How to Kick Start an On-demand Medicine Delivery App Development

All businesses are moving online and so have Pharmacy businesses. People are really enjoying the convenience and comfort of ordering medicines online. This boom even more after covid-19 hit. People are getting used to the habit of ordering online at their own time.

In 2021, the e-pharmacy market size was at USD 68 billion. And from 2022 to 2028 it is anticipated to witness over 16.8% CAGR.

To make the mark in the pharma market, online businesses are offering competitive pricing and innovative ways on their apps to attract more customers.

Factors that affect the customers behavior towards the brand like product innovation, convenience, detailed product information, reviews, value for money, fast delivery, etc are playing a huge role in winning customers’ hearts.

To enter this market you need to follow some steps before you start on-demand medicine delivery app development. Let us discuss them one by one.

Steps to Follow Before Starting an On-demand Delivery App Development

There are plenty of steps involved for developing an on-demand pharmacy app. The master tool for developing a smooth app is thorough research. This research will help in analyzing the USP, partners, competitors, development company, etc. Let us discuss it step by step.

Market Analysis

Analysis is important for any business thinking about developing an app. Here are some points that you need to be clear on before planning on-demand medicine delivery app development.  

  • Estimate the market size
  • Acknowledge information about pharma stores
  • Monitor region wise expected growth
  • Analyzing competitors
  • Identify potential roadblocks
  • Implement advance technology

Choose Business Model

If you are planning to start online pharmacy business, it is important to consider the entities involved. After that you will be able to design a workflow and incorporate features in your app. You might have multiple vendors, suppliers, and delivery partners contributing as per your model. Based on the model you can finalize the long and short monetization strategy.

Single Store Model

In this model the patients/customers will submit their prescription to the online retailers and place orders. Then the vendors will verify product availability before sending the medicines to the customer. The customer will then make the online payment for the medicines.

Aggregator Model

In this model, the online pharmacy does not need to carry medications, instead it will tie up with local pharmacy shops. So when the order comes in, the app searches for the nearby pharmacy shops. They will handover the medications to the customer. For this model it is important for pharmacies to sign agreements.

D2C Model

In this model, there will be no intermediaries for the supply of drugs. The orders will directly reach the company and the company will directly deliver it to their customers. This way, the businesses will have stronger control on the whole supply chain.

Choose the Company

Now that you know what you want, it is time to find a development company that will help you develop the app. You can outsource a development company from anywhere in the world. And choosing one of them is not an easy task. Here are some points you must keep in mind before you finalize your development company.

  • Budget
  • Language Differences
  • Companies having experienced developers in your preferred technology
  • Company’s experience in developing apps related to healthcare
  • Company’s reviews on various platforms

Choose App Functionality

Best way to finalize your app functions is to make an app with basic features and test it. Then gradually adding the features you really want. This way, it will ensure the app does not have unwanted features. Thus, consider adding features phase wise.

Features like registration, upload prescription, multiple payment options, order tracking, inventory management, etc. must be tested first as they are essentials for an on demand app to work. Later on you can add features like live chat, CRM integration, document management, etc.   

Test and Launch

The purpose of making this app is to simplify your customers’ needs. So your app should be such that it gives your customers error free experience. So make sure the QA engineer tests every feature of the app. Test UI and UX, app functionality, code quality, etc. keeping in mind the long term performance of the app. Also consider the updates, enhancements, and maintenance of apps to deliver a seamless experience for your customers. 

Marketing Strategy

Launching the app in the market is not enough. It is crucial to have a marketing strategy. This way you will be able to target your audience and turn them into your long term loyal customers. Thus, it will help you generate sales and revenue for business growth.

Conclusion

Medicine delivery apps are extremely beneficial for the pharma businesses. It becomes easier for your customers to have medicine at their door steps. Elders would not need to go out in traffic to buy their medicines. Pharma businesses must plan to start online pharmacy business. This is a great way to increase sales and grow business.

Summary: 

Online Pharmacy business gives customers the comfort of ordering anytime and receiving products at their doorsteps. More and more pharma businesses are planning to enter this market and increase the sales with an online app. To know how you can start your on demand medicine delivery app, keep reading.