Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How much does it cost to build an app like

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Royal Mail?

Scrums.com is revolutionizing the way growth companies scale their engineering teams. Our platform offers access to top-notch remote software engineering teams at an affordable subscription price.

Get started
Tick box
World-class development teams
Cube icon
Flexible subscriptions
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Royal Mail?
SovTech UK software development
SovTech UK icon clock
statistics

Don't take our word for it

The stats are in our favour. Scrums.com doesn't just help you with your software development teams, we get you results that last.
95%
Sprint completion
82
Net promoter Score
1,200+
Projects delivered
13
Years of software specialistion
SovTech UK software development
SovTech-UK-Leading-Software-Development
SovTech graphic leaf
pricing

How much does it cost to build an app?

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Royal Mail?

App Feature 01
App Feature 02
App Feature 03
App Feature 04
App Feature 05
App Feature 06
Get in touch
Arrow
App development

Develop Credibility and Trust

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Building a custom app can boost your brand's trust and credibility, ultimately benefiting your business in the long run. We will discuss the following topics:

1. Reputation Management
2. Customer Support and Engagement
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
4. Demonstrating Social Responsibility

A well-made custom app can dramatically improve your brand's marketability and reputation. A trustworthy app will show that you are dedicated to providing top-notch goods and services. As a result of knowing they can rely on you, your clients and business partners will have more faith in you.

A custom app also strengthens your brand identification by demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail.

Customer Support and Engagement
Blue plus sign

A custom app enables you to offer personalized customer support and engagement, helping you address the unique needs and pain points of your African target market. 

By incorporating in-app support features, such as chatbots, help centres, or direct communication channels, you can provide timely assistance to your users, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 

This level of support also encourages users to share their positive experiences with others, further boosting your brand's credibility.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Blue plus sign

You may get useful user data through custom app creation, giving you insights into user behavior and preferences. You may improve your app and broader business strategy by studying this data and making wise decisions.

Delivering a more individualized experience for your users is made possible by a data-driven strategy. This helps to increase their faith in your brand and ultimately ensures that they will stay visiting.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility
Blue plus sign

Putting money into a customized app that caters to your target market's needs demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.

You can showcase your brand's dedication to having a beneficial influence by developing an app that takes into account regional difficulties, environmental issues, or social issues that are pertinent to your audience.

This thoughtful approach to app creation not only strengthens the integrity of your brand, but it also appeals to customers who value companies with a clear sense of mission.

Custom App development

Benefits of Custom App Development

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Imagine custom app development as an expert chef crafting a personalised menu for their restaurant. Just as a meticulously planned and executed meal can leave diners with a memorable culinary experience, a custom app is specifically designed to cater to your business's distinct needs and objectives, leaving a lasting impression on your users. 

Investing in custom app development offers several advantages, including:

  1. Improved user experience
  2. Increased efficiency
  3. Competitive advantage
  4. Higher profitability
  5. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  6. Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
Improved user experience
Blue plus sign

A custom app allows you to create an interface that is tailored to your target audience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. By focusing on the preferences and expectations of your users, you can craft an app that not only meets their needs but also delights them with personalized features and intuitive navigation.The best part? If you develop an app that your users love, you ensure that they keep coming back for more and turn them into lifelong customers.

Custom apps can be designed to streamline business processes and boost productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, integrating with existing systems, and providing real-time data access, custom apps empower your team to work more efficiently and make informed decisions quickly, just like a well-tailored suit that enables effortless movement and comfort.

A unique app helps you stand out from the competition and attract more customers. In a world where off-the-shelf solutions are abundant, a custom mobile app acts as a distinctive and exclusive suit that sets you apart in the crowd, showcasing your brand's personality and commitment to providing a superior experience.

A well-designed app can generate increased revenue and improve customer retention. By offering a memorable and engaging user experience, your custom app encourages users to continue using your services and make purchases. It's akin to wearing a sharp, tailored suit that not only grabs attention but also instils trust and confidence in your brand, ultimately resulting in increased profitability.

Custom app development enables seamless integration with your existing systems and third-party applications. This ensures a smooth flow of data between various platforms, enhancing communication and collaboration within your organization. The ability to integrate effortlessly is like having a versatile tool that easily connects and works in harmony with other components in your business ecosystem.

As your business evolves, a custom app can be easily modified or expanded to accommodate changing requirements and market trends. This adaptability is like having a dynamic strategy that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to suit your business's changing needs, ensuring continued relevance and success in an ever-changing environment.The benefits don’t just stop there though. If you want to build trust and credibility with your customers, a custom app is a great way to do so.

App development

Pivoting and Iterating

Investing in custom app development can be expensive, but being open to pivoting and iterating based on market feedback is crucial to ensure long-term success. By adapting your app to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your target market, you can stay ahead of the competition, increase user satisfaction, and maximize your return on investment.

Encourage users to provide feedback and reviews, which will help you identify pain points and areas for improvement. By addressing these concerns, you demonstrate your commitment to serving the unique needs of your users, enhancing your app's credibility and increasing user satisfaction. Tools like in-app surveys, app store reviews, or social media can be used to gather feedback and gauge user sentiment.

Iterate Based on User Data
Blue plus sign

Analyze user behaviour and engagement data to understand how your app is being used and identify potential bottlenecks or areas of friction. By making data-driven decisions, you can prioritize improvements and new features that will resonate with your audience, maximizing the impact of your development budget and efforts.

As you adapt your app based on market feedback, be prepared to allocate resources for ongoing updates and improvements. While this may increase your app's overall cost, the benefits include increased user satisfaction, reduced churn, and ultimately, higher long-term profitability. Regular updates also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a high-quality app experience tailored to your users' needs.

Adopt a flexible, agile development methodology that enables prompt iteration and change in response to market feedback.

Your app will stay relevant and helpful to your target market if you are receptive to user needs and can swiftly pivot and make adjustments.

By prioritizing products and enhancements that have the greatest impact, an agile methodology can also assist you in managing development expenses more successfully.

While it's essential to iterate and adapt your app based on user feedback, it's also crucial to balance this with innovation and forward-thinking. Continuously explore new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to ensure your app stays ahead of the curve and caters to the evolving needs of your user base. By striking the right balance between adaptation and innovation, you can maintain a competitive edge and secure long-term success for your app.

App development

The Importance of UX and UI

Creating an outstanding user experience and design is crucial for a successful app. A well-designed app should be visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly.

  1. Consistency: Consistent design elements throughout the app, such as typography, colours, and button styles, create a unified look and feel. This consistency reduces the cognitive load on users, helping them navigate your app with ease and understand its functionality more quickly.
  2. Simplicity: A simple and uncluttered interface reduces distractions and makes it easier for users to focus on the tasks at hand. Strive for a minimalistic design by eliminating unnecessary elements, using whitespace effectively, and prioritizing essential features.
  3. Feedback: Providing feedback, such as visual cues and confirmation messages, helps users understand the results of their actions. This can include animations for button clicks, success messages for completed tasks, or error messages when something goes wrong. Clear feedback enhances user satisfaction and encourages continued use of your app.
  1. Understand your target audience: Research your users' demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviours to tailor your app to their expectations. Conduct surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights that help shape your app's features and design.
  2. Use clear navigation: Intuitive navigation is essential for a positive user experience. Implement well-organized menus, easily accessible search functions, and recognizable icons to help users find their way around your app effortlessly.
  3. Optimize for performance: Fast loading times and smooth performance are critical for user engagement. Optimize your app's code, reduce file sizes, and use efficient algorithms to ensure your app runs quickly and seamlessly on various devices.
The Impact of Good Design on App Adoption and Retention
Blue plus sign

Higher app adoption rates and greater client retention result from spending money on excellent design and user experience. A well-designed app has a higher likelihood of being passed along by users and being used again, which leads to better ratings, word-of-mouth advertising, and long-term success.

App development

Security Considerations for App Development

In today's interconnected digital world, app security is paramount. We take a look at some vital security considerations.

The Privacy Act of 1974 is the primary privacy regulation in America that regulates the sharing of data. The Privacy Act governs how federal agencies may gather, utilize, and disclose personal information. Individuals are given specific rights under it, including the ability to access and update their personal information, and federal agencies are required to protect such data from illegal disclosure.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for health information, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial information, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children's online data are just a few federal laws that deal with privacy and data sharing in addition to the Privacy Act. Additionally, each state has its own privacy laws that could offer additional protections.

Keep up with the latest security threats and best practices, such as incorporating multi-factor authentication, securing APIs, and using secure coding practices. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify potential weaknesses and protect your app from emerging threats.

Working with Trusted Vendors
Blue plus sign

Select a reputable development partner with a proven track record in security best practices, like Scrums. A reliable vendor will prioritize security throughout the development process and help you build a secure app that meets industry standards and best practices.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

How much does it cost to build an app?
Blue plus sign
testimonials

Don't take our word for it

Hear it from global businesses like yours
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Scale Your Development Team
Faster With Scrums.com
Get in touch and let's get started
Book a Demo
Tick
Cost-effective
Tick
Reliable
Tick
Scalable
Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Royal Mail?

Developing a Royal Mail-like package delivery app for Europe requires understanding multiple features.
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like... Hero Image
Reliability

95%

Quality user stories into production rate

Happy customers

82

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Consistent delivery

1,200+

Successful projects delivered

Work with experts

13

Years of software specialisation

When it comes to developing a package delivery app similar to Royal Mail for the European market, understanding the regulatory, technical, and cultural landscape is essential. Europe is a diverse region with varying customer expectations, payment preferences, and technological landscapes. Package delivery apps must cater to these differences to succeed.

In addition to navigating the complexities of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance, developers need to design an app that works seamlessly across a range of devices and delivers a flawless experience, whether the user is in France, Germany, or Spain. There are also unique market competitors in each country that developers need to account for. For example, countries like Germany and France have established delivery services that may present competition for a newcomer like a Royal Mail-inspired app.

The tech-savvy nature of the European market means consumers expect high levels of functionality, security, and ease of use. Meeting these expectations requires deep localization, robust backend infrastructure, and a careful selection of platforms and technologies. Additionally, the diverse nature of the European Union means cross-border functionality, language diversity, and regulatory compliance all need to be considered when developing an app for this market.

This article will explore the factors that influence how much it costs to build an app like the Royal Mail package delivery for the European market. By understanding the underlying challenges and requirements, you will get a clearer picture of what goes into building such an app and why the cost may vary across countries and regions in Europe.

Platform and Device Compatibility

One of the key decisions to make when developing a package delivery app like Royal Mail is choosing the platforms and devices on which the app will be available. This directly impacts the app’s development cost, as targeting both iOS and Android platforms or using cross-platform tools comes with different complexities and expenses.

Platform Preferences in Europe:

  • Android: In Europe, Android is the dominant platform, particularly in countries like Spain, Poland, and Italy. Given the wide range of Android devices in the market, including budget smartphones, building an Android app requires attention to different screen sizes, operating system versions, and device specifications.
  • iOS: iOS is more popular in Western Europe, including Germany, the U.K., and France. iPhone users tend to have higher disposable incomes, making it an important demographic for delivery services. Developing for iOS usually involves higher upfront costs, as Apple's app store submission fees and custom app development tools are premium-priced.

Cross-Platform Development:

For businesses looking to cut costs and streamline development, cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native allow developers to create one app that runs across both iOS and Android platforms. While this approach reduces costs by maintaining one codebase, it can sometimes limit performance or user experience compared to fully native apps. Developers must weigh the tradeoff between efficiency and quality when opting for cross-platform solutions, especially for complex apps like package delivery services that rely heavily on real-time tracking, notifications, and smooth user interfaces.

Web and Tablet Versions:

Another consideration is whether your app will expand beyond mobile phones. Many users, especially businesses in France, the U.K., and Germany, prefer using tablets or desktop computers to manage their deliveries. For apps that cater to these users, developing a responsive design or creating separate tablet and web versions can increase development costs. Implementing synchronization across devices, like enabling users to track packages on mobile and access detailed information on desktop, adds an additional layer of complexity and cost to the app's development.

Basic Features
Plus icon
Intermediate Features
Plus icon
Advanced Features
Plus icon
Looking for the most value for money app development?
Join over 400+ companies already growing with Scrums.com.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

The design and user experience (UX) of a delivery app are critical to its success. Users expect intuitive navigation, fast access to key features like package tracking, and clear, easy-to-understand delivery status updates.

UX/UI Preferences in Europe:

  • Minimalist Design: European users, especially in countries like Sweden and Germany, favor clean, minimalist designs. They appreciate an interface that is simple and easy to navigate. This preference can increase development costs as it often requires more iterative design work to balance aesthetics with functionality.
  • Trust and Security: Given that Royal Mail-like apps often handle sensitive personal information, such as addresses and payment details, building user trust is paramount. Clear security indicators, such as showing SSL certification or the option to use two-factor authentication (2FA), must be incorporated into the design. These design elements not only increase development costs but are also required to meet GDPR compliance.

Localization for European Markets:

  • For countries like France and Germany, localization includes not just language but also local preferences for navigation and interactions. For example, Germans might prefer more detailed information in their app interfaces, while the French user interface might lean towards a more aesthetic design with intuitive interaction. These subtle design differences require more effort and resources to develop, making localization an expensive but necessary feature.

Integrations with Third-Party Services/External Systems

In addition to payment systems, package delivery apps often rely on third-party logistics partners for things like package tracking, shipping management, and real-time delivery status updates. Developing integrations with these partners adds significant costs, especially when trying to operate across various European countries.

Integrating with logistics systems like DPD, UPS, or FedEx in some countries and local courier services in others requires development work for APIs, as well as compliance with each courier’s rules and standards. Since each country may have different preferred services, it’s important to integrate a flexible system capable of interacting with multiple services based on geography.

Another important consideration is compliance with PSD2 regulations across Europe. This is particularly relevant for payment processing and managing financial data security. The development and maintenance of these integrations can be complex and costly.

Payment Systems:

Europe has several region-specific payment systems that need to be integrated into the app:

  • SEPA: A common payment method in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.
  • Klarna: Popular for offering “buy now, pay later” options in Scandinavian countries.
  • Bancontact: Widely used in Belgium for payments.

API Integrations:

  • Logistics APIs: Connecting to services that provide real-time shipping data and updates on package status is essential for delivering accurate information to users.
  • Open APIs: For integrating with third-party courier services across multiple European countries, integrating Open APIs can help increase the efficiency of deliveries.

Database & Backend Infrastructure

In order to ensure smooth operations, a robust backend infrastructure is essential. For a delivery app like Royal Mail, backend systems must handle a variety of tasks, such as managing large amounts of user data, real-time tracking, and logistical information. This also involves storing sensitive personal and payment data in compliance with GDPR regulations.

GDPR Compliance:

The costs associated with data storage can be high, particularly since data residency requirements mean that data must be stored in European data centers or in jurisdictions that comply with GDPR standards. This can involve cloud services such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Microsoft Azure, which require careful management to ensure compliance with European privacy regulations.

Scalability:

As your delivery app grows, so too will the demands on your backend infrastructure. You’ll need to ensure that your backend can handle spikes in traffic, especially during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday or Christmas. This requires a scalable cloud infrastructure, which could increase operational costs.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Maintaining and updating a package delivery app is an ongoing process. GDPR compliance updates, operating system updates, and bug fixes must be addressed frequently to ensure the app remains functional and secure.

GDPR Updates:

The European regulatory environment demands that app developers regularly update the app to stay in compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws. These updates can incur additional costs, as developers need to allocate resources to monitor changes in legislation and ensure compliance.

Platform and OS Updates:

Frequent iOS and Android updates also require the app to be tested and updated regularly to ensure compatibility with the latest OS versions.

Team Expertise and Location

Building an app like Royal Mail requires expertise in a variety of fields, including logistics, payment systems, and GDPR compliance. Working with a distributed team across Europe can help reduce time-to-market and ensure that local requirements are met effectively.

Distributed Teams:

Europe is home to a skilled workforce in countries like Poland, Germany, and the U.K., where specialized talent can be found for tasks like data security and logistics systems. Working with distributed teams across multiple European countries ensures that local regulations are adhered to and that the app is localized for different markets.

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

When developing an app like Royal Mail, the hidden costs are often tied to QA testing, App Store fees, and compliance with legal regulations. Testing the app for performance and security, particularly when dealing with sensitive data, will require additional resources.

QA & Testing: Rigorous testing for app security and functionality is particularly important for package delivery apps. Testing the app across multiple devices, operating systems, and regions adds to the development costs.

App Store Fees and Guidelines: Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store charge fees for app submissions. Furthermore, app store guidelines must be followed for each region, which could impact costs.

Legal and Compliance Costs: As discussed, compliance with GDPR and local financial regulations is essential for a delivery app in Europe, and the costs associated with ensuring legal compliance can add up.

What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development for Europe

Building an app like Royal Mail in Europe comes with several unique challenges:

  • GDPR compliance is paramount in ensuring data privacy.
  • Cross-border shipping capabilities and payment integration across multiple countries are vital.
  • Localization for different languages and currencies ensures a seamless user experience.

Europe’s diverse cultural and regulatory landscape makes it both a challenging and rewarding market to target. Tailoring the app to meet the needs of European consumers while also adhering to legal requirements is key to its success.

Looking for a custom app built to succeed in Europe? 

At Scrums.com, we specialize in developing compliant, localized software that meets the needs of a diverse European market. Whether it’s GDPR readiness or multi-language interfaces, we know what it takes to make your app a success.Contact us today to get a custom-fit estimate for your European app project!