Marketplace Apps: Getting Both Sides to Show Up
A marketplace is two products that need each other: one for buyers, one for sellers or providers. The technology is rarely what fails — it's getting enough supply before buyers arrive. We design the build so you can launch one side manually and automate as you grow.
What each side needs
| Buyers | Sellers / providers | Your admin team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Search, filters, recommendations | Profile, catalogue or service menu | Categories, featured placements |
| Transaction | Checkout or booking, payment | Accept orders, manage availability | Commission rules, refunds |
| Trust | Ratings, reviews, verified badges | KYC, performance scores | Moderation, fraud flags |
| Money | Receipts, refunds | Payouts, earnings reports | Settlements, GST invoices |
Solving the chicken-and-egg problem
- Start narrow. One city, one category. Density matters more than size.
- Onboard supply by hand. Use the admin panel to add sellers yourself before they ever download an app.
- Build the seller app second. Early sellers can work through WhatsApp and a simple web panel; their app comes when volume justifies it.
- Make the first transaction easy. Guest checkout, UPI and clear refund rules remove buyer hesitation.
Marketplace types we build
Where marketplaces leak money — and how the software stops it
Leakage happens when buyers and sellers meet on the platform and then deal directly. Masked calling, in-app chat that hides phone numbers until a booking, platform-only guarantees and seller incentives for completing transactions in-app all reduce it.
Refunds and disputes are the other drain. Clear cancellation rules, evidence capture (photos, chat history) and a structured dispute flow keep support costs down as volume grows.
Frequently asked questions
How do split payments work?
Payment gateways like Razorpay Route let us collect from the buyer and automatically settle the seller's share after your commission.
Do we need a payment aggregator licence?
Usually not if you use a licensed gateway's split-settlement product; confirm with your gateway and advisors.
What does a marketplace MVP cost?
Cost depends on your features, users and integrations, so we don't publish fixed prices. Share your requirements and we'll send a detailed quotation with scope and timeline — usually within 24 hours.
Want to know the cost?
Every project is different, so we don't publish fixed prices. Share your requirements and get a free, detailed quotation with scope and timeline.
- Free, no obligation
- Reply within 24 hours
- Feature-wise scope & timeline
Related
Tell us about your idea
Share your users, must-have features and timeline. We'll suggest what to build first and share a clear, phased delivery plan.