How to Build a Buy/Sell App Like Opensooq: Development Insights

Wondering how to build a buy/sell app like Opensooq?

Remember when searching for a used car or renting an apartment was done via newspaper classified ads? It seems like ages ago! Now, with a few taps on your phone, you can discover thousands of listings in seconds. These changes are brought to you by classified apps like Opensooq, which have digitized how millions of people in the Middle East seek goods and services. 

In fact, it is reported that by 2033, the worldwide marketplace apps market will reach USD 283.75 billion, growing at a CAGR of approximately 13.5% during the forecasted period from 2025 to 2033.

The classified apps have made it so easy for people to initially post an ad, sell a product, or simply close a buyer for a product. As we advance into 2025, purchases and sales are only going to get bigger. More people are using online marketplaces for everyday needs, and this is opening up a massive opportunity for businesses to tap into.

If building a classified app is on your mind, you’re in the right place. This blog will walk you through the must-have features, what tech you’ll need, how to build an app like Opensooq, and smart ways to earn from it. 

So let’s get started! 

Is it Worth building a Buy/Sell App Like Opensooq in 2025?

• OpenSooq is the largest classifieds marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• The platform gets over 2 billion pageviews every month from more than 120 million unique visitors.
• Each year, it records over 800 million user visits.
• An item is sold on OpenSooq every 15 seconds.
• The total value of goods sold on OpenSooq is estimated to be over USD 30 billion per year.
• OpenSooq started its journey in 2013 and has expanded its services across the region.
• It is now active in 20 countries.
• The company has a team of more than 350 people, working from 7 offices.

If you are willing to go for Opensooq like marketplace app development, then you should also understand the business model canvas of the brand.  Here it is: 

OpenSooq Business Model Canvas

In the next section, let’s have a closer look at the functionality of Opensooq, which will help you create a Buy/Sell app. 

How Does OpenSooq App Work?

As we know that OpenSooq is a classified and marketplace app that facilitates buying and selling among the local communities. Here’s how it works:

• User Registration

A user can sign up with their phone number or email to create a profile. This makes it easy to track listings and messages.

• Post Ads

Anyone (the seller), at no cost, can post an ad by uploading photos, a clear description, pricing, and contact information. 

• Browse and Search

Users can scroll through categories or use filters and search tools to find exactly what they want nearby.

• Communication

Buyers and sellers connect through calls, in-app chat, or direct messages to ask questions and negotiate deals.

• Verification and Trust

The app includes tools like user reviews, ratings, and sometimes ID checks to help people feel safer while trading with strangers.

• Secure Transactions

Some deals can be completed with secure payment methods or cash on delivery, depending on what the buyer and seller agree on.

Now that you know it’s working, let’s understand what features make Opensooq stand out. This will help you plan your development path.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a Mobile Banking App like Monzo?

Key Features to Add in your Buy/Sell App Like Opensooq

When planning how to build a classified app, you’ll need to take a look at every aspect so that all the features are addressed properly.

There are several elements to look at to improve functionality, which also impacts the Opensooq app development cost. Here are the features that you need to develop an app like opensooq: 

1: User Registration and Profiles

• Sign-Up Options

It allows users to register with their phone number, email, or social accounts to speed up the onboarding process.

• Profile Creation

With this, users can create a basic profile including photos, biography, and communication preference setup.

• Verification

This includes steps for verification, such as phone number or email verification, to create trust with your buyers and sellers.

2: Listing Products and Services

• Easy Listing Process

With your marketplace app development, you can simplify ad postings to help potential buyers easily add photos, write a description, set a price, and publish the ad.

• Categories

To develop an app like Opensooq, you must have listings grouped in the appropriate categories. This helps users browse easily, e.g., cars, jobs, real estate, services, etc.

• Search and Filters

Your classified app like Opensooq should have search bars and filters to allow users to find what they’re looking for more easily.

• Location-based Search

This feature helps people find what they need close to where they live. This can be done by using GPS or letting them choose a nearby location.

3:  Chat and Messaging System

• Direct Communication

When going for buy/sell app creation, integrate a feature that lets buyers and sellers contact each other through in-app chat or even by calling each other directly to close deals fast. 

• Notifications

With the notification feature, your app users are notified when they receive a new message or a reply, so that they do not miss anything. 

4: Payment Gateway Integration

• Secure Transactions

More payment options enhance the user experience. You can add trusted payment options for secure online payments in your marketplace app like Opensooq.

• Cash on Delivery (COD)

One advantage of developing an app like Opensooq is that you can also let buyers confirm cash on delivery as a payment option.

• Escrow System

Many marketplace apps like Opensooq hold payments in escrow until both sides confirm the deal is complete.

5: Ratings and Reviews

• User Feedback

Your Opensooq-like marketplace application should allow users to post reviews about their experience to help future users.

• Seller Profiles

This feature enables your app to show ratings on seller profiles to highlight reliable sellers.

6: Admin Panel

• Content Moderation

The moderation feature allows admins to keep the platform safe by screening and removing spam or false ads.

• Analytics

With this, the account admin is allowed to see app performance with statistics, including the number of users, ads, and transactions. 

• User Management:

The Opensooq clone app has the ability to manage user accounts, disputes, and support.

7:  Push Notifications

• New Listings

Push notifications are sent when there are new ads in the user’s preferred category or location. 

• Messages

The app can notify users when a new chat or reply is sent or provide an update, or something important.

8: Advanced Search Options

• Advanced Filters

When building an app like Opensooq, add filters (such as price range, brand, or condition) to allow users to search the site more exactly.

• Sorting Options

An app like Opensooq provides users the ability to sort results by date, price, or popularity.

9:  Multilingual and Multi-Currency Support

• Localization

Localization is a necessity as it provide different language options to communicate with a broader audience.

• Currency Converter

You should also allow users to see prices in their local currency to create more clarity.

Now that we understand the features that you need to add to your marketplace app development, we can now discuss “ how to develop an app like Opensooq.” Remember, this influences the overall Opensooq app development cost. 

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Taxi App Like Hala?

How to Build a Classified App like Opensooq?

Developing an app like OpenSooq requires meticulous planning, the right kind of tech, and a clear plan. If you’re planning to develop a marketplace app, here’s how we approach buy/sell app creation step by step:

Step 1: Research & Market Analysis 

Prior to design or code, it’s vital to understand the audience for your marketplace, as well as the competition.

 Investigate the market: who is your primary audience (users/sellers), what are they selling or buying, and how do they want to pay?

• Research competitors to see what’s working for them, and where you can fill a gap.
•  Consider your unique selling proposition. What’s going to make your marketplace different?

 If you conduct a comprehensive market study at this stage, it will help to have realistic expectations regarding the Opensooq app development cost and timelines.

Step 2: Defining the Scope and Features

Next, clarify what your classified app like Opensooq has to provide. 

• Confirm details regarding must-have features for users, such as user signups, ad postings, chat, payment gateways, reviews, admin abilities, etc. 
• List advanced features – like premium ad placements, featured listings, escrow for payments, etc. 
• Outline the monetization types for buy/sell apps, such as subscription and commission on sales. 

A clear scope means clear milestones, which have a direct effect on the cost to build a marketplace app and keep your project on schedule.

Step 3: Designing and App development

This is where marketplace app development comes to life.

• Develop wireframes and prototypes that map out the user flow and every screen.
• Determine the user journey – how they sign up, post an ad, chat, and transact.

Our team supports both front-end and back-end development to ensure your buy/sell app creation is scalable and secure.

Step 4: Selecting the Right Teck Stack 

The right technology choice is important so that your app runs smoothly and can also accommodate more users in the future.

• For the frontend, we use a library like React Native or a framework like Flutter to help with cross-platform support.
• For the back-end, Node.js or Python with a robust database like PostgreSQL or MongoDB works well.
• You’ll also want to include secure APIs to handle payment gateways, map software for location-based searches, and cloud storage for images and videos.

Needless to say, technology decisions also impact the Opensooq app development cost.

Step 5: Designing User Interface

Visuals and usability are the key elements that can make or break a marketplace app.

• Utilize clean and simple designs so that users can quickly and easily browse, search, and post ads to a marketplace.
• When considering usability, ensure that navigation is intuitive and minimize the steps from signing up, to posting an ad, to buying something.
• Also, make sure the design is responsive and considers various devices.

A good UI/UX design is a significant portion of learning how to build a classifieds app that people trust and enjoy using.

Step 6: Testing Your App

No buy/sell application development is done without thorough testing. 

• Test each feature on several devices and screen sizes. 
• Run through security checks for data protection and payment info. 

Here at Apptunix, our team thoroughly tests and resolves bugs. We ensure the app performs well, including image loading and heavy traffic.

Step 7: Launching and Marketing

After your app has completed the quality checks, it’s time to launch. The app will go live on iOS and Android stores with appropriate optimization, so now let the world know it is available.  

Moreover, make use of social media, paid ads, and partnerships with local businesses to promote the app. The way to get some traction is to offer launch deals to the first users, as well as premium listings for early users.

Note: Effective planning for the launch can help you get faster returns on your investment in the marketplace app development.

Step 8: Monitoring and Updatation

Building a buy/sell app doesn’t stop at launch.

• You have to observe how users behave and fix problems created from actual users’ feedback.
• Manoeuvring into sustaining user engagement over time, you will also roll out new features.

Moreover, you need to evaluate where your monetization techniques for buy/sell apps are, during the growth of your users. Regular ongoing updates to your app will also help keep expenditure predictable.

If you are ready to build an app similar to OpenSooq, we will be beside you at every stage of the process.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build an App like Dubizzle in UAE?

 Tech Stack for creating a Classified App Like Opensooq

For a business willing to succeed, it is mandatory to use suitable technologies. This includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, front-end and back-end tools, and APIs.

How much does it cost to build a marketplace app like Opensooq?

When planning to develop an app like Opensooq, understanding the cost helps entrepreneurs make sound decisions. On average, the Opensooq app development costs between $15,000 $80,000, while a more advanced app can cost $200,000 or more. It is important to remember that the total cost depends on factors like the app’s complexity, feature list, and UI/UX design. 

Note – This cost is applicable when you want to build an app completely from scratch. There are other alternative options that our expert team can suggest to bring the cost down.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the cost to build a classified app like Opensooq based on complexity:

• Cost to Develop a Marketplace like Opensooq – Basic – Level 

A simple classified app is ideal for small businesses or startups that want to test the market. This is a great starting point if you’re targeting a local audience and don’t need advanced features. 

Moreover, a basic app can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to develop. This depends on the team size and project requirements.

• Development Cost of an App Like Opensooq – Mid-Level 

A less complex app in the Middle East is a great option for growing businesses that want to expand beyond a local market. You can expect the development process to take 4 to 8 months, depending on the complexity and team location.

• Advanced Level: Cost to Build a Marketplace App

This is an end-to-end marketplace app like Opensooq with advanced functionality targeted at a competitive market. The solution is best suited to established companies, investors, or start-ups looking to compete with big players like OXL, Dubizzle, etc. 

Now, if you are looking to operate in several cities or want to add advanced, AI-driven functionality, this is the right choice. A high-level app could take 8 to 12+ months to build, depending on the complexity you have in customizations and integrations.

Note: Not everyone has the in-house expertise to develop an app like Opensooq. Therefore, if you hire a mobile app development company in Dubai, then you can save a lot of time and money for the same. 

Here is the hourly rate of the team that you need to assemble for Buy/Sell app creation.

Monetization Strategies for Buy/Sell Apps

Choosing the right revenue streams is as important as building the app itself. Here are proven ways to earn income through your marketplace app development:

1: Commissions & Subscriptions

Take a small commission on each completed sale or transaction. A lot of buy/sell platforms charge sellers a percentage when a deal closes. You can also offer subscription plans for sellers to have added prominence or use premium features. This is a great way to establish a steady income stream while delivering value to users.

How can Apptunix Help You cut down Opensooq App Development Cost? 

Being a leading marketplace app development company, Apptunix employs comprehensive technical expertise to offer classified app development services. We specialize in delivering comprehensive platforms like Opensooq with the use of modern technologies to facilitate usability.

With 11+ years of experience and a team of 250+ expert app developers, we can help you build a feature-rich marketplace app that is scalable and secure. Our team also helps you cut down the Opensooq app development cost with modern app development strategies.

With Apptunix, you get a tech partner who understands your business goals and delivers  Buy/Sell App Like Opensooq solutions that accelerate your success.

So, what’s next? 

Well, you can schedule a consultation call right away and get precise cost estimation based on your project requirements.