Question
If you were presented with the challenge to build a marketplace app, how would you go about the process? From writing down the actual concept, high level overview of the structure/classes/interactions between objects, to actually starting to flesh out the code itself.
There will be two feeds: One for the Sellers and one for the Buyers. Each buyer and seller will have their own profile. The profiles will be identical except the sellers will be able to add on the services they are selling.
Now here is where it gets tricky: The buyer sends a request to the seller that they are interested in their services with the package, a date, and a time attached. The seller receives this as an in-app notification with the ability to accept or decline . If accepted then the money needs to be transferred from the buyers stripe account to the seller's stripe account.
It would be great to know how you would go about this. I'm most likely to request a call with whom gives a really useful answer as I'd like to discuss it further.
Many thanks.
Answer
Certainly! Building a marketplace mobile app involves several key steps, from conceptualization to implementation. Let’s break it down:
Conceptualization and Planning:
Identify the Market Need: Understand your target audience and their pain points. What problem will your marketplace solve?
Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your app.
Feature List: Create a comprehensive list of features your marketplace app needs. For your case, consider user profiles, listings, search, transactions, and notifications.
High-Level Overview of Structure/Classes/Interactions:
User Profiles: Both buyers and sellers should have profiles with essential information.
Listing Management: Sellers can create and manage listings (services they offer).
Search & Discoverability: Implement search functionality for buyers to find relevant services.
Transaction Process: Handle buyer requests, notifications, and payment processing.
Admin Features: Admin dashboard for managing users, listings, and transactions.
Technical Implementation:
Choose Your Tech Stack: Consider technologies like React Native (for cross-platform mobile apps), React.js/Node.js (for web), and Amazon Web Services (for backend).
Database Design: Create a schema for user profiles, listings, and transactions.
User Accounts: Implement user authentication and authorization.
Listing Search: Develop a search feature based on user preferences.
Transaction Flow: Design the process for buyer requests, seller notifications, and payment handling.
Stripe Integration: Integrate Stripe for secure payment processing.
Recommendation:
I recommend reading this detailed guide on how to build an online marketplace: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/how-to-build-online-marketplace/. It covers essential aspects and provides valuable insights for your project.
Remember, collaboration with experienced developers and discussing your concept further can lead to successful execution. Best of luck with your marketplace app!
