Marketplace Development
We build two-sided marketplaces: platforms where sellers or service providers list what they offer and buyers find, book, and pay, with your platform taking its share.
At a glance
- Timeline
- Most marketplace first releases take 12 to 20 weeks.
- You get
- Marketplace model and first-release scope
- Seller onboarding and listing management
- Search, filters, and listing pages
- Tools
- Next.js and TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Stripe Connect, Algolia or Typesense search
- Price
- A fixed, written quote. Free to ask.
Page reviewed October 2026
What this covers
A marketplace is really two products: one for sellers and one for buyers, plus an admin side for you. Sellers need onboarding, listing tools, and payouts. Buyers need search, trust signals, and a smooth checkout. You need moderation, dispute handling, and reporting on transaction volume and fees.
The hardest part of a marketplace usually isn't the software; it's getting both sides to show up. So we keep the first version tight: the core listing, search, and transaction flow, done well, with manual processes behind the scenes where automation can wait.
Payments use tools like Stripe Connect to handle split payments, seller identity checks, and payouts, which keeps you out of the business of holding other people's money directly.
Is this right for you?
You'll get the most out of it if any of these sound familiar:
- You want to connect buyers and sellers in a niche the big platforms serve poorly.
- You're turning a directory or service business into a transactional platform.
- You need bookings and payments between customers and independent providers.
- Your current marketplace was built on a plugin and has outgrown it.
What you get
Included in a typical engagement:
- Marketplace model and first-release scope
- Seller onboarding and listing management
- Search, filters, and listing pages
- Split payments and payouts with Stripe Connect
- Reviews, messaging, and dispute tools
- Admin dashboard for moderation and reporting
How it works
Most marketplace first releases take 12 to 20 weeks.
Model
We define who the sellers and buyers are, how money flows, and what the first release must do.
Design
Separate flows for buyers, sellers, and admins, tested as prototypes.
Build
Core transaction flow first, then supporting features in cycles.
Launch
A soft launch with a small group of sellers before opening up.
What affects the price
Every quote is fixed and written down before work starts. These are the things that move it:
- Product versus service marketplace (bookings add complexity)
- Payment and payout model
- Search and matching sophistication
- Mobile apps in addition to the web platform
Mistakes we plan around
The problems we see most often when this work is rushed:
- Building every feature before proving buyers and sellers will use the platform.
- Handling payouts manually or holding funds without the right setup.
- Weak seller vetting, which damages trust early.
Marketplace Development questions
How do marketplace payments work?
The buyer pays through the platform, the payment provider splits it, your fee goes to you, and the seller's share is paid out on a schedule. Stripe Connect handles identity checks and payouts.
Should we use a marketplace platform like Sharetribe instead?
For validating an idea quickly, a platform like Sharetribe can be a smart start. Custom development makes sense when you need workflows those platforms can't support or you're ready to scale.
How long does it take to build a marketplace?
A focused first release typically takes 12 to 20 weeks, depending on whether it handles products, services, or bookings.
Can you build mobile apps for the marketplace too?
Yes. We often launch on the web first, then add apps once the model is proven.
Often paired with
Services clients commonly combine with this one.
- SaaS Development
Subscription software products with accounts, billing, and multi-tenant data done right.
- Web App Development
Browser-based applications for customers or staff, from first version to production.
- Payment Integration
Card payments, subscriptions, and invoices connected securely to your site, app, or store.
- API Development
Well-documented APIs and integrations that connect your systems and partners reliably.
Want a quote for this?
A few sentences is enough. We'll reply within one business day with questions or a suggested next step, and a fixed quote once the scope is clear.
What you can count on
- A fixed, written quote before any work starts
- Code, domain, hosting, and analytics in your name
- A progress update every week during projects
- Monthly plans that run month to month
- A reply within one business day