Let's Get Technical: A Guide to the Costs of Building an App Like Sweetgreen

TLDR

So you want to build an app like Sweetgreen? Great idea! (Seriously, we're big fans.) But before you get too far into the planning stages, it's important to understand the costs associated with such an undertaking.

Building an app is no small feat, and the price tag can vary widely depending on your requirements and specifications. In this article, we'll break down the most common costs associated with app development, from design and functionality to backend support and marketing.

By understanding the various factors that go into cost, you can develop a realistic budget and timeline for your project—and make sure you're not underestimating the true cost of building an app.

What Makes the Sweetgreen App Such a Big Hit?

The Sweetgreen app has been a big hit with customers. With its digital ordering options, it allows customers to order their food and skip the line.

Sweetgreen has also recently launched its new Rewards and Challenges program. This program encourages customer engagement by awarding points for completing tasks, such as checking in to a store or referring a friend.

So what does this mean for businesses looking to build an app like Sweetgreen? Well, the cost of building an app like Sweetgreen can range from $50,000 to $200,000. But the benefits can be significant. An app like Sweetgreen can help boost customer engagement and loyalty, which can lead to increased sales and profits.

An app like Sweetgreen can help boost customer engagement and loyalty, which can lead to increased sales and profits.

No-Code Prototype: What Is It and Why Use It?

No-code platforms are a great way to get started with your app. By using a platform that doesn't require coding, you can build a prototype without having to spend too much money. These tools generally cost lower than bespoke solutions, and they're a great way to test your app's feasibility and gage user interest.

However, it's important to note that no-code platforms have their limitations. The apps you create with these tools won't be as sophisticated as those built with coding, and you may need to hire a developer to help you take your prototype to the next level.

The average cost of building an app in 2022 is $150,000 USD, but the minimum startup costs for a no code platform is $2,500. If you're serious about building an app, no-code platforms are a great way to get started on a shoestring budget.

Build an MVP: What Are the Costs Involved?

When you're starting out, it's important to think about ways to keep costs down. That's why so many startups choose to build an MVP, or minimum viable product. An MVP is a version of your product that has the bare minimum of features, in order to test the viability of your concept and gather feedback from users.

The cost of building an MVP can vary widely, depending on the features you include. But it's important to remember that you get what you pay for. If you want a high-quality MVP with all the bells and whistles, you can expect to pay between $30,000 and $120,000. However, if you're willing to forgo some features or settle for a lower level of quality, you can get an MVP for as little as $500.

Of course, these numbers are just a general guideline. The final cost of your MVP will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of your app, the level of customization required, and the hourly rate of your development team.

Sweetgreen just launched a new version of its popular ordering app.

Design & Build Costs

Alright, let's get technical. Design & Build Costs are the doozy. The cost of developing a mobile application varies from $50,000 to $150,000 USD. That’s assuming you’re starting from scratch and wanting to create a full-fledged mobile app like Sweetgreen with multiple features. Of course, there are always ways to adjust the scope of the project to fit within a certain budget — for instance by limiting the number of features or by utilizing off-the-shelf solutions.

Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your App Up and Running

Now that you’ve built your app, there are still some expenses that you need to consider. Experts usually suggest that app maintenance can cost 15-20% of the total development cost. This means that if you’ve spent $100,000 on building your app, you can expect to spend an additional $15,000 – $20,000 every year on maintenance.

The costs of mobile app support and maintenance services can take from 20% to even 50% of the initial cost of your project each year. Maintenance after launch is essential for any application, so it’s important to understand what costs come with this type of service.

It’s also important to know the industry norm for software maintenance - about 15-20 % of the initial budget for developing the application - and base your budgeting off of this number. For example, if you started with a budget of $125,000 for building an app like Sweetgreen, then plan to expect around $18,250 - $25,000 for maintenance annually.

Building the app is half the battle. Maintaining it is the other half and that's where costs can run up.

Conclusion

In order to build an app like Sweetgreen, it's important to factor in all of the associated costs. This includes the cost of designing and building the app, as well as the cost of maintaining it over time. Additionally, it's important to consider what makes the Sweetgreen app so successful, and replicate those features in your own app.