Online grocery shopping has become the new normal. People love the ease of ordering groceries from their phones and getting them delivered to their homes in no time. One of the biggest names in this space is Instamart by Swiggy, which has become a go-to choice for many users.

If you're thinking about creating a grocery delivery app like Instamart, you’re not alone. Many businesses are now trying to build similar apps to capture the growing market. But simply copying Instamart isn’t enough. You need to know which features to include to make your app useful, user-friendly, and successful.

Let’s look at the most important features you should consider while building an Instamart clone.

Easy Sign-Up and Login

Simple onboarding process

When someone opens your app for the first time, they shouldn’t be confused or overwhelmed. The sign-up process should be quick and easy. Allow users to register using their phone number, email address, or social media accounts like Google or Facebook.

OTP verification

To keep it secure, include OTP (One Time Password) verification. This adds an extra layer of safety and makes sure the person signing in is genuine.

User-Friendly Interface

Clean layout and design

The app should look neat and not cluttered. Users should be able to see product categories, offers, and recommendations clearly. A clean interface improves user experience and helps users navigate without getting lost.

Easy product search

Add a search bar with smart suggestions. If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. The search feature should include filters like price range, brand, and popularity.

Product Listings

Detailed product information

Each product should have an image, description, quantity, price, and available offers. Make sure everything is clearly displayed so users don’t have to guess.

Real-time availability

If a product is out of stock, it should show immediately. Let users know when it’ll be restocked or suggest similar products.

Smart Cart and Checkout

Add to cart easily

Allow users to add multiple items to the cart with a single click. They should also be able to update quantities or remove items easily.

Multiple payment options

Offer all common payment methods: UPI, debit/credit cards, wallets, and cash on delivery. Also, make sure payments are secure and fast.

Coupons and promo codes

Everyone loves a discount. Let users apply promo codes or use app-specific offers while checking out.

Order Tracking

Live order updates

Once the order is placed, users want to know where it is. Show live updates like order confirmation, packaging, out for delivery, and estimated time of arrival.

Contact delivery partner

Let users call or chat with the delivery partner if needed, especially if there are any issues with directions or delays.

Delivery Management

Fast delivery options

Just like Instamart, offer quick delivery services – 15 to 30 minutes for local orders. It keeps users happy and encourages repeat orders.

Schedule deliveries

Some people prefer to get groceries delivered later in the day or at a specific time. Give them the option to schedule their delivery.

Read More: Zepto Business Model: How Grocery Delivery Startup Works and Make Money?

Notifications and Alerts

Order updates

Send alerts when an order is accepted, dispatched, or delivered. Use push notifications to keep users informed.

Offers and reminders

Notify users about new deals, restocked items, or remind them to reorder frequently bought products.

Ratings and Reviews

Product feedback

Let users leave reviews and rate products. This helps new users make informed decisions and helps your app build trust.

Delivery feedback

Ask users to rate their delivery experience. This can help you find any problems with the delivery team and fix them.

Customer Support

24/7 support

Grocery apps deal with time-sensitive deliveries. If something goes wrong, users want a quick solution. Add a chat or call option that connects to customer service anytime.

FAQs and Help Center

Include a section with common questions and answers. This saves time for both users and your support team.

Admin Dashboard

Manage orders and users

Your backend panel should allow you to manage users, track orders, monitor deliveries, and check payments in real time.

Add or remove products

Admins should be able to add new products, update prices, manage inventory, and highlight trending items or discounts.

Vendor Panel (for multi-store setup)

Store management

If your app works with multiple stores or vendors, each vendor should have their own panel to manage their store, orders, and delivery time.

Sales tracking

Vendors should be able to view their earnings, daily orders, and top-selling products. This helps them plan better and restock items accordingly.

Loyalty Programs and Subscriptions

Rewards for regular users

Introduce a points-based loyalty system where users earn points on every order and redeem them later.

Membership plans

Offer subscription models like monthly grocery bundles or special discounts for premium members. This keeps users coming back to your app.

Conclusion

Building an app like Instamart is a great idea in today’s fast-paced world. But the real success lies in including the right features that make the app easy to use, reliable, and efficient. From easy registration to fast deliveries, everything plays a role in creating a positive experience for your users.

If you're planning to create an Instamart clone, make sure you partner with a trusted on-demand app development company that understands the grocery delivery market and can guide you through the process. With the right team and a user-first approach, your app can stand out and win customer loyalty in no time.