How to Build A Leading Shopping Marketplace: Learning from the Success Story of Shein

Quick Summary: Shein is projected to be valued at $60 billion by 2025. With its growing popularity, startups are planning to invest in a similar platform. Explore the success story of Shein and the steps to create a marketplace app like it.

An eCommerce platform that began to sell wedding dresses online in 2008 is one of the biggest names today in the eCommerce fashion industry. Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about Shein.

It gained widespread popularity for its trendy and affordable fashion offerings. By making the perfect use of digital marketing, Shein continues to be a formidable force.

Building a shopping app like Shein can guarantee your brand success. With the help of the right professionals at an eCommerce app development company, you can create the perfect platform that connects your target audience with the best deals.

Want to know more about it? Our blog will provide a complete roadmap to the success story of Shein and how you can develop a similar platform.

Let’s first look at the growing numbers of Shein-making it a big name in the eCommerce industry.

From Numbers to Insights: Shein’s Growing Charts

Shein was launched in 2008 by Chris Xu (founder, CEO) and Quist Huang (director, employee experience). It is headquartered in China and is spread over 220 countries and regions.

Several people have loved the brand, and the platform has seen a great jump in its users. It can be clearly seen in the following table:

Year	Users
2020	15.5 Million
2021	43.7 Million
2022	74.7 Million
2023	88.8 Million

Stats Source: Business of Apps

As per the CNBC reports, Shein’s annual sales are more than $30 billion. Its projected revenue by 2025 is $60 billion. These numbers, without a doubt, prove that people are investing in Shein’s services.

The app has over 500 million downloads due to its engaging services and popularity across various nations. So, are you ready to create a marketplace app like Shein? The next section will explain the right steps to do so.

Before you begin with investing the eCommerce platform, check out this blog – Multi-Vendor Marketplace Startup Guide: What You Need To Know.

How to Build an App Like Shein- Follow These Step

Creating an eCommerce marketplace like Shein involves various steps like research, understanding the platform and tech stack, and choosing the right business model. The complete steps include:

Step 1: Market Research and Planning

Before you begin building an app like Shein, you must do the proper market research. It involves identifying target audiences and understanding their preferences, shopping habits, and expectations.

Next, you must analyze the market to identify trends, competition, and opportunities in your area. This step also involves defining your USPs and value propositions to ensure that your app differentiates from the existing platforms.

Step 2: Define Features and Functionalities

The second step comprises choosing the right features and functionalities for the app. It is very crucial to ensure that your platform features provide the perfect solution for your users.

So, outline the core features, including product listings, search and filter options, user profiles, secure payment gateways, and order tracking. By adding advanced features, you can make your platform stand out from the competition.

Let’s take a look at the features of Shein that make the app so engaging:

• Trendy fashion
• Affordable Prices
• Wide Variety of Products
• Regular Sales and Discounts
• Global Shipping
• User Reviews
• Mobile App
• Size Guides
• Multiple Payment Options
• Fashion Inspiration Section

Want customized features for your platform? Our eCommerce app development services will enable you to get the right features that power your app. For more information, get in touch today.

Step 3: Pick the Right Technology Stack

Choosing the right technology stack is another crucial step toward creating a marketplace app like Shein. Working with the latest technologies will ensure that your platform is robust and performs efficiently every time.

At ValueAppz, our technology is our biggest USP. Our developers are trained with the latest tech stack to create state-of-the-art apps and platforms.

Frontend:

Mobile app development: Flutter is the best technology for the front end of mobile app development. Its single codebase for both Android and iOS enables faster development and a consistent user experience.

Web development: Various tech stacks like React, Node, and Next.js can help develop an engaging front. These technologies empower developers to build interactive user interfaces with reusable components.

Backend:

The backend is equally important to ensure that the platform works smoothly and error-free. Hence, you need the right tech, like Node.js, for the Backend development. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O enables efficient handling of simultaneous connections and high performance.

Step 4: Design and User Experience

The tech stack mentioned above will help you build an engaging design and user experience. For better results, you need to create a user-friendly and visually appealing interface that aligns with your brand identity.

About 73.1% of web designers say that the reason why users leave the website is because of its non-responsive design.

Hence, focus on intuitive navigation, responsive layout, and engaging shopping experience. The design must be simple yet alluring, which helps the users navigate quickly to avail the services.

Step 5: Backend Development and API Integration

Now that you have the design and features ready, it is time to build the eCommerce platform. With a robust eCommerce app development company, you can get access to the best team for creating your platform, like Shein.

Other than development, integration with third-party APIs is also an essential part of the platform. It includes payment processing, shipping, analytics, etc.

All these integrations will ensure that your users have a seamless shopping experience without having to face trouble during payments and order shipping status.

Step 6: Quality Assurance and Testing

Once the app has been developed, it requires rigorous testing to ensure that the app is error-free before it goes to the market. You can do so by testing it in a small group of people. Further, test it for performance, usability, security, and compatibility in order to provide a great user experience.

Step 7: Launch and Market

Once the eCommerce platform is tested and improved, you are now ready to launch it in the market and start providing your services.

Remember, Shein has made great use of digital platforms for branding. Hence, you must also look for great strategies that attract your target market and convince them to use the platform.

Explore more marketplace models to invest in with our comprehensive guide.

Cost of Creating an eCommerce Marketplace Like Shein

When investing in an eCommerce platform, considering the cost is, of course, another crucial factor. On average, the cost for eCommerce marketplace development can range between $15,000 to $60,000. It can further vary depending on several factors like design, development technology, number of features, platforms, etc.

How Can ValueAppz Help You Create A Shopping App like Shein?

Are you ready to build your eCommerce platform and create another success story like Shein? Our team at ValueAppz has just the right resources, technology, and experience to help your brand grow.

We are one of the leading eCommerce app development companies and have helped several clients across the globe. If you are looking to build the platform within your budget, you are in the right place.

Get in touch with our professionals and discuss your project today to get started.

Key Takeaways

• Shein, an eCommerce giant, grew from 15.5 million users in 2020 to 88.8 million in 2023, with annual sales surpassing $30 billion.
• Learn from Shein’s success; an app can connect with a vast audience through digital marketing and professional eCommerce app development.
• Steps to build an app like Shein include market research and planning, defining key features, choosing the modern tech stack, and prioritizing user-friendly design.
• Building a Shein-like app may cost between $15,000 to $60,000. Seek professional guidance to stay within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qn. 1: How Much does it Cost to Launch a Ecommerce Marketplace?

Building an eCommerce marketplace can vary between $15,000 to $60,000. It can further vary based on design, development, features, etc.

Qn. 2: What is the Marketplace Business Model?

The marketplace business model facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers. It typically takes a commission or fee from the service providers.

Qn. 3: What are the Steps to Build an Online Marketplace Like Shein?

The steps to create a marketplace app like Shein include:

1. Market research and planning
2. Choosing the right features and functionalities
3. Picking the tech stack
4. Plan design and user experience
5. Backend development and API integration
6. Quality assurance and testing
7. Launch and market the platform

Qn. 4: What Type of App is Shein?

Shein is a fashion eCommerce app that specializes in trendy and affordable clothing and accessories.

Qn. 5: How Profitable is Shein?

As per the reports, Shein earns a value of about $30 billion annually. By 2025, Shein is projected to reach the value of $60 billion.