How To Build A Grocery Delivery App Like Shipt?

The demand for on-demand grocery delivery has grown in recent years, especially with the shift toward convenience-first digital lifestyles. Apps like Shipt have disrupted the traditional grocery shopping experience, offering customers the ability to order groceries from local stores and have them delivered to their doorstep, often within a few hours. If you're planning to develop a grocery delivery app like Shipt, now is the right time to tap into this high-growth market.

In this blog, we have covered details about Ship, the benefits of investing in Ship-like app development, the development process, and essential features to consider while building a grocery app like Shipt.

What Is Shipt?

Shipt is an American grocery delivery app that connects customers with personal shoppers who pick and deliver groceries from nearby retail stores. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Target in 2017, Shipt operates in over 5,000 cities across the U.S.

Key highlights of Shipt include:

• Same-day delivery

• Membership-based model

• Real-time order tracking

• User-friendly app interface

• Partnerships with major retail chains like Target and CVS

Benefits of Investing in Shipt Clone App Development?

Here are several compelling reasons to invest in a grocery delivery app development like Shipt:

• Market Growth: The global online grocery market is projected to surpass $1.1 trillion by 2027, making it a lucrative space for new entrants.

• Changing Consumer Behavior: Busy lifestyles and health concerns are driving consumers to opt for instant grocery delivery apps like blinkit, zepto, shipt.

• High Revenue Potential: Apps can earn through delivery fees, subscriptions, commissions, and premium features.

• Brand Differentiation: A custom-built app gives your business the opportunity to stand out with unique features and tailored user experiences.

• Data-Driven Growth: Collect valuable customer insights to refine services and increase retention.

Step-By-Step Guide to Build an App Like Shipt

Developing a successful grocery delivery app like Shipt involves more than just coding. It requires a strategic approach that covers market research, user experience, technical execution, and post-launch support. Below are the key steps to guide you through the process:

1. Conduct Market Research
 

Before jumping into instant delivery app development, it’s crucial to understand the market. Analyze competitors, study customer behavior, and identify your target audience. Choose a business model that fits your goals, a subscription-based grocery app like shipt, a commission-based app, or a hybrid grocery delivery app.

2. Finalize Features & Tech Stack
 

Finalize the features your app requires based on your business needs for customers, delivery agents, and admins. Then select a robust tech stack (like Flutter, React Native, Node.js, Firebase, etc.) that ensures performance, scalability, and security.

3. Design an Intuitive UI/UX
 

A clean, user-friendly interface is essential. Work with experienced ui ux designers to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that make navigation effortless and the experience enjoyable.

4. Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
 

Start with an MVP development to launch quickly, gather user feedback, and validate your idea in the real market. Include only the most essential features and build iteratively from there.

5. Backend Development & Third-Party Integrations
 

Build a scalable backend to handle users, orders, payments, and logistics. Integrate third-party services like:
 

• Payment gateways (Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal)

• Map & location services (Google Maps API)

• Real-time notifications (Firebase, OneSignal)

• Inventory or POS systems

6. Test for Quality & Performance
 

Thorough testing is non-negotiable. Conduct functional, usability, performance, and security tests to ensure your shipt like app works flawlessly across all devices and user scenarios.

7. Deploy & Launch
 

Once testing is complete, deploy your shipt clone app to platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Prepare launch marketing to build visibility and attract early users.

8. Monitor, Optimize & Scale
 

Post-launch, monitor app performance using analytics tools. Collect user feedback, fix bugs, and roll out new features to keep users engaged. Be ready to scale as your user base grows.

>>>Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Develop Grocery Delivery App?

Must-Have Features of Apps Similar to Shipt

To compete with apps like Shipt, your grocery delivery app must be rich in features for customers, delivery personnel, and admins. Below are the essential features you should consider while developing an app like Shipt, a dunzo alternative:

For Customers:

1. User Registration & Profile Management
 

Easy signup with email, phone number, or social accounts, plus secure profile management.

2. Store & Product Browsing
 

Let users browse multiple stores, categories, and products with rich visuals and filters.

3. Smart Search & Filters
 

Advanced search options with filters for price, brand, availability, and dietary preferences.

4. Add to Cart & Checkout
 

A seamless cart experience with support for saved items, promo codes, and multiple payment options.

5. Real-Time Order Tracking
 

Track order status live, from shopping to dispatch to doorstep delivery.

6. Delivery Scheduling
 

Flexibility for users to choose same-day delivery or schedule for a later time slot.

7. Push Notifications
 

Updates about order status, offers, and reminders delivered straight to the user’s phone.

8. Ratings & Reviews
 

Users can rate products, stores, and delivery agents to ensure quality control.

For Shoppers/Delivery Agents:

1. Profile & Document Submission
 

Easy onboarding process with verification for IDs, licenses, and background checks.

2. Order Alerts & Accept/Reject Option
 

Instant order notifications with the flexibility to accept or reject based on availability.

3. Optimized Route Navigation
 

Integrated GPS and maps to guide delivery agents on the fastest routes.

4. Status Updates
 

Real-time order status updates: picked, out for delivery, or delivered.

5. Earnings Dashboard
 

Track weekly earnings, tips, and delivery bonuses in one place.

6. In-App Chat/Call with Customer
 

Direct communication for clarification during shopping or delivery.

For Admin Panel:

1. User, Store & Order Management
 

Monitor customer activity, onboard stores, manage product catalogs, and oversee orders.

2. Commission & Payment Handling
 

Automate commissions, payouts to delivery agents, and manage vendor transactions.

3. Analytics & Reporting
 

Track performance metrics, user behavior, revenue, and more with visual reports.

4. Promotions & Coupons
 

Create and manage discount offers, loyalty points, and promotional campaigns.

5. Issue Resolution Dashboard
 

Manage complaints, refunds, and order issues with centralized ticket handling.

Conclusion

Building a grocery delivery app like Shipt is a strategic move that combines innovation, convenience, and market demand. With the right mobile app development company and a clear roadmap, you can create an app that not only meets user expectations but also drives sustainable business growth.

At IMG Global Infotech, we specialize in developing custom, feature-rich grocery delivery apps that are scalable, secure, and ready for the future. From concept to launch, we help you turn your grocery delivery idea into a high-performing digital product.