our team definitely knows how to make your business profitable.
Food delivery app development: What to start with
To answer the question “How to build an app like Postmates that will bring you profit,” you should keep in mind all the development stages, from the idea validation to the final launch.
1. Validate your idea
The right idea validation will help you better understand why you’re developing your food delivery mobile app, for whom, and how you can monetize it. Idea evaluation includes some important stages like market research, trend and business analysis, and defining your unique value proposition.
The first task when building a mobile app for food delivery is to research your competitors.
→ What do they do, and how do they do it?
→ Who’s their target audience?
→ Can you cater to people your rivals don’t target?
→ What can you do to steal the spotlight?
2. Conduct business analysis
Business analysis is aimed at understanding the demand for your application. Through comprehensive market research and competitor analysis, you can identify gaps in the market, uncover user pain points, and define your unique selling proposition (USP) to stand out in a crowded space. During the BA phase, our team often works on identifying your buyer persona, choosing the right monetization model, evaluating market trends, and identifying regulatory requirements.
At this stage, Mind Studios doesn’t just stop at gathering data—we provide actionable steps that guide the app’s development. Our team delivers a precise cost estimation based on the app's complexity, features, and technology stack.
User personas are only a small part of business analysis. As you work with your food delivery app development company, you will eventually fill out a so-called Lean Business Model Canvas. It covers all the basic information you need to understand: what features to implement and how to navigate the food delivery business in general.
Here is a Lean Business Model Canvas that highlights the main values of Postmates:
If you need qualified business analysis experts, Mind Studios is an ideal partner to get in contact with. Our team has validated hundreds of business ideas and gained for our clients a competitive advantage in today's overcrowded market.
3. Choose the right food delivery app development partner
Selecting the right development partner is critical for your app’s success. Look for a company with proven experience in building food delivery apps, a strong portfolio, and expertise in the latest technologies. A reliable partner will guide you through every stage—from idea validation and UI/UX design to development, testing, and post-launch support.
Mind Studios expert advice:
There are lots of online platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, and Upwork that could help you find potential mobile app development companies by filtering them with ratings, relevant experience, location, hourly rates, etc.
At Mind Studios, we offer end-to-end development services, keeping your app not only functional but also tailored to meet market demands. With transparent communication, precise cost estimations, and a focus on user-centric design, we help you build a competitive, high-quality food delivery app that will stand out.
Food delivery app: Core features you need to know
In order to correctly calculate the food delivery app development cost, you need to keep in mind that complex systems, like Uber Eats or Postmates, require several applications to be built into one structure: the customer app, the backend, and the app for delivery persons. Here are the most common features you need to consider:
Customer app features
The customer app is the primary interface users interact with when placing orders. It should offer a seamless, user-friendly experience, allowing customers to browse menus, customize orders, and track deliveries in real time.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Onboarding | Easy sign-up/sign-in process with options for social media or email registration. |
| User Profiles | Manage personal information, saved addresses, payment details, and preferences. |
| Settings | Customize notifications, privacy preferences, and app functionalities. |
| Menu Screen | View restaurant info, food categories, dish images, cooking time, prices, ratings, and reviews. |
| Dish Screen | Detailed view with photos, ingredients, nutrition facts, prices, cooking time, and order options. |
| Order Screen | Manage cart, input payment details, delivery address, preferred delivery time, and special notes. |
| Location Tracking | Real-time GPS tracking of orders from restaurant to doorstep. |
| Order Control | Track order movements live on a map with estimated delivery times. |
| Order History | View previous orders, reorder favorites, and leave ratings and reviews. |
| Push Notifications | Receive updates on order status, promotional offers, and reminders. |
Backend features
The backend serves as the backbone of the food delivery app, handling data storage, logistics management, and real-time communication between customers, couriers, and restaurants.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Database Management | Store and manage data on restaurants, menus, users, and delivery personnel. |
| Push Notification System | Automate the sending of real-time updates and promotional alerts to the customer app. |
| Real-Time Chat | WebSocket-powered chat to facilitate two-way communication between users, couriers, and support. |
| Logistics Control | Optimize delivery routes, manage courier assignments, and ensure timely deliveries. |
| Data Management | Handle user data securely, monitor app performance, and generate analytical reports. |
Delivery app features
The delivery app is designed for couriers, providing them with tools to manage deliveries efficiently, track earnings, and access real-time updates on orders.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Order Map | Interactive map displaying optimized routes for faster deliveries. |
| Order Details | Access to basic customer information, delivery instructions, and order contents. |
| Courier Profiles (Optional) | Personal profiles for couriers to track performance, receive feedback, and manage schedules. |
| Earning Dashboard | View detailed earnings reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. |
Admin panel features
The admin panel allows business owners and managers to oversee the entire operation, from restaurant partnerships and client management to revenue monitoring.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Restaurant & Menu Listings | Manage partnerships with restaurants, update menus, and adjust pricing. |
| Client Base Management | Access and manage customer data, including order history and feedback. |
| Revenue Monitoring | Track earnings, transaction volumes, and commission rates to evaluate business performance. |
Mind Studios advice:
These tables represent the core features required for a minimum viable product (MVP) in the food delivery industry. However, to create a standout app like Postmates, you can integrate additional features, such as quality control tools, order modifications, receipt scanners, and advanced customer care services, depending on your target market and business goals.
Want to get a detailed feature set tailored to your unique business needs and requirements? Contact us to get a comprehensive feature set for your food delivery application.
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Food delivery app development tech stack
Now, it’s time to talk about the development of your food delivery app from the tech side. What technologies should your team apply for launching a tech-savvy yet smoothly operating food delivery app? We’ve described the commonly used tech stack for Postmates-like apps in the table below:
Selecting the right tech stack is very important for ensuring your app's scalability, performance, and security. The choice of technologies may vary depending on your specific business needs, budget, and the complexity of features you plan to implement.
Partnering with an experienced development team can help you navigate these decisions and build a food delivery app that not only meets current market demands but is also prepared for future growth.
How to build an app for food delivery: Cost estimation
To be honest, it’s quite difficult to estimate a complete food delivery application development cost before discussing the demands of the business and the desired features of the app. The process of creating an app has been roughly classified into three categories, each representing a different degree of complexity.
| App Model | Estimated development time | Initial contract price |
|---|---|---|
| Simple app | 3–6 months | $39,000–$48,000 |
| Medium app | 6–9 months | $60,000–$80,000 |
| Advanced app | 10–15 months | $95,000–$160,000 |
Note:
Aside from the initial investment, keep in mind the need to cover 15–20% of the total food delivery app development cost each year to maintain and improve your platform to cope with the expanding market competition.
A sophisticated food delivery service, like DoorDash or Uber Eats, with the potential to operate in several cities and countries, will require a minimum investment of $150,000 plus additional fees.
For the rest, the app development cost for the food ordering service is entirely based on the app's complexity and the functionality you require to meet your particular business objectives. You can contact our experts for a free consultation to get a rough estimate for your idea.
Our estimate example for food delivery app development
Here’s a rough estimate we’ve made for a better understanding of where the money goes.
| Food delivery app development stages and cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Development stage | Hours | Cost |
| Project management | 400+ | $18,000 |
| Idea validation + specifications | 100+ | $4,500 |
| Design for Android & iOS platforms | 160 – 200 | $7,200 – $9,000 |
| iOS development | 640 – 800 | $28,800 – $36,000 |
| Android development | 620 – 800 | $27,900 – $36,000 |
| Backend | 580+ | $26,100 |
| Testing and improving | 460+ | $20,700 |
| Admin panel | 100+ | $4,500 |
| Total | 3,060 – 3,440+ | $137,700 – $154,800 |
If you're looking for a qualified team with considerable expertise in food delivery app development, let Mind Studios offer you an all-inclusive cost estimate. Contact us, and we will provide you with a full quote so you can have an idea of how big of an investment you need to develop a food delivery app.
On demand food delivery app development: Industry examples
In general, there are two main options to monetize an on-demand food delivery app:
- Restaurant fees
- User fees
A restaurant fee means that to be featured in your app, partner restaurants pay either a fixed amount (like a monthly fee) or a percentage of each delivered order. Also, restaurants can pay an additional fee to be in a "featured" list of recommended establishments.
A user fee means that when users make an order via your app, they pay extra for it to be brought to their doorstep. This fee can also be either a fixed fee (per order), a percentage of the order total, or be based on the delivery distance, level of demand, etc.
Lately, delivery services have taken to adopting a subscription model for users as well. This model comes in handy for those who use the service frequently and for large orders.
Let’s take a look at some real-world delivery app examples and monetization strategies.
Postmates
Postmates isn’t the cheapest service for customers. Its delivery fees range from $3.99 to $9.99. Still, people use this service a lot. Here’s why:
- Alongside delivery fees, Postmates often features discounts.
- There’s a Postmates Unlimited subscription for $20 a month that provides free delivery on orders over $20.
- Postmates doesn’t restrict deliveries to food; you can order groceries, gifts, flowers, and basically anything that one delivery person can carry.
- Postmates works 24/7.
These are the features to consider if you’re thinking about how to develop an app like Postmates.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats was launched when Uber was already famous for its on-demand taxi service. A food delivery app was simply an expansion, not a completely new business. This made it easier for the company to market the new service.
Mind Studios advice:
If you want to create an app like Uber Eats, one of the most valuable insights we can give you is that you should pay a lot of attention to the UI/UX design. Uber Eats is known for its flexibility and simplicity in browsing options and placing orders. There are all kinds of search options: by distance, cuisine, dish, or place name. Users can even set dietary restrictions.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a service with one of the largest networks of partner restaurants in the US and Canada. Among the DoorDash app’s best features are:
- Featured restaurants
- Restaurants with free delivery
- Restaurants with free offers
- Popular dishes in each restaurant
- Order tracking
- DoorDash Delight
DoorDash Delight is a scoring system that measures customer satisfaction with restaurants. It reflects food quality, delivery speed, and overall restaurant popularity. A rating system and curated lists are features to strongly consider if you’re aiming to create a food delivery app like DoorDash.
These are the biggest names in the food delivery market. If you’re interested in how to develop a food delivery app, they’re the first ones for you to research. However, simply copying any or all of them won’t do you any good. The best option for you is to have a consultation with an experienced food delivery app development company, which will build a detailed action plan tailored to your business.
Food delivery app development: Final thoughts
Food delivery app development is more than just coding—it’s a complex process that involves multiple layers, from market research and idea validation to UI/UX design, backend infrastructure, and post-launch support. A constant wondering how to create a food ordering app can be overwhelming, especially in today’s competitive market, where standing out requires more than just a functional app.
At Mind Studios, we understand the challenges you’re facing:
→ How to make an app for food delivery that stands out in a saturated market?
→ What features will truly resonate with your audience?
→ How do you manage the technical aspects without getting lost in the process?
This is where our expert team comes in. With years of experience in developing high-performing, user-centric food delivery applications, we know exactly what it takes to turn your idea into a thriving business. From validating your concept to guiding you through every stage of the development process, our team is here to keep your app functional and competitive.
If you are ready to bring your food delivery app idea to life, let Mind Studios handle the complexities while you focus on growing your business. Book a free consultation with our experts today to get answers to all your questions!
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