If you are old enough then you can obviously recall that moment when you needed something as a kid, you had to wait or rely on someone older to bring that to you. You had to wait patiently for a toy or your favorite food. But that situation isn’t here anymore. On-demand services have overtaken those places. If you need something, you take your phone, open the app, order that online and it comes right to your doorstep. This trend has significantly increased nowadays.

On-demand services and their apps have saved a lot of time and effort. That is why this industry is growing rapidly. Everyone wants to be part of this growing marketplace. I believe you are one of them. If so, then this is the ultimate guide about on-demand app development and how to start your business seamlessly. Read till the end to know everything you need. Without any further delay, let’s get started.

What is an On-Demand Service App?

In simple terms, an on-demand service provides instant access to products or services. How do they get those services? Simple, through mobile apps. Users can request what they need and when needed, with just a few taps.

On-demand services aren’t a luxury anymore, they are a necessity. You don’t have a car and you need to go somewhere far, call Uber. This is a service that helps people reach their destinations effortlessly. Or maybe you are too hungry to go outside and look for food to satisfy your hunger, call DoorDash. It will deliver your desired food from your area to the doorstep of your house. Yes, this is the future we all have dreamt of earlier.

This is a promising business right now because everyone is looking for an on-demand for everything. The marketplace is huge and quite competitive. To give you a number of its growth in multiple sectors, experts are forecasting to hit a staggering $335 billion by 2025. Just see the number!

As these services have made life easier, apps also made them more accessible to people. Therefore, you need an awesome app to reach the maximum number of users to provide your handyman services easily.

Now let’s check out the types of different on-demand apps.

Types of On-Demand Service Apps

If you can notice, you have seen that the on-demand apps have significantly improved. This industry revolves around three key players: the end-users, the service or product providers and the app developers or administrators. These groups are interconnected, functioning as service seekers, providers and the platforms that bring them together. 

Here are the types of on-demand apps based on service models:

• B2P (Business to Person)
• B2B (Business to Business)
• P2P (Person to Person)

Now let’s see some apps based on industries–

Food Delivery Apps

Food delivery apps have changed how we get our food since the on-demand services enter the market. These apps connect businesses with people (B2P) and people with other people (P2P) in new ways.

There are two main types of food delivery apps:

• Single Restaurant Apps:
  • Made for one restaurant chain (like McDonald’s or Domino’s).
  • Users can log in and order directly from that restaurant.
  • Popular with young people, ages 5 and up.
  • Focuses on making ordering easy from one specific brand.

• Multi-restaurant Apps:
  • Examples include Uber Eats and Zomato.
  • Shows thousands of different restaurants in one app.
  • Let users look at many food choices in their city.
  • Makes it easy to order from any restaurant on the platform.

Ride Sharing Apps

Taxi booking or ride-sharing apps have changed how we get rides nowadays. Like food delivery apps, they connect businesses with people (B2P) and people with other people (P2P). Popular apps like Lyft and Uber make it easy for drivers and passengers to find each other.

How these apps work:

• Passengers can book a ride with just a few taps.
• Drivers can find more customers easily.
• GPS shows where the driver and passenger are in real-time.
• Drivers and passengers can message each other.
• Everyone can rate their experience.

eCommerce Apps

Shopping online has become very popular through retail apps. More than half of Americans (55%) now shop online regularly. About 23% of shoppers are happy to pay extra to get their items the next day.

What makes these apps helpful:

• Easy to find different types of products
• Quick delivery to your home
• Organized way to shop
• No need to visit stores in person

These apps have transformed how we shop by bringing stores right to our phones. They make shopping faster and more convenient than traditional stores, which is why more people are choosing to shop this way.

Healthcare Apps

Healthcare has changed a lot with new apps connecting people directly to doctors (P2P). Apps like IsDocin, Pager and Doctor on Demand help busy people get medical help from home. Users can talk to doctors online and even get prescriptions through their phone. While these apps are great for minor health issues, they might not work for serious medical problems. Still, they’re making healthcare easier to access for many people.

Courier/Parcel Delivery Apps

Amazon is known for its massive business worldwide. However, It doesn’t use its own delivery services, instead, it relies on special delivery services. To help Amazon, companies like Shyp, Postmates and Deliv handle all its deliveries. Their task is to pick up ordered items from the Amazon warehouse and quickly deliver them to the customers.This partnership helps stores deliver items faster and more efficiently.

These apps show how technology is making everyday tasks simpler. They connect services directly to people who need them, saving time and effort for everyone involved.

Why are On-Demand Apps Trending Now?

The way we get things done has completely changed thanks to our phones. These days, people want everything right now – whether it’s food, a ride, or pretty much any service. And honestly, who can blame them? The success of companies like Uber and Amazon has shown us what’s possible when you put convenience first.

I’ve noticed this shift happening everywhere. Think about how we order food now – no more calling restaurants and being put on hold. Transportation? Gone are the days of standing in the rain hoping to flag down a taxi. Even businesses are changing how they manage their supply chains, all through mobile apps.

It’s fascinating how this has created a snowball effect. The more we get used to instant service, the more we expect it from everything else. I’ve seen traditional businesses scrambling to catch up, launching their own apps just to stay relevant. Even government offices, which used to be notorious for long wait times, are starting to offer digital services.

The job market’s really had to adapt. I remember when “app developer” wasn’t even a career option. Now it seems like every company needs people who understand how to deliver services digitally.

Looking forward, this trend isn’t slowing down. Companies keep finding new ways to improve their digital services and honestly, there’s no going back. We’ve gotten too used to having everything at our fingertips. And you know what? I think that’s mostly a good thing.

Prerequisites for On-Demand App Development

You need careful planning and strategic groundwork for creating a successful on-demand app. There are several critical elements that need consideration and preparation before developing the app. Knowing these basics helps you turn your app idea into a ready-to-launch solution that works for both your users and your business.

Let’s explore the essential foundations that will set your on-demand app up for success.

1. In-depth Market Research

To truly understand your target market, you shouldn’t just restrict to age or location. Find out what your users care about. It can be their habits, struggles and needs that aren’t being met. Look at how they’re currently dealing with the problem you want to solve. Check out your competitors to see what they’re doing well and where they fall short. Talk to people through surveys or interviews and use data to back it up. This is a crucial step that helps you find opportunities and detect challenges before you spend time and money on your idea.

2. Choose Your Niche where You Want to Work on

After the market research, you will gain knowledge about the marketplace. This also helps you determine which field has the most opportunity and flaws. That’s the niche you need to grab. Your niche could be based on geography, user demographics, or specific service type. This focused approach helps you perfect your service model before expanding. Consider what unique value you’ll bring to your chosen market segment.

3. Business Model

You need a revenue plan that keeps your users happy while still making a profit. There are many business models but here are the common models:

• Commission-based: Taking a percentage of each transaction.
• Subscription fees: Regular payments for premium features.
• Advertising: Targeted ads within your platform.
• Hybrid approaches: Combining multiple revenue streams.

4. Tech Resources

Building your app takes more than just knowing how to code. You’ll need the following resources to develop your app:

• Frontend developers who understand user experience.
• Backend developers to build a solid infrastructure.
• UX/UI designers to create intuitive interfaces.
• Project managers to coordinate development.
• Quality assurance specialists to ensure reliability.
• DevOps engineers for smooth deployment and maintenance.

5. Legal Compliance

Data protection and privacy regulations vary by region and industry. For that reason, you’ll need to:

• Implement secure data handling practices.
• Create clear privacy policies and user agreements.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
• Consider industry-specific requirements (especially for healthcare or financial services).
• Set up proper user verification and authentication systems.

For me, compliance isn’t just about dodging fines. It’s about building trust with the people who use what you create and protecting the reputation you’ve worked hard to build.

These things are all connected, you know? What you learn from your market research helps you pick your niche and that affects how your business is structured. The features you want decide what tech you need and legal stuff determines how you handle user data. To really succeed with an on-demand platform, you’ve got to carefully think about and balance all of these pieces.

How to Develop On-Demand Apps from Scratch

Based on your market research, you should have an idea of how your apps should be looking, functioning and interacting with customers. App development will go smoothly when you know what you need to develop. 

Here are the steps to build an on-demand app:

Step 1: Define the Features

First things first, you’ve got to know exactly what your app is going to do. This all comes from your market research – really understanding what people need. Then, figure out the key features, the absolute must-haves for your app to even work. These are non-negotiable. After that, think about the nice-to-haves—the extras that would make the experience better but aren’t essential for launching. It is super important to get this prioritization right.

Core features should have–

• User registration and profiles
• Search and filtering options
• Booking or ordering system
• Payment processing
• Real-time tracking
• Reviews and ratings

These features form the backbone of your app. Start with these essentials to create a working product that serves your users’ basic needs. You can add more features later based on user feedback. Such as,

• Loyalty programs
• Multiple payment options
• Chat support
• Social media integration
• Special offers section

Step 2: Choose the Technology Stack

This is where things get technical. The “stack” is the combination of technologies used to build your app. In short, it is the tool combinations (front end, back end, database, etc) that is used to build the app. 

Front-end (what users see and interact with): For mobile apps (iOS and Android), you could use:

• React Native: A JavaScript framework for building cross-platform apps (works on both iOS and Android from a single codebase).
• Flutter (Cross Platform): Google’s UI toolkit for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web and desktop from a single codebase.
• Swift (iOS): Apple’s programming language for iOS development.
• Kotlin (Android): The official language for Android development.

Back-end (the server-side logic and data management):

• Node.js: A JavaScript runtime environment. Popular for its speed and scalability.
• Python (with frameworks like Django or Flask): Known for its readability and extensive libraries.
• Java (with Spring framework): A powerful and mature platform.

Database (where data is stored):

• MongoDB: A NoSQL database that is good for flexible data structures.
• PostgreSQL: A powerful relational database.
• MySQL: A widely used relational database.

Real-time functionalities (for things like chat or live updates):

• WebSockets: A communication protocol for two-way, real-time communication.
• Firebase Realtime Database: A cloud-hosted NoSQL database that synchronizes data in real-time.

Step 3: Designing the UI/UX

UI (User Interface) is how the app looks. UX (User Experience) is how it feels to use. A good UI/UX is essential. Users should find the app intuitive and easy to navigate. This involves:

• Wireframing: Creating basic visual layouts of the app’s screens. These are like blueprints.
• Prototyping: Building interactive mockups to test the flow and functionality. Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch are popular for this.

[Focus on]

Navigation:

• Clear menus and buttons
• Easy-to-find search options
• Simple booking process

Visual Elements:

• Clean, consistent layout
• Readable text and clear icons
• Brand colors and style
• Smooth transitions between screens

Step 4: Developing the App

Now it’s time to write the code. It is crucial to write clean and organized code. Because when you need to change anything in the code, you or someone else won’t be lost in cluttered lines of mess. This principle should be followed during the development process.

Here is the development process you should follow:

Initial Version (MVP aka Minimum Viable Product)

• Build core features first: Your MVP should focus on solving one main problem really well. For example, if you’re building a food delivery app, start with just restaurant listings, ordering and delivery tracking. Skip fancy features like loyalty points or social sharing for now.

MVP features that you should absolutely consider:

Interface	Features
Customer Interface	1. Registration 2. Notification 3. Geolocation 4. Help and Support 5. Feedback 6. Payment
Admin Interface	1. Dashboard 2. Service Provider Management 3. Customer Management 4. Reporting 5. Charges
Service Provider Interface	1. Registration 2. Earning 3. Push Notifications 4. Reject and Accept 5. Online and Offline

• Focus on essential functions: Concentrate on features your users absolutely need. If you’re making a ride-sharing app, prioritize booking rides, driver tracking and payments. Advanced features like ride scheduling or multiple stops can come later.

• Launch quickly to test market response: Get your app to users as soon as it has working core features. A basic version in users’ hands provides better insights than months of extra development. The sooner you launch, the faster you learn what works.

• Regular updates based on user needs: Watch how people use your app. If users struggle with payment options, add more methods. If they want better search filters, improve them. Let real usage guide your updates.

• Fix issues as they arise: Address problems quickly when users report them. Small bugs can frustrate users and harm your app’s reputation. Keep a close eye on App/Play Store reviews and user feedback.

• Add new features gradually: Roll out new features one at a time. This helps track which additions users value most. It also makes it easier to fix problems if something goes wrong.

Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing is as crucial as solid app development. Why? Because it is the final gate that certifies that the app is fully ready to serve people. Developers don’t always find issues like a quality assurance engineer would do. So here is what you need to keep in mind while testing the app after the development phase–

Basic Testing

• Check all buttons and links: Every button should work as expected. Test login flows, registration forms and navigation menus thoroughly. Users get frustrated quickly with broken buttons.

• Verify payment processing: Run multiple test transactions with different payment methods. Check payment confirmations, refund processes and transaction history displays. Money matters need extra attention.

• Test on different devices: Your app should work smoothly on various phones and tablets. Test on both old and new devices. Check how your app performs with different screen sizes and operating systems.

• Ensure fast loading times: Slow apps lose users quickly. Check loading times for all main features. Pay special attention to image loading and data-heavy screens.

Comprehensive Testing

• Functional testing: Test every feature systematically to ensure it works as intended. Check user registration flows, search functions, booking systems and payment processes. Make sure features work together smoothly and deliver the expected results.

• Performance testing: Put your app through stress tests to see how it handles heavy traffic. Check how many users can book services simultaneously. Monitor app behavior during peak hours. Test how the app performs with slow internet connections.

• Security testing: Protect your users’ data with thorough security checks. Test password protection systems, data encryption and payment security. Look for weak points where user information could be at risk. Regular security updates keep your app safe.

User Testing

• Beta testing: Release your app to a select group of users before the public launch. These early users help catch real-world problems. Their feedback helps fine-tune features and fix issues before the full release.

• Get feedback from real users: Let actual users try your app and share their experiences. Watch how they navigate through different features. Their struggles show where you need improvements.

• Fix reported problems: Take user complaints seriously. If multiple users struggle with the same feature, prioritize fixing it. Sometimes small changes make big differences in user satisfaction.

• Improve based on suggestions: Users often have great ideas for improvements. They might suggest features you hadn’t considered. Keep track of common requests for future updates.

Each type of testing serves a specific purpose in creating a reliable app. Start with basic testing, move through comprehensive testing and finish with real user feedback. This thorough approach helps catch problems early and ensures your app is ready for public use.

Step 6: Launch and Post-Launch Monitoring

Once you’re confident in your app, it’s time to launch it on app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store). But the work doesn’t stop there. You need a marketing strategy to promote your app. After launch, monitor its performance, gather user feedback and continue to iterate and improve the app based on that feedback. This ongoing process is vital for long-term success.

This is the complete guide to any on-demand app development from the beginning. However, this is not the bible for you. You may have different scenarios. But more or less whatever you do these steps fall right on your path.

Cost of On-Demand App Development

To be completely honest, app development cost varies depending on the niche and complexity of its components. It also depends on the market standards. Worry not! Let’s find out what drives the cost of creating an on-demand app and explore ways to optimize your investment.
Factors influencing app development costs.

Factors Influencing Development Costs

1. Feature Complexity

Basic features like user registration and simple search functions are the base of your app’s foundation. Adding advanced capabilities like real-time tracking, AI-powered matching, or complex payment systems increases development time and costs. 

For example, implementing a basic chat feature takes less time than building a comprehensive messaging system with file sharing and video calls.

Third-party integrations also affect complexity. Payment gateways, mapping services and social media connections each require additional development effort. Some services charge usage fees which adds to your ongoing costs.

2. Platform Selection

Deciding whether to build for iOS android, or both really changes how you approach development. If you go “native” – meaning separate apps for each platform – you’ll need different teams of specialists and it’ll take longer to build. Cross-platform options can save you money at the start, but they might mean you can’t use some of the fancier features or get the best performance.

Each platform has its own design guidelines, testing requirements and store fees (where you’ll upload your app). iOS development often costs more than Android due to different development tools and market requirements.

3. Team Size

Your team’s composition significantly influences costs. A typical team includes:

• Project managers coordinating development efforts.
• UI/UX designers creating user interfaces.
• Frontend developers building user-facing features.
• Backend developers handling server-side operations.
• Quality assurance specialists testing functionality.

Where your team is located makes a big difference in how much things cost. Development prices vary a lot around the world, so it’s all about finding the right balance between skilled people and affordable rates.

BUT! Here is the good news! You can optimize the cost of app production and minimize it significantly. Let’s find out how!

Cost Optimization Strategies

Start With Essential Features

Begin with core functionalities that solve your users’ primary needs. This MVP approach lets you launch faster and add features based on actual user feedback. It prevents investment in unused features.

Choose Technology Wisely

Start with the basics – the stuff your users really need. This “MVP” approach lets you get your product out there faster and then add features based on what people actually say they want. It stops you from wasting time and money on things nobody uses.

Plan Development Phases

Breaking development down into phases helps you keep costs under control. Start with the most important stuff, see how the market reacts and then build on that if it’s a hit. This way, you don’t risk a ton of money upfront and you can make smarter choices about what to do next.

Remember to budget for ongoing expenses

• Server and hosting costs.
• Regular updates and bug fixes.
• Customer support systems.
• Security maintenance.
• Performance optimization.

The key to managing app development costs lies in careful planning and prioritization. Focus on delivering value to users while maintaining flexibility for future growth. Remember, successful apps often start simple and evolve based on user needs and market response.

Best Practices for Successful On-Demand App Development

Making a great on-demand app is more than just writing code. It’s about knowing and using proven ways to make users happy and grow your business. Sure, cool features get people to download it at first, but it’s the whole experience and how reliable it is that keeps them using it. 

Let’s explore the essential practices that set successful on-demand apps apart from the rest.

User-Centric Design

A really good app puts users at the heart of everything. That means making interfaces that feel natural and easy to use. Getting around the app should be smooth and simple, with the important stuff just a few taps away. Things like colors, where buttons are placed and text size all make a big difference in how comfortable people feel using it. Apps like Uber are successful because booking a ride is so easy. It shows how important simplicity is for getting people to use an app.

Signing up should be super easy, only asking for the absolute basics. Every extra question you ask makes it more likely people will just give up. Think about letting people sign up with their social media accounts to make it even smoother. Remember, people make up their minds about your app in the first few seconds.

Latest Technology

Modern tech can really make apps better. AI can learn what users like over time and give them personalized suggestions that actually make sense. Like, a food delivery app could figure out you’re into vegetarian food and show you those restaurants first.

Machine learning also helps deliveries go more smoothly, finds better matches between drivers and riders and even figures out when things are going to be busiest. This stuff happens behind the scenes to make the app smarter and work better each time you use it. The key is to make sure users actually see and appreciate the difference.

Transparent Communication

People like to know what’s going on with their orders or requests. Real-time updates build trust and make people less worried. Whether it’s seeing where their delivery driver is or knowing when a service person will arrive, keep them in the loop every step of the way.

Also, notifications should actually be useful and come at the right time. Let people know about important stuff, but don’t bombard them with unnecessary messages. It is also important to let customers choose what notifications they get and how they get them. If there’s a problem or a delay, make clear communication to keep people happy.

Continuous Improvement

Good apps change and grow with what their users want. Regular updates show people you’re actually working on the app and making it better. Keep an eye on what users are saying and check app store reviews to see what needs fixing. Sometimes even small tweaks can make a big difference in how happy people are.

Trying out new stuff with a small group of users first helps you find problems before they affect everyone. Watch how people use these new features and be ready to change things based on what they do. Remember, not every new feature has to be a game-changer—just making sure the app works reliably is often more important than adding fancy new stuff.

Data Security

People trust on-demand apps with some pretty sensitive stuff, like where they are and their payment info. Strong security is key to keeping that trust. Use really strong encryption for everything that’s sent and stored. Regular security checks help find and fix any weak spots before they cause trouble.

Follow the best ways to handle passwords and how people log in. Be upfront about what data you collect and how you use it. Let users easily control their privacy settings. And as the rules change, make sure you’re always following them wherever you operate.

Remember, all these things work together to make a good experience for users. Each one is important on its own, but they’re even better when they’re all used together. Regularly checking and improving these things helps keep your app useful and valuable to people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let, Set, Go!

Whoa! That’s a lot of talk there. I hope this blog explains more or less everything you need to know about developing an on-demand aka handyman app. Remember, with the right approach and execution, you can create impactful apps. 

At Nagorik Technologies, we develop on-demand apps for all major operating systems along with rich features and robust security. From on-demand beauty service to on-demand e-commerce, we have developed 30+ on demand apps. If you are planning to develop on-demand app, feel free to contact us anytime.

So, identify your niche and plan strategically to avoid any pitfalls in this competitive marketplace. Start small but think big for future scaling. Listen to user feedback continuously. Keep improving your service based on real usage data.