How to Develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless?

Online food ordering apps like Seamless are always there to satisfy our crazy cravings. Thanks to such apps, we can devour our favorite delicacies whenever and wherever, with just a few taps on our mobiles. Due to the high rise in demand for such food ordering apps, the On-demand Food Delivery App development market has constantly been increasing and evolving. Similarly, the competition is also increasing more than ever before. An on-demand food ordering app must include all the key features to withstand its peers in the market. It should be packed with all the latest technologies such as chatbots and digital assistants. However, there is so much more about the app development than its features. If you are wondering how to develop a food ordering app like Seamless, then this guide will help you with all the insights you need to know. So let us begin!

How to Develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless? – Everything you Should Know

About Seamless App

Before getting into the details about developing a food ordering app like Seamless, let us learn a bit about the Seamless app and how it works. 

Launched in 1999 by Jason Finger, Paul Appelbaum, Todd Arky, and Andy Appelbaum to provide companies with a web platform to order food from restaurants. In 2005 Seamless became available to the individual users. Currently, merged with Grubhub, Seamless offers its food ordering service in many locations including, New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami and even in London.

Seamless got merged with Grubhub in 2013 to expand its business across North America. Eventually, it expanded its services throughout the country. Today seamless works under the Grubhub name.

Let us talk about its funding and revenue model. The company has managed to raise a total funding of 51 million USD in around 3 rounds. Funded by 5 investors and Stripes and Spectrum Equity are the most recent investors of the Seamless.

How does Seamless Food Ordering App Work?

Formerly known as Seamless Web, Seamless is a food ordering service providing a platform which is currently a part of Grubhub inc. Seamless enables its users to order from a wide range of restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains and caters nearby their location.

Seamless offers its services on both, mobile and web based platforms. Users have to enter their delivery address as the first step when they start using the app.

Once done with all this, users can start ordering their food. There are many categories and filters ranging from different types of cuisines to different restaurants. Furthermore, users can also apply filters based on price, ratings and overall customer services. This in-app feature helps them to choose the best restaurant based on their criteria. 

Similarly, the app also features all the restaurants with their current delivery times, ratings and much more. Furthermore, if a restaurant or a cafe has a minimum order value or a delivery fee, it is also listed on the app.

This way it becomes extremely easy for the customers to know everything about the restaurants before ordering food from them. Once you are happy with your food order you can put it in the cart. When your cart is full, you can finally check out. Then you can patiently wait for your order to be delivered on your doorsteps.

Additionally, Seamless do have options for tipping. You can choose from pre-selected percentages to tip. You will find the amount added up in the cart when you are checking out. There are so many similar food ordering apps available today. Check out our blog – Best Online Food Delivery Service Apps to know more.

Grubhub vs. Seamless

Let us end this battle for once and for all. Grubhub and Seamless are a part of Grubhub inc. However they are separate and offer their services separately. But since they both are part of the same company there are many similarities between the both. Their apps have almost the same interface and they provide the same services.

Furthermore, both Seamless and Grubhub offer their services in the same locations which essentially means that both the apps cover the same locations. Additionally, the pricing is also almost the same on both the apps. Thus we can easily conclude that whether you order food from Seamless or the Grubhub you can expect the same experience.

What are the payment options available on Seamless app and Is there any Delivery Fee?

• Like any other food ordering service app there are multiple payment options available on the Seamless app. Some of these payment options include Paypal, Credit Cards, Amex Express Checkout, etc. Seamless uses the industry standard encryption to protect your credit card information from any type of online scam or fraud. Furthermore you can even pay with gift cards on the Seamless app. 
• There is no separate Seamless delivery fee. One just has to pay the restaurant delivery fee if applicable and nothing else. 
• However, there is a minimum amount of food that you have to certainly order in order to avail Seamless delivery service. By doing so, Seamless ensures that the restaurant is getting the orders worth delivering. Otherwise, it will be a loss for the restaurants.

Is Seamless App Safe?

Seamless is one of the most frequently used food ordering apps in the USA. Many restaurants and consumers trust Seamless for its excellent services. Furthermore, Seamless has a market share of 23%, according to a survey conducted in June 2016.

Furthermore, Grubhub inc. has generated a revenue of 8.6 billion USD in gross food sales in 2020. These numbers are enough for us to anticipate the vastness of this food ordering service platform. It is not only safe but also an excellent food ordering service app that offers great customer service.

How to Develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless? – The Ultimate Guide

Developing an app is a daunting process let alone be a food ordering app development. Idea Usher experts have smartly curated this guide to help you all with the development process of a food ordering app like Seamless. However, it is a lengthy and complex process. Thus, we have simplified it by breaking it into short and simple steps. So without any further a do, let us quickly begin with our first step!

How to Develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless? – Step by Step Explanation

Let us have look at the following step which you might consider while developing a food ordering app like Seamless. The first step is conducting a deep market research

Step 1 : Conducting In-depth Market Research

As mentioned earlier app business is very competitive today. There are a number of new apps in the market each day. According to a survey, the number of users in the online food delivery segment in the USA is expected to be 69.9 million by 2024.

These numbers are enough to explain to you the vastness of the online food delivery app market and how difficult it is to establish a successful food delivery app business.

Henceforth it is crucial to understand the food app development market statistics and how this market works. The only way to do this is by extensive research. You have to have a solid knowledge about your target sector of the market.

It is the same analogy as you can’t excel in the subjects you do not know about. Henceforth it is extremely important to research each and everything happening in the market right now related to your app’s niche. Furthermore, there are so many challenges and without prior knowledge of the market you can never overcome them.

Ensure that you are developing a solution-driven app which focuses on resolving issues other apps hasn’t touched yet. We know it can be a little intimidating, but trust us, extensive research is the key to a successful solution-driven app.

Step 2 : Create a Business Model Canvas

Once you have researched the market trends, the next step for how to develop a food ordering app like Seamless is creating a solid business model. A robust business model for a food ordering app like Seamless must also include a delivery model, revenue model and a solid PR planning. Let us have a quick look at each of them.

• Business model

There are two types of business models for food delivery apps like Seamless that are based on three elements i.e., Order, Cook and Deliver. The first business model is known as ‘The Order Only Model’. JustEat is the prime example of this business model. The second business model is known as ‘The Order and Delivery Model’.

However, you can always take inspiration from existing apps and businesses in the market. For example you can take inspiration from the business models of Doordash and Caviar. These companies were successful in creating a huge impact in the market by their stellar business models which effectively focuses on two main components – Ordering and Delivering. 

• Revenue Model

One should ensure that you have excellent monetization strategies for your business. It is extremely crucial to have a stable source of income to keep your business running. There are various ways you can monetize your app like- Running Third-party Ads on your app, In-app Purchases for add-on Features and Flat Fee(granted at the time of app download).

However, the primary source of revenue for food ordering apps is through the purchase made on them. But then there are several other options like third party ads and sponsorships, which can also help the business earn an additional income.

• Delivery Model

A robust delivery model is extremely crucial for a successful food ordering business. Thus ensure that your delivery model is backed by a solid fleet of vehicles just like UberEats. However, you can even partner with a delivery firm to deliver the food orders to your customers. This is a much more feasible option for a new food ordering service app startup.

• PR Strategies

Building solid marketing and PR strategies is the only way by which you can run a sustainable and growing business. You can do so by hiring a team of marketing professionals to create excellent PR strategies for your app business. This will help you gain a huge customer base. Furthermore, ensure that you are active on all the social media handles.

This way you can promote your food ordering app on all the platforms. Consequently bringing more customers and revenue to your business. Another great marketing strategy is discount and promotional offers. This way you can lure your customers to engage more on your food ordering app. 

Step 3 : Finding Partners or Co-founders

The next step for how to develop a food ordering app like Seamless is finding partners or co-founders. It is undoubtedly the most underrated yet important step. Planning and developing an application is a crucial and daunting process. Thus, you will need someone to support you financially and emotionally throughout the process.

Henceforth, having partners/co-founders for your app ensures that you have someone in the team to make up for the skills that you might lack. These can be your friends, colleagues and even your Linkedin connections. Henceforth, do consider finding some amazing and supporting partners for your food ordering app.

Step 4 : Developing the app

The next is the most important step of how to develop a food ordering app like Seamless and it is developing the app. This step requires expertise and strict professionalism. You cannot underestimate this step at any cost.

You have to hire a team of excellent app developers to develop your food ordering app. With Idea Usher, you can create the best food ordering app for your business that too within your budget. We will take care of all your needs and provide the best solutions for your trading app.

• Wondering why it is a great idea to outsource the app rather than building it in-house?

It is one of the most asked questions that if you should outsource your app or build it-in house. Well according to our experts it is best that you should outsource your app. There are so many advantages of outsourcing your app like it reduces the risk factors for your customers. Additionally outsourcing your app saves a lot of time and is extremely cost-effective. 

Furthermore, outsourcing your app in the marketplace increases your professionalism by providing access to marketplace data.

• Hourly vs. Fixed app development – What should I choose?

This question was one of the most trending hot topics on Google last year. This is because your financing and budget requirements are the most crucial parts of app development. We have a dedicated blog on this topic which will answer all your queries at once. So click here to know more!

Step 5 : Testing the app and Publishing the Food Ordering App

• Rigorously testing the app

Rigorous app testing is the key to make a productive and efficient app. Additionally, you have to ensure that your app is free of any bugs and any minor or major complications. This can only be ensured when you test your app regularly. Henceforth, it is a wise option to hire a dedicated and experienced testing team for your application. This will enhance your app’s performance to ten folds.

• Publishing fee on Google Play and App Store

Publishing fee on Google Playstore is just a one time fee of $25. After this one time fee you can publish as many apps as you want for free.

For the App Store an individual account has to pay a yearly fee of $99. It does not matter if the app is paid or free you have to pay this yearly fee. Other than this there are no separate ‘hosting fees’ on App Store.

• Protecting the app

Food delivery app market is extremely competitive hence it is important that you must start taking measures to protect your app. There are a number of ways by which you can do so. Some of these ways are as follows –

• Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with your Co-Partners

• Protecting your Individual Property Rights

• Copyright your App

• Get a Trademark for your App

• Patenting your App Idea

So this was all about how to develop a food ordering app like Seamless. But the quest for developing the best food ordering app like Seamless does not end here. There are so many other things that you have to include in your food ordering app. In the next segment of the blog we will have a look at all the key attributes of a food ordering app like Seamless.

Must have Features for a Food Ordering App like Seamless

There are so many features that can make an app better than its competitor. A food ordering app like Seamless must be packed with all the interesting features. Since it increases the customer engagement on your app and enhances their experience. Consequently, helping your business to flourish and bring more profits to you.

How to develop a food ordering app like Seamless? – Must have Features

Developing an online food ordering app like Seamless is not an easy task. There are a lot of intricate aspects that one must take care of while working on developing a food ordering app like Seamless. Want to learn more about developing a food ordering app and the essential features to include in it? Check out our blog Must have features of online food delivery apps. In this next segment of our blog we will have a quick look at all the important attributes that Online Food Ordering Service Apps like Seamless must have.

So let us begin! 

Online food ordering service apps like Seamless have three panels- Customer panel, Admin panel and the Delivery Agent Panel. Let us first have a look at the most important features to include in customers’ panel.

Customers Panel

• Hasslefree and quick Social Media Login
• Personalized Profiles
• Real time Food Tracking
• Reviewing Restaurant Profile
• Integrated Multiple Payment Options like Stripe and Paypal
• Easy Access to Delivery Agent’s Contact Details
• In-app Chat Support/ Digital Assistants
• Reviewing Past Order History
• Real-Time Push Notifications Option
• Discounts and Promotional Offers
• Loyalty Points

Delivery Agent Panel

• Quick Registration
• Quick Authorization of Delivery Agents
• GPS enabled Tracker
• View Delivery History Option
• Quick and Efficient Order Handling
• Contact Details of Customer
• Wallet Feature to handle Payments 

Admin Panel

• Easy Registration and Profile Management
• Smart Admin Panel
• Robust Dashboard Analytics
• Effective order Management
• Real-time Updates from Delivery Agents
• Freebies and Promotional Offers Management
• Efficient Logistics Management

These were some of the key attributes of a Food Delivery App for Customer, Admin and Delivery Agent Panel. These features will surely make your app more scalable and productive.

How much it Costs to Develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless?

The development cost of only on-demand is often the most talked topic. Similarly it is also one of the most important things that you have to consider very thoughtfully.

Thus, In this next segment of our blog let us have a look at the cost of developing a food ordering app like Seamless. However. The answer to this question is not very straightforward. We have to consider a lot of other factors to find out the actual cost of development.

These factors include Geographical location, Target Platform(Android or iOS), Integrated Technologies, App Complexity and App Design. Henceforth, developing an app in the USA or Europe is relatively higher than developing an app in any other part of the world.

Similarly, if your target platform is both Android and Apple, the cost of development would be higher in that case. This even stands true for technology stack and your app design. To conclude, the more advanced features in the app, the more will be the cost of development.

Apart from UI/UX designing and front and back end development, testing tools also costs a fortune. The cost of developing an app also depends on the fact that if it is a Native app or a Hybrid app.

Want to know more about native and hybrid apps? And which is better for your business? Check out our detailed comparison of Native and Hybrid apps to learn more.

Considering all the factors the cost of developing a Food Ordering App like Seamless with all the advanced features and similar user interface is around $40000 to $50000. The cost can even go up depending on many other factors.

But if budget is your constraint, then you need not to worry. With Idea Usher, you can create an innovative food ordering app like Seamless, that too within your budget without compromising on quality. 

Choose Idea Usher to develop a Food Ordering App like Seamless

Food Delivery Apps are becoming a new trend in the tech world. They are creating a roar in the market due to their high demand among the people. If you are thinking of creating a strong and scalable Food Delivery App then you happen to be at the right place. Idea Usher is a leading software and app development company that designs web and mobile based solutions for you.

From design to development we have got you covered! Our team of the best developers will guide you through each and every step of app development be it designing or the marketing of your app. We will cater to all your needs and requirements to produce the best customized solutions.

Furthermore, we use cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Development, Machine Learning, and complement them with human-centric UI/UX design to offer solutions that are futuristic and result-driven.

Our services are not just limited to just designing and developing your app. We offer our services post your app’s launch too- like support and maintenance. Furthermore, we will help you to form effective PR strategies to boost up your app’s performance in the market. And also, getting more app downloads.

What are you waiting for then? Contact us today to get your dream project started! Also do not forget to check out our portfolio and the wide list of services we offer to our clients across the globe.

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Wrapping up

We hope you like our blog – How to develop a food ordering app like Seamless. In this guide we have tried to explain all the aspects of an on-demand food ordering app development. This guide explains all the important attributes of a food ordering app like Seamless. The app provides amazing customer service and enlist a wide range of restaurants and cuisines.

Also, it offers its services across the US. One can easily access all the options listed on the app since the app is very user-friendly. All the restaurants and cuisines are well categorized to sort and filter quickly and conveniently. 

The online food delivery app development market is expanding exponentially today. Henceforth, if you are someone who is looking to create a similar food ordering app, you must consider all these features in your app.

Furthermore, it is also very necessary that you integrate the latest technology in your food ordering app to make it competent. We wish that with this guide you have got your answer to How to develop a food ordering app like Seamless. To read more such blogs related to food delivery app development, click HERE.