How to Launch an MVP App for Shopping Within 60 Days: Step-by-Step Guide for Startups

Over 90% of e-commerce startups struggle to launch their shopping apps in the first year due to daunting time, budget, and digital transformation challenges.

They overcomplicate their MVP development, wasting resources on unnecessary features, while missing the chance to validate their business ideas quickly.

The worst part? These aren’t failures of effort—they’re failures of MVP strategy, driven by a lack of focus on what matters.

The New Approach: Building an MVP that Works as Hard as You Do

Smart startups are now adopting a lean startup MVP timeline and an agile MVP development approach to reduce development time, prioritize core features, and launch their app in just 60 days.

• Build with minimum features to validate your idea while saving on costs.
• Test and refine based on real user feedback instead of assumptions.
• Go live quickly, gather insights, and adapt to market needs.

But here’s the reality no one tells you: launching your MVP development services isn’t just about speed—it’s about strategic focus and validating what truly matters for your users.

And that’s where choosing the right MVP building company can help.

So, let us start!

How to Build an MVP for a Shopping App in 60 Days?

To build an MVP for a shopping app within 60 days, follow these steps:

Phase 1: Planning

Phase 2: Design

Phase 3: Development

Phase 4: Testing

Phase 5: Launch

Building an MVP for your shopping app in 60 days requires focus, discipline, and a well-structured approach. Let’s break down the key MVP stages: planning, design, development, testing, and launch.

By following these MVP stages, you’ll ensure a cost-effective, rapid, and successful MVP launch.

Phase 1: Planning—What Are the Essential Steps to Start?

The planning phase is the foundation of your MVP development. By setting clear goals and identifying the key features that matter, you’ll be able to guide the entire process.

• Establish SMART Goals for the MVP Launch:

• • • Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals to maintain focus and direction.

• Identify Key Features that Align with Your MVP Business Goals:

• • • Focus on essential features for your shopping app, such as product catalog, cart functionality, and a secure payment gateway.

• Use Lean Canvas to Define Your Business Model and Target Audience:

• • • Quickly outline your startup’s value proposition, customer segments, and channels to better understand how your app will solve real problems.

• Prioritize Features Using Frameworks like MoSCoW, RICE, or Feature Priority:

• • MoSCoW helps identify Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, and Won’t-have features.
  • RICE helps evaluate features based on Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort.
  • Feature Priority ensures that the most important aspects of your app are developed first.

Phase 2: Design—How Do You Rapidly Prototype Your MVP?

In this phase, the goal is to quickly turn ideas into functional designs that are easy to test and iterate.

• Recommended Tools for Quick Prototyping:
  • Use tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD to create rapid prototypes without committing to heavy development.
• Create User Flow Diagrams for Better User Experience (UX):
  • Map out how users will interact with your app to ensure a seamless experience. Focus on ease of navigation and essential user actions.
• Design a Clean, Simple Interface:
  • Keep the design minimalistic to focus on the core features. Avoid overcomplicating the design in this phase.
• Validate Designs with Early Feedback from Target Customers:
  • Conduct user testing and gather feedback on the designs before proceeding to development.

Phase 3: Development—What Tech Stack is Best for Speed and Scalability?

Selecting the right tech stack is critical for the speed, scalability, and future growth of your app. Choose technologies that help you build quickly but also scale as your business grows.

• Tech Stack Suggestions for a Fast MVP Build:
  • Backend: Backend development with Node.js, Ruby on Rails, and Python with Django for quick server-side development.
  • Frontend: Frontend development with React, Vue.js, or Angular for building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.
  • Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB for scalability and flexibility.
  • Payment Gateway: Stripe, Razorpay, or PayPal for easy and secure transactions.
  • Cloud Solutions: AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean to ensure your app can handle increasing user loads.
• In-house vs. Outsourcing: Which is Better for Your Startup?
  • In-house Development: You retain control but may face resource limitations.
  • Outsourcing: Scale faster by hiring experienced developers while keeping costs low. (Scalevista specializes in outsourcing MVP app development, ensuring high-quality results in a timely manner.)

Phase 4: Testing—How Do You Ensure Your MVP Works Seamlessly?

Testing your MVP is a critical step before launching a software product. You need to ensure everything functions as expected and doesn’t compromise user experience.

• Perform Usability Testing with Real Users (Before Full-Scale Launch):
  • Run usability tests to identify any navigation or design issues. Real users will provide valuable insights into what needs to be fixed.
• Use A/B Testing to Evaluate Feature Performance:
  • Test different features and their impact on user engagement using A/B testing. This helps you refine core functionalities before scaling.
• Validate Key Features Like Cart, Payment System, and Product Search:
  • Ensure your MVP’s most important features work flawlessly. Test how well users can search for products, make purchases, and complete transactions.

Phase 5: Launch – How Do You Launch Your MVP?

With your MVP ready and tested, it’s time to launch. However, launching an MVP isn’t just about hitting the “go live” button—it’s about how you approach the launch to maximize user acquisition and feedback.

• Soft Launch Strategies and Getting Feedback:
  • Start with a soft launch product, targeting a smaller audience to gather feedback without overwhelming your servers. Gradually scale the number of users.
• Feedback Loops: Collect Data and Adjust Quickly:
  • Implement tools such as Google Analytics, Hotjar, and user surveys to track engagement and gather feedback, enabling continuous improvement of the app.
• Use Analytics (Google Analytics, Hotjar) for Tracking User Behavior and Engagement:
  • Monitor how users interact with your app. Track metrics like conversion rates, bounce rates, and time spent on key pages.
• Set up KPIs to Measure the Success of Your MVP (e.g., Conversion Rate, Bounce Rate, Engagement):
  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your MVP business goals and track the performance of your MVP post-launch.

Comparison of 30-, 60-, and 90-day MVP models

Here’s a comparison of the three different days of MVP development models: 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day.  

When Should You Use Each Model?

• 30-Day MVP: Ideal for startups or businesses with a limited budget, time constraints, and a need to validate a core idea without building unnecessary features. This approach allows for fast feedback and market testing, offering a clear direction for the next phase of development.
• 60-Day MVP: Ideal for those seeking a balanced MVP that incorporates key features to attract and engage users. It allows for a better evaluation of scalability, which is vital when testing user engagement and operational flow for future scaling.
• 90-Day MVP: Suitable for businesses or entrepreneurs who aim to refine the launch of a software product at scale. If you’re looking to enter the market with a more complete and feature-rich product, this approach ensures comprehensive user testing and more detailed feedback.

What are the Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Launching Your MVP Shopping App?

The most common pitfalls to avoid when launching your MVP shopping app are overcomplicating your MVP, skipping user testing, and insufficient infrastructure.

Building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) shopping app within 60 days is a challenging yet rewarding feat. However, many startups face common pitfalls during this process, which can jeopardize their timeline, budget, and ultimately, the success of their product. 

In this section, we’ll address these common pitfalls and provide insights on how to avoid them.

Pitfall 1: Overcomplicating Your MVP

One of the most prominent mistakes startups make when developing an MVP is overcomplicating the app with too many features. It’s understandable to want to create a full-featured app that impresses users, but the purpose of an MVP is to launch quickly with just the core features necessary to test the market. 

The goal of an MVP is to validate your business idea, not to develop a full-fledged product.

Solution:
Focus on simplicity.

• Core Features First: Prioritize the essential features that are necessary for your app to function. Features like product catalogs, search, cart functionality, and basic payment processing should be your primary focus.
• Avoid Unnecessary Additions: Refrain from adding features that could potentially delay your launch. Features like advanced recommendations, ratings, and user reviews can be rolled out in later iterations.

Pitfall 2: Skipping User Testing

While it might seem tempting to skip user testing in the rush to launch, doing so can be a costly mistake. Without proper user feedback, your MVP may face critical usability issues that could hurt your app’s adoption and retention.

Solution:

• Early Feedback: Start testing with real users as soon as possible. Even if it’s just with a small group, getting feedback on usability and user experience is essential. Conduct surveys, interviews, or usability testing sessions to gather valuable insights.
• Iterate Quickly: Based on the feedback, make necessary adjustments to improve the functionality and user interface. Remember, your MVP doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to function well enough for users to understand its value.

Pitfall 3: Insufficient Infrastructure

Startups often face a dilemma when it comes to building the technical infrastructure for creating their MVP app. Due to budget and time constraints, they might choose a simple, low-cost infrastructure that works for a small-scale launch. However, what works for a small number of users may not be sufficient when the app gains traction and user demand increases.

Solution:

• Plan for Scalability: Choose cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud that can easily scale with your business. Even though you’re starting with a basic MVP, planning for future growth can save time and resources down the line.
• Future-Proof Tech Stack: Opt for a tech stack that supports scalability without requiring a complete overhaul when you scale. For example, using scalable databases like PostgreSQL or MongoDB can provide the flexibility you need for future growth.

How Do I Scale My MVP Shopping App After the Launch?

The key to sustaining growth and turning your MVP into a successful product lies in effectively scaling it. The three phases to scale are validate the MVP, improve user acquisition, and optimize for retention. So, how do you scale your MVP shopping app post-launch? 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the phases that will take your app from a rapid MVP prototype to a full-fledged business model.

Phase 1: Validate the MVP—Focus on Feedback and Iterate on Core Features

The Challenge:
After launching your MVP, it’s crucial to understand that it’s far from perfect. Many startups make the mistake of thinking their MVP is the finished product, but the truth is, it’s just a starting point. It’s a test that allows you to collect feedback, validate your assumptions, and identify what works and what doesn’t.

What to Do:

• Gather user feedback
• Iterate on core features
• Prioritize adjustments

Phase 2: Improve User Acquisition—Add Advanced Features, Enhance User Experience

The Challenge:
Acquiring users and retaining them after the MVP launch requires a strong strategy. At this stage, your app should be attracting its first real customers, and it’s essential to build on that initial momentum. Adding too many advanced features too soon can backfire, so balancing new additions with a focus on user acquisition is essential.

What to Do:

• Add advanced features
• Enhance UX/UI design
• Optimize for speed
• Focus on marketing and promotion

Phase 3: Optimize for Retention—Build Customer Loyalty Programs, Push Notifications, etc.

The Challenge:
While acquiring new users is essential, retaining them is even more critical. Many startups find that they have a high number of initial sign-ups but struggle to maintain a strong user base. User retention requires ongoing efforts to keep users engaged and invested in your app.

What to Do:

• Implement customer loyalty programs
• Use push notifications wisely
• Offer exclusive content or deals
• Utilize data analytics for personalization

What Are the Key Metrics to Track After Launching Your MVP?

Here are the key metrics you should track after launching your MVP app to ensure you’re headed in the right direction are:

1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
2. Lifetime Value (LTV)
3. Conversion Rate
4. Bounce Rate

1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): How Much Are You Spending to Acquire Customers?

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures how much money you are spending to acquire each new customer. It includes all marketing and sales expenses, including advertising, content creation, salaries, and promotions. For a shopping app, this could involve the cost of Google Ads, influencer marketing campaigns, or any campaigns you run to attract initial users.

• Calculate CAC: Total cost of marketing and sales divided by the number of new customers acquired.

2. Lifetime Value (LTV): What’s the Long-Term Value of Your Customers?

Lifetime Value (LTV) is the total revenue a customer generates during their time using your app. This metric is critical in understanding whether acquiring customers is profitable in the long term. LTV gives you insight into how valuable each customer is, which is essential for calculating the profitability of your marketing strategies.

• Calculate LTV: You can use a simple formula: 

Average revenue per user (ARPU) * average customer lifespan.

3. Conversion Rate: Percentage of Users Completing Desired Actions (e.g., Purchase)

The conversion rate is a vital metric for any e-commerce business. It measures the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase, adding an item to their cart, or signing up for an account. 

A low conversion rate means something is preventing users from taking the next step, which could be poor UX, confusing navigation, or trust issues.

4. Bounce Rate: Percentage of Users Leaving the App Without Engaging

Bounce rate refers to the percentage of users who open your app and leave without interacting with it. A high bounce rate indicates that users aren’t finding value quickly or that the user experience isn’t compelling enough.

 For a shopping app, this could mean users are not finding what they need or encountering usability issues within the first few seconds.

How to Choose the Right MVP Developers for a Shopping App?

To choose the right MVP developers for a shopping app, focus on these areas: 

• Vetting portfolios and case studies to look for relevant experience
• Checking for experience with e-commerce MVPs
• Collaborating with offshore developers for selecting the best countries to outsource the MVP shopping app development 
• Importance of a transparent communication process and project management tools

How do you find a reliable MVP software development agency that can help bring your vision to life in a fast, cost-effective, and scalable way? 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right MVP app development company for your shopping app.

1. Vetting Portfolios and Case Studies: Look for Relevant Experience

A portfolio is a direct reflection of a developer’s skill set and their ability to execute. When hiring MVP app developers for shopping startups, you need to ensure they have relevant experience, particularly with shopping apps or e-commerce solutions, by looking at MVP development case studies. Check if they’ve successfully developed MVPs for similar businesses or industries.

What to Look For:

• Real projects
• Technology stack
• Project outcome

2. Checking for Past Experience with E-Commerce MVPs

E-commerce MVPs present unique challenges, including the need for seamless user experience (UX), integration with payment gateways, effective inventory management, and scalability to handle an influx of customers as the business grows. Developers with experience in e-commerce MVPs will already have familiarity with these specific needs.

What to Look For:

• E-commerce features
• Integration knowledge
• Focus on UX/UI

3. Collaborating with Offshore Developers: Best Countries To Outsource MVP Shopping App Development 

Outsourcing MVP development can be a smart way to access top-tier talent without the high costs associated with hiring locally. However, you need to choose the right countries with a strong track record of MVP development companies in the USA, especially e-commerce solutions.

Top Countries to Consider for Outsourcing:

• India: With its rich pool of highly skilled developers and cost-effective solutions, MVP development companies in India have become a leading destination, particularly in the e-commerce space.
• Eastern Europe (e.g., Ukraine, Poland): Eastern Europe is known for its skilled software engineers and developers, offering competitive rates and high-quality work.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina): Close proximity to the U.S. and strong English proficiency make Latin America a solid choice for outsourcing.

What to Consider:

• Cultural compatibility
• Time zone differences
• Cost-effectiveness

4. Importance of Clear Communication Process and Project Management Tools

Effective communication is crucial for any development project, especially when working with external developers. Without proper communication, deadlines can slip, priorities can change, and the final product might not meet expectations.

What to Look For:

• Transparency
• Use of project management tools
• Frequent updates

Why Scalevista Is the Best MVP Development Partner

Scalevista specializes in building scalable MVPs for e-commerce and shopping apps and is renowned as the top MVP development service for startups in India and the USA.  We empower startups to go from ideation to launch within 60 days. 

Our approach is focused on delivering high-quality custom software development that not only validates your business idea but also ensures a smooth user experience and scalability for future growth.

Why Choose Scalevista for Your MVP Development?

• Expertise in E-Commerce Solutions: We’ve developed multiple MVPs for startups in the e-commerce space, with features like seamless shopping carts, secure payment integrations, and user-friendly designs.
• Agile Methodology: Our agile development methodology follows agile practices, allowing us to iterate quickly, respond to feedback, and launch your MVP within the desired 60-day timeframe.
• End-to-End Development: From feature prioritization to deployment, we handle every aspect of MVP to full-scale product, ensuring your app is ready for the market.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Customer-Centric Approach: We tailor our MVP custom software solutions to your business goals, ensuring every feature we develop is designed to address your specific needs.
• Global Expertise: Scalevista’s team consists of highly skilled professionals from across the globe, offering you cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts 

Launching an MVP app for your shopping business within 60 days can seem like an overwhelming challenge, especially with limited resources and tight deadlines. However, following a well-structured, step-by-step approach can help you achieve this goal efficiently. 

Recap: A Step-by-Step Approach to Building Your MVP in 60 Days

Let’s quickly revisit the core steps involved in building and launching your MVP in a mere 60 days:

1. Planning (Days 1-10):
   • Establish SMART goals, prioritize core features, and use frameworks like MoSCoW or RICE to help guide your decisions.
   • Create a lean startup MVP timeline business model using the Lean Canvas methodology.
2. Design (Days 11-20):
   • Use tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD for rapid prototyping.
3. Development (Days 21-45):
   • Ensure that your development sprint follows agile methodologies to facilitate flexibility and adaptability.
   • Prioritize backend (Node.js, Ruby on Rails) and frontend (React, Vue.js) technologies for rapid development and scalability.
4. Testing (Days 46-55):
   • Use A/B testing to evaluate features and make data-driven decisions.
   • Test core functionalities like cart, checkout, and payment integrations to ensure reliability.
5. Launch (Days 56-60):
   • Execute a soft launch product and gather initial user feedback.
   • Use analytics tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar to track user behavior and engagement.
   • Measure MVP success with KPIs such as conversion rates, bounce rates, and customer acquisition cost (CAC).

Now that you have a clear roadmap, it’s time to take action! At Scalevista, we specialize in MVP development, helping startups bring their vision to life quickly and efficiently.

Ready to build and launch your MVP shopping app in just 60 days?

Contact Scalevista today, and let’s get started on your MVP journey. Together, we can bring your app idea to life and set you on the path to market success!

FAQs

1. Can I build an MVP eCommerce app in under 60 days?

Yes, with a well-planned MVP strategy, focused feature prioritization, and an experienced development team, you can build a functional MVP within 60 days. The key is to focus on core features and get feedback early to refine your app post-launch.

2. How much should I budget for a 60-day MVP?

The budget for an MVP typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity, tech stack, and location of the development team. Outsourcing can reduce costs, but ensure that quality and scalability are not compromised.

3. How do I market my MVP shopping app before launch?

Start marketing early by implementing strategies such as building a landing page, running pre-launch ads, engaging with your target audience on social media, and leveraging influencers. Utilize email campaigns to offer early access and generate buzz.

4. How do you launch your MVP?

Launch your MVP with a soft launch product or limited release to a smaller, targeted audience. Collect user feedback, identify issues, and iterate quickly to improve the product. Monitor app performance using analytics tools to make data-driven decisions.

5. How do I sell my MVP?

To sell your MVP, focus on pitching the solution it offers. Demonstrate its core value to potential investors, users, or partners. Utilize direct outreach, networking events, and digital marketing to build interest and gather feedback for future improvements.