How to Make an App Like DHgate – Complete Guide

Ever found yourself scrolling through DHgate, marveling at how easy it is to access thousands of suppliers from China—all from your phone?

Now imagine this: what if the next DHgate-style app had your name behind it?

Building a B2B marketplace app that connects buyers and sellers globally may seem like a far-off dream reserved for billion-dollar startups. But the truth is—if you’re seriously considering building a platform like DHgate, you’re already thinking in the right direction. The need is real, the demand is high, and the opportunity? Massive.

Let’s break down exactly how you can make that happen—without sounding like a tech manual or some over-polished pitch deck.

---

Why Are People Obsessed With DHgate Anyway?

Before diving into the “how,” it’s worth pausing for the “why.”

DHgate is one of the largest B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplaces. It connects small and medium businesses (mostly in China) to buyers across the world. But it’s not just about cheap goods or bulk buying—it’s the experience, the trust (built over time), and the convenience that keeps people coming back.

So when people say, “I want to make an app like DHgate,” what they’re really saying is:

• I want to make global buying and selling smoother.
• I want a platform that people trust.
• I want recurring revenue, not just one-off sales.

That’s where your opportunity begins.

---

Start With the Problem You’re Solving (Hint: It’s Not Just “I Want to Build an App”)

Too many first-time founders start with the end product in mind: “I want an app like DHgate.” But DHgate didn’t start as DHgate. It began as a solution to a very specific problem: small Chinese suppliers struggled to connect with global buyers.

So, ask yourself:

• Who are you helping?
• What’s broken in the current system for them?
• Why is your version better, faster, or easier?

Let’s say you want to focus on African artisans connecting with U.S. boutique retailers. Or maybe you’re envisioning a niche B2B platform just for eco-friendly home goods. The more concentrated your “DHgate” is in the early stages, the better your chances of building something users love.

This is your foundation. Everything else from features to funding builds on this clarity.

---

Understanding the Tech (Without Drowning in It)

You don’t need to become a full-stack developer or memorize cloud server specs. But you do need to know what your app is made of—at least conceptually.

Think of building an app like a house. You don’t have to know how to install plumbing, but you should know where the bathroom goes.

Your DHgate-style app typically includes:

• Frontend – What users see: product pages, carts, chats, etc.
• Backend – What runs behind the scenes: product management, payments, user authentication.
• Admin Panel – Your control center for managing listings, disputes, commissions, etc.

If you’re planning to build for both iOS and Android, you can opt for a native approach (separate apps) or a cross-platform solution (create once, run anywhere). Most startups today use Flutter or React Native for cost efficiency.

Now, unless you’re planning to code this yourself, the real goal is to find the right team or agency (like Idea Usher) who understands your vision and can translate it into working software.

---

Key Features That Make DHgate What It Is

Here’s the fun part: feature planning. This is where your vision starts to take shape. But don’t get carried away trying to stuff everything in from Day 1. The goal is to launch an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), learn from user feedback, and build upon it from there.

Still, you’ll need some essentials to even be in the game:

1. Product Listings & Search

Without this, your app is a digital ghost town. Make sure products are easy to add, tag, and categorize. Think: filters, auto-suggestions, popular categories.

2. User Roles

You need buyers. You need sellers. They need different dashboards and experiences. DHgate does this well with tools tailored to each side.

3. Chat Functionality

Trust matters, especially in B2B. A real-time messaging system helps reduce friction. It’s also a great place to introduce AI-powered chatbots down the line.

4. Secure Payment Gateway

Your app has to support escrow-style payments and multiple currencies. DHgate holds funds until the buyer confirms receipt of delivery, reducing the risk of fraud.

5. Reviews and Ratings

Nobody wants to be the first to make a purchase. Peer reviews reduce risk and build credibility.

6. Logistics Tracking

Integrate with carriers or provide a tracking solution so buyers can track their orders in real-time. Bonus points if you can show estimated delivery windows.

---

Cost to Build an App Like DHgate

Let’s be real—this isn’t a $500 app.

The cost to develop a DHgate-style marketplace app can range from $40,000 to $200,000+ depending on:

Component	Basic Version	Mid-Level Version	Advanced Version
1. UI/UX Design	$3,000 – $5,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $20,000
2. Frontend Development	$5,000 – $8,000	$10,000 – $20,000	$25,000 – $40,000
3. Backend Development	$6,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $25,000	$30,000 – $50,000
4. Admin Dashboard	$3,000 – $6,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $20,000
5. Vendor Panel	$4,000 – $6,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$18,000 – $30,000
6. Buyer Panel (App + Web)	$6,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $20,000	$25,000 – $40,000
7. Payment Integration	$2,000 – $4,000	$4,000 – $7,000	$8,000 – $12,000
8. Chat & Messaging	$1,500 – $3,000	$3,000 – $6,000	$7,000 – $10,000
9. Product Listing & Search	$2,000 – $5,000	$5,000 – $8,000	$10,000 – $15,000
10. Order Management	$2,000 – $4,000	$4,000 – $7,000	$8,000 – $12,000
11. Logistics & Tracking System	$3,000 – $5,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $20,000
12. Review & Rating System	$1,000 – $2,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$5,000 – $7,000
13. Notifications & Alerts	$1,000 – $2,000	$2,000 – $3,500	$4,000 – $6,000
14. Analytics & Reports	$2,000 – $3,000	$4,000 – $6,000	$7,000 – $10,000
15. Security & Compliance	$2,000 – $3,000	$3,000 – $5,000	$6,000 – $8,000
16. AI/ML Product Suggestions	–	Optional ($5k–$8k)	Advanced ($10k–$20k)
17. Multilingual Support	–	$3,000 – $5,000	$6,000 – $10,000
18. Maintenance (6-12 months)	$5,000 – $10,000	$10,000 – $20,000

• Number of features
• Platform (iOS, Android, Web)
• Location of development team
• Time to launch

Start with the essentials. Focus on solving one problem really well for a small user base. You can always scale later.

At Idea Usher, we usually guide startups through a phased approach: build, test, improve, scale.

---

Real Talk: What Actually Makes or Breaks These Apps

If building an app like DHgate were just about code, every other startup would be a hit. But the truth? It’s rarely the tech alone that wins the game.

Here’s what actually matters:

1. Trust

Nobody wants to send money to a random app. Build trust through transparency, customer service, and visible seller verifications.

2. Retention

Getting a user to download your app is easy compared to getting them to come back. Think: push notifications, email triggers, repeat buyer discounts.

3. Community

People return to places where they feel a sense of connection. Build in forums, seller highlights, or even simple upvote systems.

4. Mobile Experience

Don’t just copy DHgate’s desktop flow. Study how users actually behave on mobile and optimize for thumbs, not mouse clicks.

---

Marketing: How Will People Even Find Your App?

Here’s a hard truth: the App Store is not your marketing plan.

Once your app is live, you’ll need to go hard on:

• Content Marketing: SEO-friendly blogs like this one (wink).
• Influencer Outreach: Especially for niche B2B audiences.
• Paid Ads: If you’ve the budget, consider testing Meta or Google campaigns.
• Partnerships: Look for aligned platforms or communities who already serve your audience.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of a simple story. “We built this platform to help women-led factories in Vietnam find global buyers” is way more powerful than “a new B2B app.”

---

Don’t Build Alone: Why You’ll Need a Tech + Strategy Partner.

Let’s be honest: building an app like DHgate involves way more than writing code. You’re building a business, not just a product.

That’s why having a tech partner who can guide you through development, launch, scale, and pivot matters. Not just someone who builds what you ask, but someone who questions what you ask—and improves on it.

At Idea Usher, we’ve helped businesses across industries go from idea to execution with real, scalable solutions. From AI-powered chat to custom dashboards and user analytics, we know how to turn product ideas into market-ready platforms.

Whether you’re bootstrapping or fundraising, it helps to have a team that’s been there.

---

Where Do You Go From Here?

So, you’ve got the vision. You understand what goes into building a DHgate-style app. Now what?

Here’s the thing: You don’t need to have every answer today. You need to take the first step.

Start mapping out your niche. Talk to potential users. Sketch the user flow. Find a tech team that truly understands your needs.

And if you’re serious about building an app like DHgate, reach out to us at Idea Usher. We’re not here to create your app—we’re here to make your business.

Build A Dhgate Like App With Ideausher

Trying to replicate the success of DHgate is no small feat—but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Idea Usher, we go beyond just “app development.” We help you build a business. Whether you’re looking to connect global suppliers with buyers, launch a niche B2B marketplace, or empower independent sellers with an intuitive platform, our team brings strategy, design, and tech together—seamlessly.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, we co-create with you: from refining your idea and planning scalable features, to designing the UI your users will love and building the backend architecture that keeps everything running smooth.

What makes Idea Usher different?

We think like product owners—not just developers. That means we’ll challenge your ideas when needed, suggest smarter solutions, and stay with you long after launch to help you grow, pivot, and scale.

So if you’re ready to build something bold—something that could become the next DHgate—let’s talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a DHgate-like app with Idea Usher?

It really depends on how complex your app needs to be. A basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can take around 12–16 weeks, while a fully featured marketplace could take 6 months or more. We’ll walk you through each phase with clear timelines and regular updates.

What platforms can you build my app for?

We can build for iOS, Android, and Web—either separately (native apps) or all at once using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter. We’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your budget and audience.

Can I launch with just a few features and scale later?

Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it. Starting lean helps you test your idea with real users and avoid wasting time (and money) on features no one uses. Once you gain traction, we can build upon your foundation.

Do I need to have technical knowledge to build this kind of app?

Not at all. Our job is to translate your idea into a working platform. We’ll handle the technical side—from architecture to deployment—while keeping you in the loop in plain English, not developer-speak.

How do you help make sure my marketplace stands out?

We start with market research and user journey planning, then tailor your features, branding, and tech stack to your specific audience. Our focus is on building something people actually want to use—and come back to.

What happens after the app is launched?

Our partnership doesn’t end at launch. We offer ongoing support, maintenance, updates, and even help with growth strategies. Think of us as your long-term tech and strategy partner, not just a one-time vendor.