Build Your On-Demand Delivery App: A Guide to Parcel Delivery App Development

On-demand delivery services have come to the fore. They make the parcel delivery app a basic necessity to ensure absolute logistics in the minimum time. According to Statista , global parcel shipping is projected to reach 256 billion parcels within five years, a market growing at an 8.5% CAGR. As you can see, there is an excellent chance to grasp this increasing market share. An on-demand courier app development will answer the need. It enables your business and consumers to enjoy the time-saving alternative. Therefore, you'll join a profitable industry.

At Stfalcon, we have more than 15 years of experience in custom software development, and a big part of this portfolio was dedicated to different projects developed for Swedish, American, and European markets.

This article was written with the participation of experts from Stfalcon. We want to review critical challenges related to Postmates software development. Be ready to learn six main points: interoperability, compliance, mobility, UX/UI design, security, and customization!

By exploring this article, you will see some practical solutions that can be pursued for successful navigation through the challenges of developing Postmates-like software.

Now, let’s discuss the specifics of courier delivery app development and the business models of courier delivery.

What Is a Parcel App

Today, all significant parcel and courier companies have mobile apps. This extends the customer experience and operational efficiency. Any app for parcel delivery helps a business track deliveries and dispatch updates automatically. At the same time, users can track their packages in real-time to ensure they arrive safely on time.

The parcel apps come equipped with critical features. These include real-time tracking and notice of delivery. Such features have made things more transparent for their end-users. If you want to create a parcel delivery app, pick the proper type of app and the relevant business model for market demand. Still, how to choose? Let’s discuss.

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Popular Parcel Delivery App Business Models

Postal and Courier Service Application B2B, B2C, C2C

For instance, the B2B delivery app supports traditional courier service. It connects businesses and customers at all levels. Whether it’s restocking goods for retailers, fulfilling customer orders, or enabling deliveries. Here, we can mention FedEx, Blue Dart, and DPD, just a few well-known ones.

By the way, FedEx has a separate mobile solution for same-day delivery. This model requires more than one application to handle all the operations between the client, the company, and the delivery agent.

Parcel Aggregator Applications for Tracking Packages

These applications track different carriers in one place. It makes tracking their deliveries easier for companies and individuals with just one ID. Senders and receivers receive push notifications and updates about the delivery status.

Branded Delivery and Integrated Services (Retailer Apps)

Many retailers create branded apps that provide an ideal delivery experience for their customers. The app will let customers track packages in real time and provide updates on the status of an order within the platform. Other small retailers depend on third-party solutions to achieve similar functionality.

On-Demand Delivery Marketplace-Uber-like Model

In the model, customers are connected with delivery agents through an app, just like Uber connects customers with drivers. Users request a particular delivery service. Then, the app assigns the task to the nearest available agent. This lets companies offer flexible, on-demand parcel delivery app solutions.

Technical Implementation

Creating an app for parcel delivery follows an organized process. It ensures that all features are developed with user satisfaction and business efficiency in mind. It is the right time to approach a reliable courier app development company for a food delivery app that will provide you with rich functionality and user experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can bring your dream to life!

To create a delivery app, you must know that it all starts with understanding your market and setting precise requirements. Here's an overview of each step:

Market Research

Successful applications begin with proper market research. Define your target audience and make a competitor analysis. This allows a deep understanding of user preferences. It also finds features that will make your package delivery application unique.

Define Requirements

Based on market insights, write down the main features your app will need. Something like real-time tracking, secure payment methods, and an easy-to-use UI. The more precise the definitions from the outset, the more intensive and influential on demand courier delivery app development.

UI/UX Design

It needs to be intuitive. Designers create wireframes and prototypes to map the user journey. Now, users can easily schedule, track, and receive packages. Applications like Uber and Amazon have already raised the bar with intuitive designs and user-friendly interfaces. It's just so convenient and, therefore, easy.

Backend & Frontend Development

Data management and authentication will be done here. By the way, our team can develop server-side functionalities. They include secure user profiles, order management, and database structures. It enables real-time tracking. The backend will develop this UI to ensure it is responsive and easily navigated between devices.

Integrate with Payment & Location Services

Any courier delivery app should be strong enough in their payment systems. All of these are to enable users to pay for the services using credit cards, mobile wallets, or even PayPal. To create the best parcel tracking app, rank location services high in real-time tracking and route planning. For example, Google Maps or Apple Maps integrations create real-time updates about the deliveries to the user.

Testing & Quality Assurance

The application undergoes many tests before rollout to catch bugs. Ensure data security and improve performance. A QA engineer performs these tests on multiple devices and operating system versions, testing simulations of tracking and notifications to ensure reliability.

Deployment & App Store Submission

Once you do the testing, the application will go live. This encompasses app store submission, meaning adherence to app store guidelines. The Apple App Store or Google Play. Also, parcel delivery software must comply with these guidelines. This will avoid any delays and make the approval process easier.

Marketing & User Acquisition

Strategic marketing will be the prime way to attract and retain users after a launch. Running social media ads, optimizing for app store searches, and offering referral incentives will increase visibility and drive more downloads.

Support & Updates post-launch

Last but not least, ongoing support is needed. This includes bug fixes, updates based on user feedback, and keeping up with ongoing evolution. Successful apps like DoorDash or Postmates are updated numerous times. They do it to enhance users and keep up with the competitive market.

Essential Features for Any Parcel Application

In every app, no matter what it was made for, each feature is critical in delivering an efficient experience. Here’s a breakdown:

User Registration and Profile

User onboarding should be simple and intuitive. Allow users to sign up via email, phone number, or social media accounts. Profiles can store essential information. For example, saved addresses, order history, and payment methods. That also makes future transactions faster and more personalized. For instance, apps like Uber Eats and Instacart simplify the sign-up process, encouraging quick registration and repeat use.

Order Placement and Tracking

Everyone hates dealing with confusing and painful ordering details. Customers must easily schedule a pickup and delivery destination and choose service types in just a few taps. When ordering, real-time tracking lets users know exactly where the package is in its journey from start to finish. Having a moving map and other visual indicators helps the user stay informed, reassuring him throughout the delivery process. Amazon and Uber do this by giving users detailed updates and tracking them step-by-step.

Real-Time Delivery Updates

Beyond tracking, real-time notifications at driver assignment, package pickup, or near delivery keep users aware and engaged. Push notifications and SMS alerts maintain user expectations and reduce the reliance on status checks. Such functionality is helpful in high-demand periods, such as holidays, where timely communication is crucial.

Payment Integration

A secure, flexible payment system is a must. Payment options like credit cards, mobile wallets, or PayPal can simplify checkout. From a security point of view, ensure all payment processing is PCI compliant so that user information may be kept safe.

Driver Management

Therefore, it is crucial to manage the drivers effectively to facilitate timely delivery. An integrated driver management system should allow admins to track drivers' locations, assign orders, and manage their availability. The in-app interface for drivers should include route optimization, tracking of earnings, and in-app communication with customers for support. This would be expected from apps like Postmates or Grubhub for flawless operation and to reduce the time taken for delivery.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support can make or break user satisfaction. Include a help center or in-app chat so users can quickly resolve any issues. Include options like FAQ sections, chatbot assistance, and direct access to customer service. Such agents provide users with various support channels. Many top apps like Amazon and FedEx prioritize accessible support, building trust and loyalty among their users.

We had the big opportunity to collaborate with Nova Poshta, Ukraine's leader and innovator in delivery service. Such big industry players give us motivating experiences while working with them. We would like to share a word or two about this remarkable collaboration.

The Best Parcel Delivery App in Ukraine and Not Only - Nova Poshta

In 23 years, Nova Poshta has become a market leader and one day delivery app in the Ukrainian delivery services market. It is a driver of the development of its courier service app. Today, the company offers international delivery and shopping. The courier delivery app development company continuously improves user-friendly online services to enhance customer experience. Cooperation with Stfalcon.com is always intended to substantially enhance functionality and bring the user experience to the next level.

We primarily worked with the parcel web app and a mobile solution that reflected the basic features.

The tasks Stfalcon needed to implement were the following:

• A new design of a Personal Dashboard
• A custom web parcel app
• A front-end integration with Nova Poshta API

Research

As with any new project, we started by researching a subject area and analyzing the current issues. We were then given the user stories and test results for a Dashboard, which helped us enormously with interface design.

Material design and angular

To speed up UI development, we used the Google Material Design library based on the Angular framework. This allowed us to focus on business logic and consider the interaction design to the smallest detail. Moreover, we avoided writing all the UI and input controls from scratch.

Such a flexible approach is fast enough to create and support new features for end users.

User's sign-in

A small interface animation indicates switching between the sign-in and registration tabs. While signing in, the user can see the list of Dashboard's new features.

List of invoices

The main page of the Personal Dashboard contains a list of the user's invoices divided into categories:

• Those created, but not yet accepted in the office or by a courier,
• Inbound packages,
• Outbound packages,
• Blank templates,
• Archived invoices,
• Recycle bin with the option of invoice recovery.

Shortcut button

The Float Action Button is the most recognizable element of Material Design. We used it for quick access to the most essential functions. It is always in the same place on the page and allows you to take the needed action from any screen.

New invoice creation

Much attention was paid to the "create invoice" window. We tried simplifying the data entry and remembering the fields' locations; specific data is filled in by default.

Package tracking

The Personal Dashboard displays all outgoing and incoming packages, along with general data and a history of package transitions.

Templates and registries

The most constant and demanding Personal Dashboard user is the one who sends packages often, like an e-commerce user. Our system allows users to create a copy of the invoice to get the same order. So, templates with the most popular items and package descriptions can be designed to simplify the formalization of a new invoice. We also implemented a possibility to group several invoices in a single registry.

Contacts and addresses

The system stores a user's contacts database with a quick search by name or phone number.

Statistics

Order statistics are now represented as a full-fledged tool for private entrepreneurs. With the ability to create and track invoices, users can view general statistics by month. Also, people can analyze past shipments by day and even by region of the country.

Read the full case study

The Stfalcon team has carried out several projects for Nova Poshta, the leader of the Ukrainian delivery market, so we know how to do it for you. Let’s proceed to the features we consider obligatory for any parcel app.

Read the full case study

Parcel App Development Process and Cost

Developing a parcel delivery application is an investment determined by various factors. This starts from the app's complexity and moves on to the team creating it. At Stfalcon, package delivery app development is left to experienced professionals. They guide the process from discovery and design through testing and release. The breakdown of influences on the cost is as follows:

App Complexity

The scope and complexity of the features are key cost drivers. Order placing, real-time tracking, and payment integration are must-have features that make an app. Advanced functionalities include AI-driven route optimization or multi-language support, adding to the budget.

Platform-iOS, Android, or Both

With these, parcel delivery app development for iOS and Android doubles the coverage. Yet, it also requires more resources than building on a single platform. This could be mitigated by using cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter. If native performance on both platforms is of concern, you must use native development.

Third-Party Service Integration

Integrations with payment gateways, mapping, or support systems are vital for easy operations. However, given their complexity, some are inexpensive, while others could be very costly. Every integration, like those involving Google Maps to track locations, requires licensing fees and development hours.

Design and UX

Quality design and usability translate to the user experience. Basic designs come cheaper, while a rich, customized UI/UX meets brand appearance. They are easy to use and can be well rewarded in terms of customer loyalty and brand image.

Development Team Expertise

The cost depends on the experience and skill level of a development team. The process will be easier if a seasoned team has experience creating a parcel delivery app. This can cut out costly errors during the high-stakes deployment and testing phases.

MVP vs. Full-Fledged Product

MVP allows businesses to launch themselves with only the essential features. It tests the parcel track app's potential in the marketplace. The MVP approach offers a reasonably inexpensive way to enter the market, with iterative expansion based on user feedback. Yet, established businesses would likely like to develop a full-fledged product up front. All with clear feature requirements and a leading brand presence. The approach will depend on the project goals, timeline, and budget.

Estimated Budget Range

Considering all the factors, a basic MVP of a parcel delivery app can start from about $80,000. At the same time, a fully featured product with extensive integrations and custom design will go significantly higher. At Stfalcon, we consider ongoing support and maintenance a separate stage of cooperation. Our clients can handle it on their own or entrust it to our professional team. This flexibility will give you the support your business model and long-term goals require.

Final Thoughts

Remember that your users will expect the best parcel tracking software that is fast and intuitive in design for easy navigation. In any application, the user experience is a critical success factor, and it's what will differentiate your delivery application in this competitive market through an intuitive and user-friendly interface. At Stfalcon, we are excellent at delivering app development, consulting, and providing courier software development support to meet your needs.

Ready to make your parcel software application a reality? Contact us today for a free consultation!