How to Create an App Like Instacart: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Imagine having your groceries delivered right to your door with just a few taps on your phone! That's what apps like Instacart do, and they're super popular.

To understand the potential market, we have an analysis indicating that "The global online grocery market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 25.3% from 2025 to 2030, reaching USD 2,159.7 billion by 2030."

These components function together to make the application smooth and effortless.

So if you've ever dreamed of building your own grocery delivery app, the time to make one is now. We'll walk you through every step to create an app like Instacart in a way that's easy to understand.

"The global online grocery market is expected to reach USD 2,159.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 25.3% from 2025 to 2030.

This blog is perfect for people who want to start a business or learn how apps are made. Let's dive in and learn how to build a grocery delivery app that can compete with Instacart!

What Makes Instacart Special?

Instacart is a big deal because it makes grocery shopping super easy. To build an app like it, you need to know what makes it awesome.

Below are the key components of a grocery delivery app:

• Customer App: This is what people use to pick groceries, pay, and track their delivery.

  It's like shopping online but for food!

• Shopper App: This is for the people who pick and deliver the groceries.

  They need to see orders, find items in stores, and update delivery details.

• Admin Panel: This is like the control centre for the app owner.

  It helps manage shoppers, customers, and groceries.

These components interact in a way to make the application smooth and efficient. Some cool features include:

• Searching for groceries.
• Paying with a credit card or app.
• Tracking the delivery in real-time.
• Rating shoppers or leaving feedback.

By including these features, your app can be just as good as Instacart.

Market Research

Before you start building, you need to learn about the grocery delivery world. This is called market research, and it's like making a game plan.

Look at Other Apps

Check out apps like Instacart, Shipt, or even local grocery delivery services. Observe what they do well and what they may improve upon.

Maybe they don't deliver fast enough, or their app is hard to use. That's your chance to make something better!

Know Your Customers

Who will use your app? Maybe busy parents, older people, or young professionals who don't have time to shop.

Think about where they live (big cities or small towns) and what they need.

Plan How to Make Money

Instacart makes money by charging delivery fees, taking a cut from stores, or offering premium memberships. You can do something similar.

Decide how your app will earn money to keep running.

Follow the Rules

There are laws about food safety, paying shoppers, and keeping customer info safe. Make sure you know the rules in your area so your app stays legal.This research helps you make a smart plan.

Pick the Right Tools (Technology Stack)

Building an app is like building a house-you need the right tools. Here's what it takes to make an app like Instacart.

Front-End (What Users See)

This is the section of the app users interact with. You can use tools like:

• React Native or Flutter: These let you make apps for both iPhones and Androids at once, saving time and money.

Back-End (The Brains of the App)

This is like the engine that keeps the app running. Try:

• Node.js or Django: These help the app handle lots of users and orders.
• PostgreSQL or MongoDB: These store all the info, like grocery lists and customer details.

Special Tools (APIs and Integrations)

Your app needs to do cool things like:

• Show maps for deliveries (use Google Maps API).
• Let people pay (use Stripe or PayPal).
• Send notifications (use Firebase).
• Track grocery stock (use special inventory tools).

Cloud Services

Use budget: Use AWS or Google Cloud to store your app and make it fast, even if lots of people use it. Choosing the right tools makes your app fast and reliable.

Build Your App Step by Step

Design the Look (UI/UX)

Keep your app simple to use and pleasant to look at. Create sketches (called wireframes) of what the app will look like.

Use tools like Figma to design the screens. For example:

• The customer app should have a search bar, product pictures, and a checkout button.
• The shopper app should show orders and a map for deliveries.

A good design keeps users happy.

Build a Simple Version (MVP)

Begin with a simple version of your app referred to as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Include only the most important features, like:

• Searching for groceries.
• Placing an order.
• Tracking delivery.

Set Up the Brains (Backend)

This is where the app's data lives. Set up:

• Servers to run the app.
• APIs to connect the customer and shopper apps.
• A system to match shoppers with orders and plan delivery routes.

This part is tricky, so you might need a developer to help.

Test Everything

Before launching, test your app to make sure it works.

Check if:

• Does it crash?
• Is it fast?
• Is it safe from hackers?

Try the app with a small group of users to get feedback. Fix any issues you find.

Launch and Grow

Put your app on the App Store (for iPhones) and Google Play (for Androids). As more people use it, make sure your app can handle the extra traffic.

Add new features based on what users want.

How Much Will It Cost?

Building an app like Instacart costs money, but you can plan for it. Here's a rough idea:

• Design: $5,000-$20,000 to make the app look good.
• Development: $40,000-$120,000 to build it (depends on how fancy it is).
• Maintenance: $15,000 per year to keep it running.

Ways to Save Money

• Use ready-made tools (like payment APIs) instead of building everything.
• Start with a simple MVP and add features later.
• Hire developers in places where costs are lower.

Get People to Use Your App (Marketing)

A great app needs users! Here's how to get them.

Before Launch

• Make a website to tell people about your app.
• Post on social media (like Instagram or Facebook) to build excitement.
• Send emails to let people know it's coming.

After Launch

• Give discounts for first orders or referrals (e.g., "Invite a friend, get $10!").
• Work with local grocery stores to promote your app.
• Make sure your app looks good in app stores (called App Store Optimisation).

Keep Users Coming Back

• Offer deals, like free delivery for loyal customers.
• Answer questions quickly if users need help.
• Use feedback to make the app better.

Solve Problems Along the Way

Building an app isn't always easy, but you can handle challenges.

Problem 1: Finding Shoppers

It's hard to get enough people to pick and deliver groceries.

Solution: Pay shoppers well, give bonuses, and let them choose their hours.

Problem 2: Working with Stores

Grocery stores need to trust your app.

Solution: Meet with store managers and demonstrate how your app enables them to sell more.

Problem 3: Fast Deliveries

Users want groceries quickly.

Solution: Use smart tech to plan the fastest delivery routes.

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Success Stories to Inspire You

Other apps have done this, and you can too! For example:

• Dumpling: A small app that lets shoppers work directly with customers.

  They focused on personal service and succeeded in small towns.

• Good Eggs: A grocery app that works with local farms.

  They grew by offering fresh, unique products.

These apps show that focusing on what users want (like fast delivery or special groceries) can make you stand out.

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Conclusion

Building an app like Instacart may seem complex, but it becomes manageable when you follow a clear plan. Start by researching the grocery delivery market to understand what users want.

Choose the right tools and technologies to build your app efficiently. Break development into simple steps, beginning with a basic version that covers core features like ordering, payments, and delivery tracking.

Plan your budget carefully to avoid surprises, and use smart marketing to reach your audience. Expect challenges, but don't let them slow you down-good planning and the right team make all the difference.

As your application expands, continue to refine it according to feedback from users. Add new features gradually, and always focus on making the experience simple and reliable.

Ready to build your grocery delivery app? Let Coders.dev help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your idea and see how our expert developers can turn it into a working product that stands out.

Ready to start?

See tools like Figma for design or Stripe for payments.

Want to learn more? Visit our blog for tips on app development.

How long does it take to develop an app like Instacart?

It typically takes 6-12 months to build a grocery delivery app like Instacart. A basic MVP can be done in 3-6 months.

The timeline depends on the app's complexity, features, and your team's experience. Using cross-platform tools and hiring skilled developers can speed up the process.

Do I need to know how to code to create a grocery delivery app?

No, coding isn't required. You can hire developers, use app-building agencies, or leverage no-code tools like Bubble or Adalo.

While coding helps for customization, many successful founders build apps by managing teams or using ready-made platforms.

How do grocery delivery apps make money?

They earn through delivery fees, subscriptions (like Instacart Express), service charges, commissions from stores, and in-app ads.

You can combine multiple revenue streams to keep your app profitable and competitive in the grocery delivery market.

How much does it cost to develop an Instacart-like app?

A basic version costs around $40,000-$70,000, while a full-featured app may reach $100,000+. Costs include design, development, APIs, and maintenance.

Save money by starting with an MVP and using open-source tools or cross-platform frameworks.

What features are essential for a grocery delivery app?

Key features include user registration, product search, secure payments, real-time tracking, and delivery scheduling.

Shopper features like order management and route navigation are vital. Admin tools help manage orders, users, and inventory.

How do I get users to my grocery delivery app?

Use social media, early discounts, and referral rewards to gain users. Partner with stores and run local ads. Optimize your app store listing and offer great support.

Word-of-mouth grows when you deliver value consistently.