How to Build an On-Demand Delivery App Like Postmates or Instacart Part One

April 30, 2020 | Ananya S

The world has come to a screeching halt due to COVID-19 but this unfortunate time of events should not stop you from building your own business. Take a step in the right direction with our team at Software Developers who want to help you build your own delivery apps such as Postmates or Instacart.

Firstly, let’s dive into exactly how Instacart operates so we can understand the levels of organization and software required to build your delivery app.

It starts off with users gaining access to the Instacart mobile app through the store, choosing their desired grocery stores or restaurants, and placing an order. The user’s order triggers the Instacart software to recognize delivery instructions such as parking locations, gate information and any markers on a user’s home that can help the personal shopper find the best entrance.

Then the user pays for their order and the money is then transferred to a preloaded payment card supplied by Instacart. Their order’s information is sent to the system and after it is done processing, Instacart sends a message to the shopper that includes a shopping list alongside detailed delivery instructions.

The next few steps are pretty simple and easy with the shopper visiting the store, picking up the items from the user’s shopping list, and paying with the preloaded card. If there are any items missing from the store that were asked for in the shopper’s order, the money is returned to the user’s account and bank.

Lastly, the shopper delivers the order to the user and the user has an option to tip their personal shopper.

Now, let’s move on to the process you will go through in order to create your perfect and successful delivery app. There are several types of Business Models you need to choose from so let’s go through them:

1. Marketplaces

These apps work on their own accord with their set menus and delivery drivers to deliver groceries to a user’s doorstep. This model is a good fit in the case where a user does not have prior grocery-related business and wants to build the most suitable app for their business. This model also pertains to small grocery business owners who cannot afford to create their own app.

2. Aggregators

These apps list a user’s desired location’s nearby stores and their menus. This model allows the user to order from the list of stores as they use affiliate drivers to deliver the products to the user. The fulfillment of the grocery list depends on the store and whether the desired grocery is in stock so it relies on a first-come-first-serve basis. Simply put, the business model of aggregator partners up with grocery stores in its area to provide the best quality consumer usage.

3. Grocery Chains

This model pertains to giant grocery conglomerates such as Safeway, Whole Foods, and Costco who have their own apps for their consumers. With these apps, consumers can easily order their groceries and have them delivered to their homes.

4. Single Stores

This model is particularly used for a mom-and-pop store with no chain of its own. This model pertains to an independently-owned store created especially for their regular customers. From the software product to the management of jotting orders, deliveries, and everything in between, the single store manages these aspects without a hitch. The advantage of this model is being the key driver behind the business and having the power to make any changes.

Now that you have a greater understanding of the various types of models, it is time to choose one and we can help you further build your own Delivery App. Continue on to reading Part Two of How to Build an On-Demand Delivery App Like Postmates or Instacart to further learn how to utilize our team at Software Developers to maximize your profit.

Our team at SDI helps entrepreneurs such as yourself build their businesses from the foundation to the core to the success it can find on the market today. Contact us at +1.408.621.8481 or email at team@sdi.la and we can help you get started in creating the next grocery delivery app to go viral on the market.

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