On-Demand App Development: All Ins and Outs [2023 Overview]

Updated 03 Sep 2023

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On-demand services apps are everywhere – we can hardly imagine a field unknown to on-demand market. Variety of services, speed, convenience, and quality make these apps popular and widely used around the globe. But behind everything there's a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use platform.

In this post, we’ll guide you through on demand service app development aspects: from types of software to must-have features. You’ll also learn how to build an on demand app to make the most out of it.

Average cost to create on demand app:

  • Simple on-demand apps - $30,000-$120,000
  • Medium-complexity on-demand apps - $120,000-$200,000
  • Complex on-demand apps - $200,000-$300,000+

Note: These numbers are approximate. The final price will depend on the project’s specificities, including platform, features, and 3rd party integrations.

We’re focusing on the types of on-demand apps, the sectors to choose, and the development steps. Check our detailed guide to know on demand delivery app development cost

How to Build an On-Demand App: Steps Breakdown

Follow these steps to find out how to make an on demand app:

  • Step 1. Select a niche and analyze your target audience.
  • Step 2. Find an experienced team to build on demand app
  • Step 3. Collect the project’s requirements and define a feature set.
  • Step 4. Develop your minimum viable product (MVP on-demand app) to gather initial feedback.
  • Step 5. Choose a monetization strategy.
  • Step 6. Test the product and launch it to the first customers
  • Step 7. Develop a fully-featured on-demand platform
  • Step 8. Track your key metrics and promote your on-demand mobile app to acquire more users.

All these stages of on demand app development have their peculiarities and winning strategies. The number of steps can vary depending on your goals and project requirements. So keep reading, and we'll discuss them one by one.

What Is On-Demand Service App?

On-demand delivery software works as a mediator between a customer and a business. Just like Uber does for cabs, Airbnb for hotels and Zomato for food delivery.

On-demand platform allows users to order any kind of service and strives to deliver it in minutes. Like booking a ride through Uber. These apps solve users' major and minor everyday problems. For now, there are on-demand platforms in beauty, education, healthcare, taxi and cargo delivery, food delivery, and many other fields. And we can get all that beauty just by a few finger taps.

On-demand services app connects customers with different service providers, and vice versa. Of course, the platform charges a fee for that. But users from both sides often prefer paying extra money over spending hours searching for the right specialist/customer. Thus, on-demand apps offer a faster and more convenient procedure and make their few dollars in return.

Here’s how on-demand apps like Uber work:

  1. User places a request.
  2. App connects them with a service provider.
  3. Provider checks the request and accepts it.
  4. Payment is authorized.
  5. Provider delivers the service.
  6. Customer confirms the delivery.
  7. Payment is deducted.

According to Burson-Marsteller’s survey, 42% of adult Americans have used at least one of on-demand app services. And the number is only growing.

There are a few reasons for such popularity:

Lower costs. On-demand platforms offer lower prices, compared to traditional providers. And cost's often the main driver for buyers.

Availability. Smartphones and tablets are everywhere, so any service with a reliable mobile platform is handy, accessible, and one-click easy to get.

Adjustment to users’ preferences. On-demand businesses know what their users want, and they aim to deliver services as fast as possible. For instance, with Jiffy, a home-service platform, you’ll get a plumber to fix the tap within 2-3 hours, not days.

Various payment methods. Mostly, on-demand apps use Stripe or Braintree payment gateways or e-wallets like PayPal. All these tools are highly secured, fast and reliable. Besides, on-demand delivery apps accept cash as well.

Minimum efforts. There’s an option to save your details like payment info, delivery address, and so on. No need to enter this information again and again with each new order.

Variety. Tens of apps in each category, from babysitting to make-up service, meaning each user can find a solution that works best for them.

On Demand Service App Development: Types of On-Demand Apps

Planning to build on demand app, it’s vital to define what kind of solution you want to deliver. This will determine the targets and feature set of your future application.

Based on the users involved, on-demand apps can be divided into three groups:

  • On demand application development for business-to-business (B2B)
  • On-demand app development for business-to-consumer (B2C)
  • On demand application development for person-to-person (P2P)

Business To Business

Business-to-business on-demand service applications connect one enterprise to another. They involve providers, suppliers, Maintenance Company, etc. Like B2C customers, B2B clients expect high levels of customer satisfaction, and on demand mobile app development is an excellent way to deliver a seamless experience. For instance, Walmart’s suppliers employ a group of mobile applications that are linked to Walmart’s supply chain platform. It’s estimated that the European B2B e-commerce market value will be worth 1.8 trillion by 2025, so creating an on demand app of this type is a promising idea.

Business To Consumer

Enterprises tend to create on demand app to distribute their goods or services. The user only needs to download the app to find the required services or order products. These can be applications that cater to single providers (e.g., specific restaurants) or multiple providers distributing their services (products) on a single platform. For example, the Starbucks app enables users to jump the line by ordering and paying for coffee in advance or having their order delivered right to the office. The global B2C e-commerce market is predicted to reach $7,724.8 billion by 2025, so by deciding to build an on demand app, you have considerable opportunities to make money fast.

Person To Person

P2P on-demand service apps allow users to exchange goods or services and make transactions through a specialized platform. For example, BlaBlaCar helps users to seek co-travelers. Users can offer or find rides online by entering trip details, such as points of departure, arrival dates, etc. Once the user seeks the perfect ride, they can book a seat, and the contact info is sent to drivers for further clarification. Another good example is the Glocalzone. The platform connects travelers with people aiming to purchase goods from a different country. It allows travelers to earn extra money while reducing the costs of importing hard-to-find products for a buyer.

Types of on demand application

On demand app types

On Demand App Development Across the Industries

As you can see, there are quite a lot spheres on-demand services come suitable for. Taxi, meal delivery, dog walking, babysitting, laundry pick-up – on-demand applications seem to be taking care of everything. So let’s see how various industries make the use of on demand service app development and consider leading apps in each.

Taxi Services

Taxi and transportation field benefits from on-demand service apps the most. No wonder big players like Uber or Lyft have changed the game forever. Now, the taxi apps let customers book a car just in a few minutes. All they have to do is set their destination and wait for the cab to arrive. The driver will get a ride request and, if everything's arranged, come to pick their passengers.

Today's on-demand taxi apps offer many new features but the must-haves are:

  • Map and GPS navigation that helps customers catch nearby taxis
  • Communication channels between riders and drivers
  • Advanced feedback system (rates and reviews)

The most well-known taxi apps apart of Uber and Lyft are:

By the way, we've also worked on a P2P on-demand app called MoveUp. It’s a taxi service just like Uber or Lyft, but targeted both at regular people who need a ride and at those with specific medical needs, bulky items, parents with children, etc.

We had to move away from the Uber-like business model, create a sophisticated filtering system, and allow offline driver's validation. Besides, there also are complex payment capabilities with a free-ride option.

Result? Scalable and flexible platform with integrated GPS technology, Stripe, and other features that helps people find the best transport option meeting their needs.

For now, MoveUp has a website and iOS application.

Food Delivery

Using a food on-demand delivery platform, users order meals from nearby eateries after checking the menus. As soon as the customer places an order, the restaurant starts preparing the dish and indicates when the food will be ready. By that time, the courier reaches the eatery, picks the food up and delivers it to the listed address.

The key food delivery apps’ success is, as usually, speed and the ease of using. On-demand app is a win-win solution for both customers and restaurant owners. Users can easily order food from hundreds of places by checking menus in the app. And owners get more orders, thus, more revenue.

The best on-demand delivery platforms in the field are:

Household Chores

House cleaning, repairs, dog walking and many other everyday tasks take lots of time. And for those who need help with household chores on-demand apps is a perfect way out.

For example, if you got a leakage issue at home, you just post a request on the app and nearby plumber fixes it in no time. Same way, these platforms help with fixing carpentry problems, home appliances, etc.

Apps that have gained popularity in this niche include:

Gifts & Flowers Delivery

Forgot about friend's or relative's birthday or just happen to be in other city? On-demand delivery startups come to the rescue again. As for now, the delivery of gifts and flowers is one of the solutions to enter the market and gain customers. Apps attract users because of:

  • Wide choice of available products;
  • Abilities to choose the delivery time;
  • Doorstep delivery.

Today, the leaders in this field are:

Healthcare

On-demand medical apps connect patients with doctors. So users can talk to their physicians one-on-one when they need help. And just like during an ordinary visit, doctors make recommendations.

Of course, no app can take care of serious disease, and patients can’t get tested or properly examined without going to a hospital. But a plain consultation is something on-demand service apps can cope with.

The best healthcare apps are:

Logistics

Logistical on-demand delivery apps have increased in popularity due to cross-border e-commerce activities and millions of diversified goods that should be handled properly to ensure a good delivery experience. Such applications bridge the gap between shippers and carriers. It enables users to track the goods in real-time, compare the carrier rates, scan the goods to collect item-related data, get electronic proof of delivery, receive instant confirmed bookings, and much more. The on-demand logistics market is anticipated to reach $75 billion by 2030, so it's better to build an on demand app of this type now to gain a competitive advantage.

The most prominent examples of on-demand platforms in the field are:

  • Uber Freight
  • Onfleet

Eager to build your own Uber-like taxi app? Check our 'How to Create an App Like Uber' guide, explaining all the nuances.

What Is the Potential of On Demand App Development

On demand service app development is gaining popularity in the Post-Covid world, and this trend continues to grow. On-demand mobile applications provide customers with One Click service. According to a report, the on-demand app economy is going to reach $335 billion by 2025. So, let’s see why to build on demand app is a profitable idea:

  • The U.S. online on-demand home services market size is projected to reach $643.7 billion by 2027.
  • The online food delivery market (one of the economy's largest sectors) is forecasted to reach $343.80 billion in 2022.
  • More than 80 million Americans have already used on-demand services.
  • Uber’s delivery segment generated $17.4 billion in revenue in Q4 2021.
  • More than 63% of consumers order online to avoid long lines and crowded parking lots.

The success stories of Uber, Glovo, Airbnb, and TaskRabbit have pushed the on-demand economy forward, stimulating phenomenal growth. The global situation and increasing consumer bias towards such digital solutions indicate the right time to create an on demand app.

On Demand App Development Services: Development Stages

Now, let’s discuss how to make an on demand app in more detail. As an on demand mobile app development company, we’ll discuss the appropriate steps you should take to design a client-centric product.

1. Do a Research

It's a big mistake when investors care only about tech aspects (coding) and forget about the idea. After all, coding just guarantees that the app will run smoothly. But it's the customer research that helps with finding the target audience, their pains and problems. Besides, the research helps with building apps that bring friendly experience to users.

Here are the main tips:

  • Learn about customers. Online behaviors, hobbies, pains and needs – the more you know about future users, the more attractive app you can build.
  • Concentrate on unique functions. On the market this saturated, the best and often the only way to attract customers is to offer an original solution. No one wants to download on-demand delivery app clones with same features.
  • Don't try to please everyone. Even if you do, the app won't be capable of solving all users' issues. Focus on the majority. Continuous updates aimed to serve all needs cost a lot – and there's no guaranteed profit returns.

2. Pick the Features

Before finding an app developer, you should clearly understand the project’s requirements. Thus, you need to prepare a list of features you would like to add. Oftenly, the client comes to an IT vendor with a request like “I want an Uber-like app”. But it’s better not just to build an Uber clone, but implement some unique functionality. The set of features will differ depending on the type of on-demand app you choose.

Still, there are some features that just can’t be skipped:

  • Registration
  • Geolocation (or tracking)
  • Notifications
  • Payment

(Look for more details about features in the next section).

Additionally, you should think of how to monetize your on-demand platform. For instance, if you’re planning to create a food delivery website, you can get revenue from restaurant fees, user fees, advertising, etc.

3. Find the Right Development Team

When everything’s planned and arranged, it’s time to start looking for on-demand app developers. Currently, there are two popular options – in-house or outsourced development:

  1. In-house teams – great for a long-term projects that need 24/7 support and maintenance, but often very expensive (you’ll have to cover insurance, taxes, salaries, vacation, sick days).
  1. Offshore developers – great for both short and long term projects, cost-effective (you can pay exactly for the work done), and outsourcing teams are ready to sign the contract to protect both parties.

4. Choose the technology stack

On-demand mobile app development services require lots of technologies, depending on the selection of platforms. In fact, choosing a platform to build an app for is the most important part as it directly relates to customers' media experience. Thus, you'd better launch the app on platforms that are popular among your target users and keep close attention to tech details.

Generally, there are three types of platforms you need to care about:

  • web platform (runs in a web browser)
  • native app (e.g. iOS/Android)
  • cross-platform technology (cost-effective method for both iOS and Android apps)

5. Development Process

Building an MVP is the best option if you’re still unsure of your product’s success or just want to launch the app as soon as possible. This way, you can validate your on-demand app idea and a short time to market with minimum investments. The core idea behind the MVP is to create an on-demand app with basic features to attract early adopters and collect initial feedback. There is no complicated framework implementation. Then, after testing your product on a real audience, you can reinvest in creating a fully-featured on-demand platform.

Build on demand app with experts

Cleveroad will assemble a team of the most experienced tech talents for your project

MVP Features for On-Demand App Development

Before contacting on-demand app development company, it’s always better to create a list of features you’d like to see. But first you should define how many parties are going to use the platform.

For example, if you're making a taxi, beauty or household service app, two parties are involved – customers and service providers. And, as business owners must have full control over both the parties, admin panel is another need.

But when it comes to food delivery, there's another party involved – the restaurant which prepares the meal. Check our full guide on how to build food delivery app

So let’s check what features an on-demand services app can’t be viable without – on all sides.

Customer App

Registration & profile management

Most apps allow signing in via email/phone & password combination or Google, Twitter or Facebook accounts.

Geolocation

Works for tracking the delivery or finding the direction. Depending on the platform, geolocation can be either implemented on Google’s Location APIs (for Android devices) platform or Core Location framework (for iOS devices).

How to develop on demand service app geolocation

How the geolocation feature works

Notifications

Inform users about completed requests, payments, order updates, and so on. And push notices is probably the most convenient way of getting reminders and updates. Notifications are implemented via Google Cloud Messaging (Android) or Apple Push Notification Service (iOS). SMS notifications work for reaching out to customers/providers when their phones go offline.

Payments

In on-demand service apps, they heavily rely on security. Payment methods are added according to customers' preferences and country of residence – you'll need to make a research before adding PayPal, Dwolla or China UnionPay. For example, Uber lets users pay via card or cash, while Airbnb offers only cashless payments due to services’ specifics.

Feedback system

This feature helps customers to evaluate their experience with the company in the form of rates and reviews.

Help & support

Feature assists customers in case of any queries. It enhances customer service by solving their problems and works for the company's reputation.

Advanced Features for Clients

Advanced search and sorting

Integrating advanced search features will allow customers to filter the products (services) according to their preferences. The app page will display the search details based on the filters applied. The client can also sort results based on different parameters, such as price, location, product type, etc.

Recommendation engine

Recommendations based on user search queries customized for their objectives are a great way to boost conversion to your website. For example, Netflix has integrated the CineMatch system that offers users the shows that are more interesting to them. Likewise, TripAdvisor has added “Just for You” custom hotel suggestions.

Wishlists

It’s not always that people access your on-demand platform to purchase something or apply for services. Sometimes, they search for items (services) they wish to buy later. Creating an on-demand app with a “wishlist” feature will allow you to ensure the retention of potential customers.

Learn how to build an app like Uber Eats in our detailed guide: features, cost, and tools

Service Provider App

Registration & profile management

Just like clients, service providers should be able to sign in via various registration options.

Push notifications

They alert providers when a customer selects their product or service.

Accept & reject buttons

They allow service providers to accept or decline requests within a given period of time if something doesn’t work for them.

‘My earnings’ page

Service providers make money via the on-demand services app, so they must have a feature that tracks their earnings.

Online/offline button

If the service provider is ready to take orders, they go online in the system. But when their working day's over and they decide not to go for another service, all to do is just toggle the offline button.

Advanced Features

Report page

The service providers should be able to observe the reports relating daily operational information: total number of services/goods provided, incomes, penalty if any, etc.

In-app chat

In-app chatting is a great add-on to the request on how to create an on demand app to deliver a first-rate user experience. This feature allows service providers to quickly address the queries and complaints of clients as well as clarify the order’s details. It’s also recommended to create a chatbot and integrate it into your application to provide round the clock customer support.

Administration App

Admin dashboard

The app will be incomplete if there's no easy-to-use and customizable dashboard. It should be easy to navigate while monitoring both customers and service providers.

User management

Administrators should have access to information like users’ payments, charges for canceled orders, discounts, and so on. This way, they can solve any issue users may face twice as quickly.

Service provider management

As with customers, admins keep an eye on service providers too. They check their performance, rates, and motivate them to work better with bonuses or sanctions.

Change prices and fees

Many platforms raise prices when there's a huge demand on their services. Via the admin panel, managers change the rates or set – higher or lower – commission charges.

Analytics & reporting

Shows how many orders are accepted, canceled and repeated, and if the business is doing well in general. It helps with developing new business ideas and avoiding pitfalls.

Get on demand app from scratch

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Cost To Build On Demand App

On demand app development cost ranges from $30,000 to $120,000 and even 250,000+. The number of features and their complexity are the main cost drivers to create an on demand app.

Simple on demand applications

These are applications with a basic set of functionality so it’s a good way of developing MVP products. Simple apps have a primitive user interface and are generally designed for one platform. The cost to build an on demand app of this type ranges from $30,000 to $120,000.

Medium-complexity on-demand applications

Pro-level on-demand apps are more challenging to develop. It includes more sophisticated functionality (for example, in-app chat, payment gateway integrations) and has a custom UI design. The price to create an on demand app of this type starts from $120,000 and can reach $200,000.

Complex on-demand application

Custom on-demand apps come up with high-level advanced features (e.g., advanced search, BI tools) and well-thought-out UI. They’re primarily built for profit-making and optimizing regular business processes. The cost to build an on demand app varies from $200,000 to $300,000, and more.

Additionally, the cost of your on-demand project will also depend upon software developers’ rates. Average IT consulting fees per hour differ from country to country, ranging from $100-250 per hour in the USA and Canada, to $25-45 per hour in India and Pakistan.

Central and Northern Europe seems to be a golden mean charging $50-75 hourly while ensuring a high level of competency. For example, you can outsource mobile app development services to Estonia to get lower rates and high developer qualification. This country has third place in Central and North Europe for the number of IT workers, accounting for 300,000 specialists. In Estonia, IT is the largest export service industry. The cost-effectiveness is proven by global business: 20% of world-known tech companies have offices in Estonia. 110+ R&D centers owned by or working with global corporations, including Microsoft, SAP, Acronis, Parallels, and more.

App development hourly rates across the world

Cost to build on demand app in different countries

On Demand App Development Services from Cleveroad

As you see, you have to put lots of effort into creating an on-demand app. It is quite a complex process. There are lots of details to keep in mind – from choosing the field and working with the target audience to completing the list of MVP features. Good advice in this case is priceless, especially from vendors that have worked on similar projects.

Cleveroad is a professional web and mobile development company with 10+ years of experience in offering custom on-demand software development services that power business processes and increase investment value.

By cooperating with us, you’ll ensured with the following benefits:

  • A broad scope of on-demand services: creating apps from scratch, app modernization, cloud migration, IT infrastructure monitoring, API development, etc.
  • Hands on software development experience across multiple domains: healthcare, logistics, media, retail, social networks, marketplaces, education, etc.
  • Flexible approaches to IT service delivery: time & materials, fixed price, dedicated development team.
  • A team of technical experts that constantly develop their competencies in advanced technologies, such as IoT, big data, machine learning, AI, blockchain, AR, DevOps/Continuous Delivery (CD), etc.
  • We ensure process visibility by creating clear communication plans and providing our clients with regular reports to guarantee smooth functioning of the relationship.

To demonstrate our expertise in practice, here’s our latest on-demand project — sports social media network. This is a cross-platform application that connects sports teams, spectators, and everyone who loves sports activities in the offline and online mode. Our team of 13 members was challenged to build a digital community that would connect teams and spectators based on interests.

As a result, we’ve delivered a Flutter-based mobile app where users match by skills and interests, participate in events created by app administrators, and receive followers' attention. Our team has also built a web-based application for administrators to manage system users and functionality, keep data about upcoming events, involving new participants.

Get estimate of your on-demand app

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Frequently Asked Questions
How to build an on-demand app?

There are four main steps:

  1. Start with research. Learn more about your audience, their hobbies, pains, and needs, but don't try to please everyone at once.
  2. Think of features. You need to add unique features to make your app stand out, but if you're only testing an idea, don't add a ton of features. Just the basic MVP features and a couple of unique ones.
  3. Choose platforms. Before the development starts, you need to choose the platform your on-demand app will run on—web platform, iOS/Android app, or both.
  4. Find developers. These are two options—hire an in-house team that'll work from your office or outsource the development to another country.
What is an on-demand app?

On-demand apps connect customers with different service providers and vice versa. They let users order any kind of service and strives to deliver it in minutes, like booking a ride with Uber.

What is the future of on-demand apps?

Very promising. The on-demand food delivery market alone is expected to hit $161.74 Billion by 2023.

What are the companies that develop an on-demand delivery apps?

Basically, any company experienced in mobile and web development can make an on-demand delivery app. Check their portfolio for similar projects, see what technologies they use, and what their clients say.

You can check the list of companies on platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms.

What are the technical challenges of running an on-demand app?

You'll need two apps and an admin panel instead of the usual app+admin panel for owners. That's because on-demand apps work with both clients (like Uber riders) and service providers (drivers), and each party needs a separate app. That increases the development time and thus its cost.

Why should you invest in on-demand app development?

Because it's a profitable and promising field. According to Burson-Marsteller's survey, 42% of adult Americans have used at least one of the on-demand app services. And the number is only growing.

Author avatar...
About author

Evgeniy Altynpara is a CTO and member of the Forbes Councils’ community of tech professionals. He is an expert in software development and technological entrepreneurship and has 10+years of experience in digital transformation consulting in Healthcare, FinTech, Supply Chain and Logistics

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Comments

7 comments
H
Himanshu
17.08.2022 at 07:43

Perfect Blog!! I totally agreed importance of on demand app has increased it gives your business online present on the internet, but i think oil & gas industry also need on demand. but on demand development totally changed everything you can book everything on the phone just by clicking.

TM
Towab Muhammad Yusuf
25.06.2022 at 06:27

It is a very interesting blog and your pics are beautiful.

avatar
Alina Rovnaya
03.08.2022 at 06:51

Thanks!

JT
Jermaine Trotman
10.03.2022 at 05:23

According to Harvard Business Reports, “the on-demand economy is attracting more than 22.4 million consumers annually in $57.6 billion spending. All these on demand services include freelance services, home services, transportation, food & grocery, health services, and other similar services”. With each passing day, the On-demand App Industry is reaching new heights. This rapid expansion can be seen everywhere. Almost everything from booking movie tickets, taxi, or ordering food, medicines, groceries, and much more can be done easily through on-demand apps. Hence, it is clear now that the on-demand industry has a bright future and isn’t going anywhere.

T
Tom
25.11.2021 at 14:04

nice!

TN
Tarun Nagar
02.08.2021 at 10:06

Perfect blog! I was searching for this blog. Thanks to Google to make me land here, all information is good and looking to share it with others. After 2019 we are seeing a boom in the on-demand app industry. One thing really impressed me which is some college students are investing in this industry to start a business and making money.

S
shivani
04.12.2020 at 06:29

Very nice article got to know many new things

B
Ben
23.06.2020 at 13:20

The fast-moving world demands services on the go. Uber revolutionized the market at a more rapid rate than expected. Multiservices services are on-demand and are becoming an instant hit wherever launched. Apps like Uber for X have brought varied services to our doorstep. People find it affordable and convenient for doorstep services.

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nimble appgenie
23.02.2022 at 11:47

At present on-demand application has become a compulsory element to the business to attract the customers. This article helps to understand the factors we have to consider while developing on-demand mobile app. The factors they have mentioned in this blog is important.

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