How To Build A Shop and Split Payment App Like Tamara in 2024

The middle-eastern market has seen a sudden a surge in fintech solutions. The digital transformation in the fintech sector has allowed several new ventures enter the market and turn into successful brands. Tamara – a shop and split payment platform – is an example of a feature-packed fintech solution. Launched in 2020, Tamara is on its way to become one of the successful unicorns in a few years.

Looking at its rapid market growth, several entrepreneurs and business owners are looking to take a slice of the pie with their own shop and split payment platform. If that’s the case, we are here to help. Today, we’ll share a comprehensive guide on how to build a fully-functional shop and split payment app like Tamara in 2024.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive in.

An Introduction To Tamara

Imagine splitting your shopping bill into easy, interest-free installments, without the hassle of traditional credit cards. Tamara is an innovative app for Middle Eastern shoppers, offering a flexible and convenient way to manage your finances and make the most of your purchases.

With a focus on simplicity, convenience, and innovation, Tamara has emerged as a go-to solution for a wide range of financial and lifestyle management needs.

Tamara’s flagship feature is its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service, allowing users to make purchases and split their payments into manageable installments. This feature has gained significant popularity among Middle Eastern consumers who appreciate the flexibility in managing their budgets without the burden of upfront payments.

Tamara isn’t just about splitting bills. It’s about empowering users to take control of their finances. The app offers features like budgeting tools, bill reminders, and financial insights, helping you manage your money more effectively.

With over 9 million users and millions of transactions processed, Tamara has become a leading fintech player in the Middle East. It has been recognized by Forbes as one of the region’s top 25 fintech companies, further solidifying its position as a major financial disruptor.

Understanding Key Features Of Tamara

Tamara is designed with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and preferences in the Middle East. This cultural sensitivity contributes to a more user-friendly experience that resonates with the local population. Moreover, in a region where traditional banking services may not be accessible to everyone, Tamara promotes financial inclusion by providing a user-friendly platform for various segments of the population.

The app complies with local financial regulations and adapts to the dynamic landscape, ensuring that users can transact with confidence and within the legal framework.

Here are some of the additional features of Tamara that make it one of the most popular fintech platforms in Middle East.

1. Buy Now, Pay Later

With the exclusive buy now-pay later features, users can spread their payments over 2, 3, or 4 installments, with no late fees or hidden charges. This allows a more seamless solution to various online payments.

2. Localized Payment Options

Understanding the diverse payment preferences in the Middle East, Tamara supports a variety of localized payment options, including traditional methods, digital wallets, and specific regional payment gateways. This ensures that users can transact seamlessly using their preferred methods.

3. Personal Finance Management

Tamara goes beyond just facilitating transactions; it empowers users to take control of their finances. The app provides intuitive tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial goal setting. Users can gain insights into their spending habits and make informed decisions for a more secure financial future.

4. Exclusive Offers and Rewards

Tamara collaborates with a range of merchants across the Middle East to bring exclusive discounts, promotions, and rewards to its users. This not only enhances the user experience but also fosters a sense of loyalty and engagement within the community.

5. Security and Privacy

Recognizing the importance of security in financial transactions, Tamara employs state-of-the-art encryption and authentication measures to safeguard user data. The app complies with local regulations and international standards to ensure a secure and trustworthy platform.

Do You Need A Professional App Development Partner To Build An App Like Tamara

When it comes to building an app like Tamara, most entrepreneurs can’t decide between hiring a professional development partner and executing DIY development.

Of course, if you have an experienced in-house development team, you might be able to launch a fully-functional app without additional professional assistance. However, working with a remote mobile app development company has several benefits. A few of these benefits include:

Expertise and Experience

Mobile app development companies typically have a team of experienced professionals with expertise in various aspects of app development, including design, coding, testing, and deployment. This collective knowledge helps ensure that your app is built to industry standards and best practices.

Customization and Scalability

Mobile app development companies can tailor the development process to meet your specific requirements. They can create a scalable architecture that allows your app to grow as your user base expands or as you introduce new features. This scalability is crucial for the long-term success of the application.

Cross-Platform Development

A reputable development company can create applications that work seamlessly across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, etc.). This ensures a broader reach and user accessibility, catering to a larger audience.

UI/UX Design Expertise

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are critical components of a successful app. Mobile app development companies often have dedicated design teams that can create an intuitive and visually appealing user interface, enhancing the overall user experience.

Integration of Advanced Features

If your app, like Tamara, involves complex features such as secure payment gateways, real-time updates, or integration with external systems, a professional development team can handle these complexities effectively. They can implement advanced functionalities while maintaining performance and security.

Quality Assurance and Testing

A mobile app development company will have established processes for quality assurance and testing. Rigorous testing helps identify and rectify bugs and ensures that the app functions smoothly across different devices and scenarios.

Time and Cost Efficiency

While hiring a development company involves an initial investment, it can be cost-effective in the long run. Professionals can work efficiently, reducing development time. Moreover, their experience can help avoid costly mistakes that may arise from inexperience or inadequate planning.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

After the app is launched, it’s crucial to have ongoing support and maintenance. A reputable development company will provide post-launch support, addressing any issues promptly and ensuring the app remains compatible with evolving technologies and platforms.

How Much Does It Cost To Launch An App Like Tamara in 2024

The cost to launch an app like Tamara can vary widely based on several factors such as features, complexity, platform (iOS, Android, or both), design requirements, development hours, and geographic location of the development team. A basic version of a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) app with essential features may start at around $50,000 to $100,000.

However, for a comprehensive app with advanced functionalities, custom features, robust security measures, and a polished user interface, the cost can escalate to $200,000 or more.

Additionally, ongoing maintenance, updates, and post-launch marketing activities should be considered as part of the overall budget. It’s crucial to collaborate with a reputable mobile app development company to get a detailed cost estimate tailored to the specific requirements and objectives of the project.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to prioritize features that align with user preferences, such as seamless Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) functionality, intuitive user interfaces, and robust security measures. Additionally, embracing cross-platform development, staying adaptable to emerging technologies, and conducting thorough testing and quality assurance are key factors for success. Collaborate with an experienced mobile app development company to leverage their expertise in design, development, and deployment, ensuring the app meets industry standards.