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Fast delivery apps are changing how people shop. Gopuff made it possible to get snacks, drinks, and daily essentials at your doorstep in minutes, not hours. And guess what? That’s exactly what customers expect now.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could build something like this,” you’re not alone. Businesses everywhere are jumping into the delivery space—but only a few get it right.
This blog gives you a clear path to build a Gopuff-style delivery app. From must-have features and tech stack to real-world costs, we’re breaking it all down.
Whether you’re starting from zero or planning your next big release, this guide is for you.
Key Features of a Gopuff-Like Delivery App
To build an app like Gopuff, you need more than just a shopping cart and a checkout page. Every feature must support speed, accuracy, and convenience—from order placement to doorstep delivery.
# User Registration and Profile
Make the signup quick. Allow login via email, phone number, or social accounts. The user dashboard should show order history, saved addresses, and preferred payment methods.
# Smart Product Search
Gopuff offers thousands of products. Your app should have a fast search bar with filters for categories, brands, and price ranges. Voice search can also be a useful add-on.
# Real-Time Inventory
Only show what’s actually in stock. Gopuff keeps local inventory and updates it instantly. You’ll need a system that syncs product availability with your warehouse or dark store.
# Cart and Checkout
Let users add multiple items, apply promo codes, and choose contactless delivery. The checkout should support one-click payment for returning users.
# Multiple Payment Options
Support cards, wallets, UPI, COD, and even in-app credits. The more options, the better your conversion rate.
# Delivery Tracking
Customers want to track every second. Add GPS tracking, driver ETA, and live status updates through push notifications or SMS.
# Delivery Partner App
Drivers need their app. It should show new orders, route maps, delivery status, and payment summaries.
# Admin Dashboard
The backend should help you manage users, products, orders, pricing, coupons, and zones. You’ll also need analytics for sales and operations.
# Customer Support
Allow users to reach out via in-app chat, email, or phone. Include order-level chat to resolve delivery issues quickly.
Additional Features to Stand Out
Adding extra features can help your delivery app feel more polished, smart, and user-friendly. These aren’t just nice to have—they give your app a competitive edge.
# AI-Based Product Suggestions
Use AI to recommend products based on user behavior, past orders, and time of day. For example, suggest energy drinks during late-night hours or essentials after payday. It makes shopping faster and increases the average order value.
# Scheduled Deliveries
Let users choose a delivery time slot, especially helpful for bulk orders or recurring needs like water cans, pet food, or groceries.
# In-App Wallet
Add a wallet to collect cashback or refunds. It speeds up repeat purchases and keeps users within your ecosystem.
# Reorder in One Tap
Include a “Reorder Last Cart” option so users can place repeat orders instantly—perfect for those who always buy the same things.
# Dark Mode
A clean dark mode improves user experience during nighttime usage and saves battery on OLED screens.
# Voice-Based Search
Allow users to search using voice commands—this is handy when they’re multitasking or ordering on the go.
# Gamified Loyalty Program
Reward users with points for every order. Unlock perks, free delivery, or exclusive deals based on their purchase behavior.
Tech Stack for a Gopuff-Like App
Choosing the right tech stack is the backbone of your app. It affects everything—from loading speed to how smoothly your delivery operations run.
Below is a proven stack that powers successful delivery apps:
# Frontend (Customer & Driver Apps)
- React Native or Flutter – Build for both iOS and Android from a single codebase
- Redux – For smooth state management and faster app response
# Backend
- Node.js – Lightweight and fast for handling real-time requests
- Express.js – Works well with Node.js for scalable APIs
- MongoDB or PostgreSQL – For managing users, products, orders, and delivery records
# Real-Time Features
- Socket.IO – For live delivery tracking, status updates, and driver-customer chats
- Firebase – Great for push notifications, real-time database syncing, and user authentication
# AI Personalization
- TensorFlow or PyTorch – For integrating AI models like product recommendations or demand forecasting
- Google Cloud AI – Optional for scalable AI without in-house training models
# Payments
- Stripe, Razorpay, or PayPal SDKs – For smooth and secure in-app payments
- Cashfree or Paytm – For India-specific payment integrations
# Admin Panel
- React.js – For a fast and responsive admin dashboard
- Chart.js or D3.js – For sales graphs, delivery heatmaps, and performance data
# Other Tools
- Google Maps API – For route optimization and live tracking
- Twilio or SendGrid – For SMS and email alerts
- AWS or Google Cloud – For scalable hosting and cloud storage
Cost to Build a Gopuff-Like Delivery App
Cost to build a delivery app like Gopuff depends on how simple or advanced your plan is. Here are a few real-world cost scenarios to guide your budget.
# Basic MVP for a Single City
If you’re launching in one city with essential features only, this is your starting point. It’s ideal for pilot testing or attracting early users.
| Module | Estimated Hours | Hourly Rate ($25) | Cost (USD) |
| Customer App (iOS/Android) | 180 | $25 | $4,500 |
| Driver App | 100 | $25 | $2,500 |
| Admin Dashboard | 120 | $25 | $3,000 |
| Backend + API | 150 | $25 | $3,750 |
| QA & Testing | 60 | $25 | $1,500 |
| Total | — | — | $15,250 |
This version includes real-time tracking, payment gateway, and user logins—but skips advanced features like AI or loyalty programs.
# Mid-Level App for Multi-City Support
This setup includes a solid admin dashboard, marketing tools, and support for multiple locations.
| Module | Estimated Hours | Hourly Rate ($30) | Cost (USD) |
| Customer App + Web App | 250 | $30 | $7,500 |
| Driver App | 150 | $30 | $4,500 |
| Admin Panel with Analytics | 200 | $30 | $6,000 |
| Backend + API + CMS | 220 | $30 | $6,600 |
| Push Notifications & Tracking | 80 | $30 | $2,400 |
| QA, Testing, & Deployment | 90 | $30 | $2,700 |
| Total | — | — | $29,700 |
At this stage, you can run large-scale operations and manage delivery teams across different zones.
# Advanced Gopuff-Style App with AI and Loyalty Features
This version supports predictive analytics, customer rewards, and AI-powered product suggestions.
| Module | Estimated Hours | Hourly Rate ($40) | Cost (USD) |
| Customer App with AI Recommendations | 300 | $40 | $12,000 |
| Driver App with Route Intelligence | 180 | $40 | $7,200 |
| Smart Admin Panel (Reports + CRM) | 250 | $40 | $10,000 |
| Backend with AI + Payment Logic | 270 | $40 | $10,800 |
| Loyalty Program, Wallet, Coupons | 100 | $40 | $4,000 |
| Testing, Launch, and Maintenance | 100 | $40 | $4,000 |
| Total | — | — | $48,000 |
This setup suits companies aiming to scale fast and offer a smart, branded user experience from day one.
Steps to Build a Delivery App Like Gopuff
Creating an app like Gopuff involves unique workflows—warehousing, dark stores, instant delivery, and order batching. Below are realistic steps tailored to this business model:
Step 1: Plan Your Dark Store Network
Gopuff operates through local micro-warehouses (dark stores) instead of depending on third-party shops. Decide:
- Which areas do you serve
- Warehouse size and setup
- Delivery radius for each location
Your delivery speed depends on this network.
Step 2: Finalize Product Categories & Inventory Rules
Gopuff sells essentials—snacks, drinks, home supplies. You’ll need:
- Well-defined product categories
- Inventory thresholds and reordering rules
- SKU management per warehouse
Build your backend to sync inventory in real-time for each dark store.
Step 3: Map the Customer Ordering Journey
Your app must feel fast and predictable. Design flows for:
- Category-based browsing
- Quick add-to-cart and smart suggestions
- Address auto-fill and one-tap reordering
Focus on reducing steps from search to checkout.
Step 4: Add Delivery Workflow Logic
This is what makes Gopuff fast. Build:
- Auto-assignment of orders to the nearest store
- Smart batching for multiple deliveries in one route
- Delivery time estimates using GPS and traffic APIs
Each delivery should feel reliable and trackable.
Step 5: Develop Separate Apps for Customer and Driver
Build two native or hybrid apps:
- Customer app with browsing, tracking, wallet, and push alerts
- Driver app with delivery queue, navigation, order status updates, and shift tracking
Both apps must talk to the same backend for real-time updates.
Step 6: Integrate AI-Based Suggestions and Promotions
Use AI to:
- Show smart product suggestions (based on time, day, or cart items)
- Launch time-sensitive offers (e.g., “5-minute delivery for ice cream”)
- Detect repeat users and offer reorder suggestions
This drives bigger cart sizes and faster reorders.
Step 7: Build an Admin Panel for Warehouse & Driver Operations
Your backend should let your team:
- Add/remove products in real-time
- Monitor driver locations and delivery times
- View stock levels in each dark store
- Run offers, coupons, and notifications
This helps manage the business without needing constant manual updates.
Step 8: Pilot Launch in One City
Start in one region with one dark store. Monitor:
- Inventory refill frequency
- Average order time
- Failed deliveries and support requests
Make small improvements before launching in more areas.
How Do Gopuff-Like Apps Make Money?
There are several ways to earn revenue from a Gopuff-style delivery app:
- Delivery Fees: Charge a flat or variable fee per order.
- Product Markups: Add a small margin to each item sold.
- Membership Plans: Offer perks like free delivery or priority service.
- In-App Ads & Promotions: Let brands pay for better visibility.
- Surge Pricing: Charge slightly more during peak hours.
You can mix and match these models based on your audience and region.
Need Help Building a Gopuff-Like App?
Shiv Technolabs is an experienced on-demand app development company trusted by delivery startups and growing retail brands. Whether you need a fast MVP or a full-scale app with smart features, we’ve got the tools and the team to make it happen.
We build delivery apps that support real-time logistics, dark store operations, and AI-based features—just like Gopuff. From planning to post-launch support, we work with you at every step.
Looking for a tech partner who understands delivery inside out? Contact Shiv Technolabs today.
Final Thoughts
Building a delivery app like Gopuff isn’t just about writing code—it’s about designing a system that works fast, scales smoothly, and keeps customers coming back. With the right plan, tech stack, and feature set, your app can stand out in a space where speed and simplicity matter most.
Whether you’re launching in one city or planning a nationwide rollout, make sure your app supports local inventory, fast routing, and real-time tracking from day one.
Want to bring your idea to life? A strong tech partner can save you time, cost, and guesswork. Start with a clear plan, and build it right from the start.
