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How to Start a Business Like Ajio: Step by Step Guide

sites like ajio

Fashion retail has undergone a revolutionary transformation with eCommerce platforms leading the way. Among the most recognizable names in Indian fashion e-commerce is AJIO, a Reliance-owned brand that blends fashion with tech to serve millions of users.

If you’re an entrepreneur or startup founder interested in how to make an app like AJIO or how much it costs to build an app like AJIO, this guide will walk you through everything from key features and tech stack to cost estimations, development roadmap, and monetization strategies.

1. What is AJIO and Why Replicate It?

AJIO is an e-commerce platform focused on fashion, lifestyle, and accessories. It has built a strong reputation thanks to:

  • A wide variety of private label, international, and curated fashion brands
  • A mobile-first user experience
  • Seamless UI/UX, aggressive pricing, and fast logistics
  • Personalized fashion suggestions powered by AI

Why Build an App Like AJIO?

AJIO app re-design UI/UX design :: Behance

  • Rapid growth of the online fashion retail industry.
  • Opportunity to tap into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
  • High-profit margins in fashion and accessories.
  • Popularity of D2C and multi-brand platforms.

2. Key Steps to Create a Website or App Like AJIO

Creating an app like AJIO requires strategic planning, tech execution, and market knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Define Your Business Model

Choose one of the following or a hybrid approach:

  • Inventory-led Model: You stock and sell your own inventory.
  • Marketplace Model: Third-party vendors list and sell their products.
  • Dropshipping Model: You list products, but vendors handle storage and shipping.

 Step 2: Conduct Market Research

  • Study target audience demographics.
  • Identify fashion trends, regional preferences.
  • Research competitors (AJIO, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion, Tata Cliq).

 Step 3: UI/UX Planning

  • Sketch wireframes for mobile and web.
  • Focus on mobile-first design — over 85% of AJIO traffic is mobile.
  • Ensure intuitive navigation, fast load times, and stylish layouts.

3. Core Features of an App Like AJIO

Here are the essential front-end, back-end, and vendor-side features your e-commerce fashion app must include:

 User-Facing Features

  • User registration/login via email, OTP, or social media
  • Homepage with featured categories and collections
  • Advanced filters (size, price, brand, type, color)
  • Wishlist and favorites
  • Product detail page with reviews and size charts
  • Shopping cart and secure checkout
  • Multiple payment options (UPI, cards, wallets, COD)
  • Push notifications for offers, order status
  • Order tracking & return request

 Vendor Panel Features

  • Product listing with bulk upload option
  • Inventory management
  • Order processing dashboard
  • Sales reports & analytics
  • Payout management

 Admin Panel Features

  • User and vendor management
  • Banner and homepage content management
  • Product/category moderation
  • Discount and coupon control
  • Analytics and reports
  • Logistics and payment integrations

4. Advanced Features To Stay Competitive

To stand out in a competitive e-commerce landscape, include advanced capabilities such as:

  • AI-Powered Recommendations: Personalized product suggestions.
  • AR Try-On: Try clothes virtually using the camera.
  • Fashion Feed: Social-style content feed with looks, collections, and influencer content.
  • Voice Search: Let users speak their search queries.
  • Multi-language & multi-currency: Important for regional/global audiences.
  • Loyalty Program: Earn points or benefits like AJIO Wallet.

5. Ideal Tech Stack to Build an AJIO-Like App

Component Technology
Frontend React.js / Angular for web, Flutter / React Native for mobile
Backend Node.js / Python (Django) / Laravel
Database MySQL / PostgreSQL / MongoDB
Search Elasticsearch / Algolia
Cloud Hosting AWS / Google Cloud / Azure
Payment Gateway Razorpay, Stripe, PayPal, Paytm
Push Notifications Firebase Cloud Messaging
CDN & Caching Cloudflare, Redis
Analytics Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar

6. How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like AJIO?

The cost depends on several factors:

  • Number of platforms (iOS, Android, Web)
  • Design complexity
  • Number of features
  • Region and skill level of development team

Estimated Development Cost Breakdown

Feature Area Estimated Cost (USD)
UI/UX Design $4,000 – $8,000
Frontend Development $8,000 – $15,000
Backend Development $10,000 – $25,000
Mobile App Development (iOS + Android) $15,000 – $35,000
Admin Panel $4,000 – $7,000
Vendor Panel $3,000 – $6,000
QA & Testing $3,000 – $5,000
Hosting & Maintenance (annually) $2,000 – $6,000

Total Cost: $45,000 – $110,000+

This cost can reduce significantly if:

  • You build an MVP (minimum viable product) first.
  • Use pre-built templates or clone scripts.
  • Outsource to regions like India or Eastern Europe.

7. Timeline to Develop a Fashion eCommerce App

Phase Timeline
Research & Planning 2–3 weeks
UI/UX Design 3–5 weeks
Development (Frontend + Backend) 8–14 weeks
Mobile App Development 6–10 weeks
Testing & Launch 2–4 weeks

Total Development Time: 4 to 6 months for a complete app. MVP can be live in 10–14 weeks.

8. Monetization Strategies

Here’s how you can generate revenue from an AJIO-like fashion marketplace:

Method Description
Commission Charge vendors a % of each sale
Ads & Sponsored Listings Paid placement on homepage/search
Delivery Charges Add fees for standard or express shipping
Private Label Products Sell your own branded merchandise
Affiliate Partnerships Promote brands and earn commission
Loyalty/Subscription Plans Offer exclusive benefits via membership

9. Logistics, Payments & Returns

 Returns & Refunds:

  • Provide clear return policies (AJIO offers 7–15 days)
  • Automate pickup and refund flows

 Delivery & Fulfillment:

  • Partner with logistics providers like Shiprocket, Delhivery, Ecom Express
  • Offer real-time tracking, order status updates, and COD
  • Use warehouse management system (WMS) if managing inventory

 Payment Options:

  • Accept UPI, debit/credit cards, EMI, wallets
  • Integrate with gateways like Razorpay, PayU, Paytm

10. Marketing Strategies to Launch an App Like AJIO

Pre-Launch & Launch Marketing:

  • Launch teaser campaigns on Instagram/Facebook
  • Collaborate with fashion influencers for early promotions
  • Run giveaways or referral programs

 Ongoing Digital Marketing:

  • Google Shopping Ads, Meta Ads, Snapchat Ads
  • SEO-optimized product pages and blogs
  • Email campaigns with seasonal offers and trends
  • Loyalty programs to retain customers

 Mobile App Marketing:

  • App Store Optimization (ASO)
  • Push notifications for offers, updates
  • Run install campaigns on Google Ads & Meta Ads

11. Challenges & How to Solve Them

Challenge Solution
High Return Rates Size guides, user reviews, AR try-on
Fierce Competition Niche curation, brand partnerships, exclusives
App Uninstalls Gamification, loyalty points, personalized offers
Vendor Quality Control Strict onboarding, regular audits
Logistics Delays Real-time tracking, diversified courier partners

12. Final Thoughts: Is Building an App Like AJIO Worth It?

Absolutely! The fashion eCommerce market is expected to reach $1.4 trillion globally by 2027. With strong demand, better logistics, and maturing digital infrastructure, now is a great time to partner with Findthecoder to:

  • Launch your own fashion marketplace
  • Build a D2C fashion brand
  • Develop an app like AJIO tailored to specific niches (e.g., streetwear, plus-size, ethnic)

Start small, launch fast, and scale with data.

Key Takeaways

  • Cost to Build App Like AJIO: $45,000 – $110,000+
  • Time to Develop: 4–6 months
  • Tech Stack: React, Node.js, Flutter, Firebase, Razorpay
  • Features: Multi-vendor system, secure checkout, AR try-on, fashion feed

Monetization: Commissions, ads, private labels, delivery charges