Cost To Build A Fashion App Like Depop: Complete Guide

Fashion is something everybody pays attention to, especially among the new generation, also known as Gen-Z. The fashion market is vast worldwide, and the online shopping market is experiencing significant growth.  In the online fashion shopping market, there is also a sector of resale that accounts for a large share of this massive market. From thrift fashion to unique fashion-wear to vintage pieces, these resale platforms have changed the whole ecosystem. These platforms allow individuals to buy, sell, and explore fashion accessories and styles in a fun, social, and community-driven way. And there is this one platform among all the popular resale online stores, called Depop. Depop stands out as a trendsetter. 

If you are in the fashion business already, or a startup looking to enter the fashion resale market, you might also think about the cost to build an app like Depop and what goes into it. Here is the good news for you: this blog will break down everything you need to know regarding the features, cost to build an app like Depop, and factors that affect the cost of development. So let’s get started. 

What is Depop?

Before going deep into the features and cost to build an app like Depop, let us first see what Depop is. Depop is an online fashion store where users buy fashion accessories that are for resell. It is based in London, but has offices in New York as well. Depop was founded on 2011, and is available in more than 150+ countries, The sellers resell their clothes, accessories, and curated fashion products. The exchange happens in a fun, social, and community-driven way. It is like a mix of Instagram and eBay, which are easy to use, visually appealing, and focused on community. It is more than just a Depop clothing website or an eCommerce store. 

Depop is a lifestyle platform where fashion lovers share their personal style, discover trends, and develop a community. More sites similar to Depop have created market demand, as seen in the popularity. It has allowed the enterprises to build a next-generation marketplace in the fashion industry. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Depop-Like Fashion App?

The cost to build an app like Depop ranges from $5,000 to $60,000. It is based on the level of an app, the number of features, design needs, complexity, and tech stack. A basic or simple app might cost you lesser compared to a mid-level or advanced-level app. These estimates apply whether you need an Ecommerce app like Depop or a fully custom Depop clone app development solution. Let us now break down the Ecommerce app development cost as per the level of the app. 

1.Basic or Simple Platform

The basic app or a simple ecommerce app comes up with the basic features and design. It is good for small businesses or startups looking for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). The cost of building an ecommerce app with basic features will be less than the mid-level and advanced ones. It can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Startups or small businesses should not hurry to go for a mid-level app or platform with advanced features. 

2.Intermediate or Mid-Level Platform

A mid-level platform is good for businesses that want to expand. Also, it is suitable for those who are already in the traditional fashion business but looking to enter the online market as well. The development company will ask for the requirements and add more features to simplify your operation. A mid-level ecommerce platform might cost you around $20,000 to $40,000. 

3.Advance or Fully Automated Platform

An advanced app is suitable for those businesses that operate with full automation. The advanced platform features include AI recommendations, smart filters, notifications, etc. It is the last stage of platform building where a development partner integrates all the modern technology, and uses AR or VR, or any other modern features to stand out your business against the competitors in the market. The cost to build an app like Depop with advanced features might cost you around $40,000 to $60,000. It might be costly, but is a one-time investment with a strong Return on Investment (ROI). 

You have to keep in mind that Depop like app development cost depends on the features, design, team location, and the choice of technology. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing an App

There are certain points that businesses need to consider before building a fashion app like Depop app development cost. Understanding the factors that influence the cost will help businesses make a planned budget. Let us now see those factors one by one. 

1.App Features and Functions

The cost to build a fashion marketplace app will go higher with the addition of more features. For example, features like Social Media Elements, messaging, AI-powered recommendations, live bidding or auctions, influencer storefronts, smart inventory analytics, etc, will increase the cost to build an app. A small business might not need AI recommendations, so they can go for basic features and reduce their cost during the initial stages. Even basic additions like wishlist, reviews, or in-app chat can affect the cost. 

2.UI/UX Design Quality

There is a strong requirement for a well-designed app, especially in the fashion sector. A strong focus must be on aesthetics, and it will help the users to engage more on the platform. A highly customized design for a smooth user experience will increase the cost.

3.Platform Choice

Different businesses need different platform choices. Like for example, if the app is built for Android, the tech stack will be different, and if it is built for iOS devices, it will be different. The businesses also choose tech like Flutter or React Native for cross-platforms. Determining the tech will affect the cost of development.  Building for both app stores and adding a Depop website version increases the total cost. It also depends on whether you need an app or an app with a website.

4.Tech Stack

This point is connected to the above-mentioned point. If a business chooses to build a cross-platform app, it might go for Flutter or React Native. Same way, if the app is for Android or iOS alone, it is good to go with Kotlin or Swift, or any other suitable tech stack. A full-stack marketplace development might require Node.js, Laravel, Python, etc.

5.Development Team’s Location 

Cost varies significantly by geography. A development team in Asia might cost less compared to the ones sitting in the US or Europe. The hourly rate for the US or Canada region will be higher compared to Europe or Asia. This is why many businesses prefer Indian companies for cost-effective and robust development.

6.API Integrations

Developing an App Like Depop costs you more if there are API integrations. Sometimes, a platform needs third-party apps like payment gateways, shipping, or maps. The higher the API integrations like AR or VR, the more the total building a fashion app like Depop cost. 

7.Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing a platform on multiple devices requires time and effort. The Quality Assurance will help in smooth performances, but it requires more budget and costs more than usual. Hire dedicated ecommerce developers who provide affordable prices, along with testing and quality assurance. 

8.Maintenance and Updates

The development company will not leave you behind just after the launch and deployment part. They will fix bugs, upgrade features, manage the server, and provide long-term support and maintenance. But there will be some charges involved for these services, which is fair for their extra effort. This recurring cost is typically 15–20% of the initial development amount per year.

Core Features of a Resale App Like Depop

You might be thinking How much does it cost to develop a fashion resale app like Depop. As said earlier, it depends on the features and the volume. Some apps might need fewer features, but some need a bit more for smooth functioning. Ecommerce marketplace app development will also provide you with a platform for your global fashion buyers and sellers that allows them to communicate with each other in their own language and currency, thereby facilitating their cross-border transactions. Let us now see the core features of a resale app like Depop.

1.User Registration

A user must be able to register themselves easily without any complications. Give an option of signing in through the mobile number, email, Google, or social accounts. A quick onboarding is important for user experience. 

2.Personalized Feed

The app must recommend products to the users based on their browsing history, liked products, and wishlist. Depop is a platform known for its Instagram-like feed. Instagram also recommends things based on users’ watch and search history. 

3.Seller Profiles and Stores

Your resale app must have a feature for sellers. The seller should be able to customize store pages with the product listing tools. They should be able to control inventory, see the stats and insights, and review things. This makes your platform function like a true fashion marketplace.

4.Product Listing Management

It is one of the important features for sellers. The seller can easily upload products, their multiple photos, describe them properly, and provide price details. In a smooth app functioning, a seller can also categorize the product, and shipping details must be clear for the buyers.  The easier the listing process, the better the user experience will be. 

5.Search and Advanced Filters

A buyer, when exploring the products on the app, must find the desired one after filtering out according to brand, condition, size, trend, price, and category. This feature is crucial for converting visitors into buyers. For example, if a buyer is looking for a product that costs them less than a certain amount, an app can suggest the product as per the requirement. 

7.In-App Chat

Depop allows in-app chat support to its users. Sometimes, buyers negotiate before purchasing a product. Your app should include secure messaging and in-app support for buyers’ queries and confusion. 

8.Payment Gateway

An app must include multiple payment gateway options, like Cash on Delivery (COD), debit or credit card, wallets, UPI, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc. Some users are more comfortable with the COD option, or some prefer net banking. Every user must have the ability to choose in what way he or she wants to pay. Each gateway adds to the development cost.

9.Shipping Integration

Your app must provide shipping providers for automatic label generation to match the seamlessness of websites similar to Depop. A user should know the shipping information, status, and other integrations.

10.Wishlist or Saved Items.  

Having a wishlist or an add to cart option is useful for customer retention. It also improves user engagement, which eventually leads to more purchases and more revenue. Sometimes, a buyer is not in a position to buy that specific product for some reason. They should have an option to save that item to come out later and complete the purchase process. If there is no option of saved items, a user has to again find the same product by filtering out a few things, and it will take time. 

11.Rating and Reviews

The app must have a feature of giving reviews, feedback, and ratings. Not just for the buyers, but a seller should be able to give feedback so that the app can analyse what is wrong and rectify it for future experiences. A buyer, if not satisfied with the product, can give feedback regarding the issue, and the platform will help them to solve the query. It helps in trust building, and a user feels secure as well. 

12.Push Notifications

Sometimes, a user did not purchase the product due to high prices. An app can give an alert whenever there is a drop in prices. With this feature, user activity will increase, and more engagement is possible. 

13.Admin Dashboard

This feature is for admins or those who manage the everyday operations of the businesses. For management, admins need tools for monitoring transactions, approving stores, managing disputes, tracking revenue, analytics, and insights. Admin panels often make up 25 to 30% of the total development cost. 

Your business needs professional ecommerce app development services to grow fast and ensure scalability and smooth performance. 

How IMG Global Infotech Can Help You Build a Depop-Like Marketplace

If you are a business looking to build a resale marketplace, you require a strong D2C Ecommerce app development company with technical expertise, industry knowledge, and an understanding of user behavior. And that is where the expertise and experience of IMG Global Infotech came into existence. Here is how the IMG Global Infotech will help you in building a fashion resale app or platform. 

1.Custom UI/UX Design

The fashion industry is something that focuses on aesthetics. We will help you build a well-designed platform that engages customers and increases retention rates by using modern and visually strong interfaces.

2.Robust Marketplace Features

We will integrate scalable features,  including secure payment options, social-style feeds, a buyer-seller chat system, and personalized recommendations. Your business can compete with websites similar to Depop after integrating these robust features. 

3.High Performance and Speed

The ecommerce apps require fast loading, smooth navigation, and a powerful search function. Nowadays, no user wants to wait, and our team makes sure that your platform fulfills these expectations. 

4.Secure Payment, Data, and User Privacy

We follow international security standards so that the users’ transactions and data remain safe. Only those payment gateways will be integrated that are trusted and user-friendly.

5.End-to-End Support 

We will help you not just as a development company, but as a partner. After determining your business goals, we will plan your app process accordingly and launch the platform. Not just the launch, we will also help you in the post-launch process, and make sure you scale, sustain, and stand out in the market.

6.Transparent Pricing 

We provide all the services at marketable prices and offer clear cost estimates as per your features and complexity. There will be no hidden charges, and transparency is always there. You can also discuss your project cost or features with our experts if you are comparing Ecommerce app development cost for fashion marketplaces. 

7.Expertise in the marketplace and the Resale Platform

We have successfully built multiple resale and marketplace apps similar to Depop. Our experience saves time and ensures high-quality delivery.

8.Scalable Architecture for Future Growth

We build an app that should be future-ready. As your user base grows, you need an expert to handle rising traffic and product listings. For all those complications, you can trust IMG Global Infotech. 
 

You may wish to consider using some of the same components that are used in online shopping apps to help your customers navigate easily through your international marketplace.

Conclusion

Having a Depop-like marketplace is not a bad ploy. In fact, it is a good time to invest in this sector, considering ecommerce and sustainable fashion are booming across the globe. But building an app is not a cakewalk. It requires planning, and planning starts with understanding the cost to build an app like Depop. You will also need to know the feature requirements and the factors influencing your budget.

The cost of building an ecommerce app like Depop varies, ranging from $5,000 to $60,000. If the app is a simple MVP, the cost will be less. But if the app is fully automated, the cost will increase. It depends on your app complexity and the developers’ team’s location.Adding advanced features can give your platform a competitive edge over other popular buy and sell apps. You can add AI-powered Product Recommendations, AR or VR technology, Video Listings, Influencer Storefronts, and Dynamic Pricing Tools.

Working with a quality development organization, such as IMG Global Infotech, to design and build your Depop-like Marketplace for you can help ensure that you will have a fast and fluid Marketplace, with a stunning visual appeal, while being built to grow along with your needs for building a marketplace.

If you are interested in making a successful Fashion Resale app like Depop or any type of online Fashion Marketplace, feel free to contact us!