In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. With the rise of on-demand apps, both consumers and businesses are reaping the benefits of this new way of accessing goods and services.
On-demand apps have revolutionized the way we shop, order food, and schedule appointments, making our lives more convenient and efficient than ever before. The rise of on-demand apps has not only changed the way we consume but also how businesses operate. From transportation and logistics to retail and healthcare, on-demand apps have changed the game. With more and more industries adopting on-demand models, the importance of these apps is growing day by day.
In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the world of on-demand apps and explore how they are impacting different industries, changing consumer behavior, and the common essential features of the apps.
The Growth of the On-demand Economy
The on-demand app economy has grown significantly in recent years, as more and more people have begun using their smartphones to order goods and services. This growth has been driven by several factors, including the increasing availability of high-speed internet and smartphones, the convenience of ordering items or services with a few taps on a screen, and the expansion of app-based services into a wider range of industries.
According to a report by PWC, the on-demand economy is expected to reach $335 billion by 2025, driven by the growth of ride-hailing, food delivery, and other services. Today almost every industry has realized the importance of being connected digitally with their customers and the rest of the world, most of all industries are using on-demand services. As per Harvard Business Review, the on-demand app economy is worth $57.6 billion.

Benefits for consumers and businesses
For consumers
The on-demand economy provides a level of convenience that is not possible with traditional businesses. With just a few taps on a screen, consumers can order products or services and have them delivered or made available for pickup. This can save time and effort, as consumers do not have to go to a physical store or wait for a product to be shipped.
For businesses
There are a number of opportunities for businesses in the on-demand app market, including
- Meeting customer demand for convenience: By offering an on-demand service, businesses can meet the growing demand for convenience among customers.
- Reaching a wider audience: On-demand apps allow businesses to reach a wider audience, as they can easily be accessed by anyone with a smartphone.
- Reducing overhead costs: On-demand businesses often have lower overhead costs than traditional businesses, as they do not need to maintain a physical storefront or inventory.
- Improving customer service or satisfaction: On-demand apps allow businesses to better track and respond to customer needs and preferences, leading to improved customer service.
- Generating additional revenue streams: On-demand apps can help businesses generate additional revenue streams, such as through in-app advertising or by offering premium services.
Major industries offering on-demand applications
Today’s on-demand app economy is a full-fledged industry with resources working in real-time. Many businesses have made efforts to change their business model to provide better service experiences to their customers. Below we have listed a few industries benefitting from on-demand applications and services.
Transportation and Logistics: Companies like Uber and Lyft allow users to request rides through a mobile app. Courier and logistics companies are also enjoying the benefits of on-demand apps by providing their customers with the real-time status of their orders.
Food delivery: Companies like Grubhub and Doordash allow users to order food from restaurants and have it delivered to their doorstep.
Home services: Companies like TaskRabbit and Handy allow users to book home cleaning, handyman, or other services through a mobile app.
Grocery delivery: Companies like Instacart and Shipt allow users to order groceries online and have them delivered to their homes.
Health and wellness: Companies like Talkspace and Ginger offer online therapy and mental health services, while companies like Roman and Hims offer telemedicine and online prescriptions.
Education: The rise of educational apps is altering the old traditional teaching style of lectures and talks. Online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer on-demand courses and degree programs.
It’s no doubt with an on-demand application, you can make your brand reach more customers and increase your revenue.
Essential Features of On-demand Apps
On-demand apps typically have several essential features that allow them to function effectively and meet the needs of both consumers and businesses. Some of the essential features of on-demand apps include:
1. User profiles: On-demand apps typically have user profiles that allow users to create an account, input their personal and payment information, and track their activity within the app.
2. Ordering and payment: On-demand apps usually have a feature that allows users to place orders and make payments through the app. This may include options for delivery or pickup, as well as the ability to pay with a credit card or other payment method.
3. GPS tracking: Many on-demand apps have GPS tracking capabilities that allow users to see the location of their order or service in real-time. This can be useful for ride-hailing apps, food delivery apps, and other services where the location of the user or the service provider is important.
4. Push notifications: On-demand apps often use push notifications to keep users informed about the status of their order or service, such as when it has been dispatched or when it has arrived.
5. Customer support: On-demand apps typically have some form of customer support, such as a phone number or in-app chat function, to help users resolve any issues or questions they may have.
With the right blend of features and seamless functionality, an on-demand app can address all your business objectives and help you serve your customers in a better way.
Summing Up
To develop an on-demand app, you will need to consider factors such as the target market, the type of goods or services you will offer, and the features and functionality you will include in the app. It is also important to consider the cost of app development, which can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and the resources required.
Surely, on-demand apps are making our day-to-day life easier. Overall, it is likely that the on-demand economy will continue to evolve and grow in the coming years, driven by technological advances and changing consumer preferences.
For startups and enterprises looking to build a custom on-demand app, Scalex offers next-generation on-demand app development services that empower businesses to reach new horizons. Our mobile app development solutions are for everyone and every industry.