According to Criteo, mobile represents 65% of all e-commerce transactions in the world. And 70% of the time, apps are preferred to mobile websites. For eMerchants, thinking mobile-first has become a priority. However, technical knowledge or a large budget is usually necessary to create a Shopping App.
HERE ARE THE FAVOURITE TOP 5 PLATFORMS:
1. GoodBarber
GoodBarber, created in 2011, is amongst the leading app builders in the World with more than 30,000 active apps on its platform. GoodBarber delivers a tool that allows for the best design out there and offers a powerful and robust CMS. Since 2019, Shopping Apps are available on GoodBarber.
However, unlike its competition that offers Commerce add-ons or third-party integrations, GoodBarber chose to produce a product entirely dedicated to eCommerce. Clients can start from scratch and create their eCommerce app without typing a single line of code.
On top of the Design, GoodBarber set itself apart thanks to features dedicated to commerce (one-click checkout, auto-login, discounts, coupons, permanent cart, push notifications, promo banners, product import-export, shipping advanced settings …). Detailed product pages, management of variants and discounts, integration of similar products.
You can add up to 9 images on every product page. You can also create collections and subcollections to organize your shop. The payment gateways are Paypal, Stripe (credit cards) and Apple Pay. All the features focus on increasing sales. GoodBarber apps can be published on the Web (Progressive Web Apps), Android and iOS. Thanks to statistics and order tracking, eMerchants can keep a close eye on the evolution of their sales.
Accessible from $35/month (PWA), GoodBarber’s tool is a game-changer in the world of eCommerce platforms dedicated to mobile. GoodBarber also offers the option for Agencies to become Resellers and create an unlimited number of Shopping Apps starting from $500/month.
2. Appypie
Appypie is part of the leading app builders in the world. They offer a vast range of features. Pretty much, every type of app can be created with AppyPie: Restaurants, churches, eCommerce, local shops… Integrations with third-party tools are possible via API. Of course, apps build with AppyPie can be published on the App Store and the Play Store. A web version of the app is also available in HTML5.
eCommerce options are integrated into a specific section. It is possible to import products in bulk and set up shipping conditions. The product page is functional, advanced pricing options are available as well as variant management. Products can be sorted in different categories. It is also possible to send targeted push, share products on social media, create coupons and integrate a loyalty card. Regarding payment gateways, Stripe (credit cards) and Paypal are available.
The pricing including the eCommerce option starts at $36. However, be careful, AppyPie apps offer only a limited amount of downloads. If your app is successful you’ll have to upgrade. Reseller plans start a $200/month.
3. BuildFire
BuildFire is an app builder allowing you to create any type of apps without any coding and to publish them on iOS and Android. More than 10,000 apps are now active on the platform. In addition to the App Building product, BuildFire offers custom development for a fee. With the app builder, BuildFire allows to create eCommerce, events, content or religion apps. Their Design is of very good quality.
Regarding eCommerce, this section is an integration of Shopify. It is therefore mandatory to have a Shopify site to do eCommerce with BuildFire. The platform offers push notification and integration with Paypal and Stripe. The obligation to use a Shopify plugin makes the configuration of the shop quite complex. If your app has a large audience you will need to take into consideration that Push notifications and downloads are limited. Pricing starts at $89/month plus the additional cost of the Shopify subscription (starting at $29/month).
4. Mobincube
Mobincube is a platform based on the freemium model. Indeed, it is possible to start using Mobincube for free, the app being financed by advertising. You then pay a subscription that evolves according to the options you choose. Features include of course design settings, push notifications and Google Maps.
The eCommerce section of Mobincube offers only basic product pages (title, price, description, reference...). The only integrated payment gateway is PayPal. Mobincube allows you to start selling on iOS and Android in a cheap way but with very limited options. It is recommended to use "ad-free" versions because adding ads on a Shopping app can look unprofessional and worse, compete with the products sold on the app itself. Prices for ad-free versions start at $11.99/month.
5. Appyourself
Appyourself is a german app builder specialized in apps for professionals. All the most common features are integrated: templates, CMS, user management, push notifications. Appyourself can also do custom development at the request of its clients. Apps can be published on the Web or on the Stores (Android & iOS).
In the eCommerce section, you can create products and product categories. The product page is simple with a name, description, price, and taxes. You can also add similar products. Paypal is the only integrated payment gateway. The design quality is good which gives Appyourself apps a professional look and feel. Customization is made easy thanks to the preview feature. Pricing starts a $24/month.
Most of these platforms offer free trial periods. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of these before deciding which platform you will use. Of course, take into consideration features and pricing. But not only, as launching an app requires a lot of time and effort. Don’t forget to check their support and resources. Think from a growth perspective, so you won’t be limited when your app becomes successful. Finally, marketing options are important too as promoting your app to your audience is crucial to maximizing sales and profit.
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