Mobile appE-commerce & marketplacesOriginal by Koton
Koton is a Turkish fashion brand that follows trends and creates buzz with collaboration collections. What draws users into the app is early access to limited-edition collections, personalised recommendations and an easy transition between store and online. Offering a fast, smooth shopping experience to an audience that springs into action with notifications during campaigns determines the brand's digital success.
A similar app needs infrastructure that supports the launch and early access concept, fair cart reservation for limited-stock items, a loyalty programme and store stock integration. A content-heavy home page, collection stories with video and images, and ERP-connected order management are the other components. The traffic peak at launch time is the most critical test point for the architecture.
How Koton works: the core user flow
How many apps and dashboards do you need?
Customer app
Users watch collection stories, join early-access launches, earn points and place orders.
Store app
The store team prepares online orders and manages click-and-collect and returns.
Admin and content panel
The team manages the launch calendar, collection content, campaigns and loyalty rules.
Critical features of a product like Koton
Launches and early access
Exclusive collections open early to selected users based on loyalty tier; countdowns and reminder notifications are sent.
Limited stock reservation
An item added to the cart is reserved for a short time; if payment is not completed, the stock is released automatically.
Collection stories
Collection content is presented in a video- and image-led story format, and products can be added to the cart straight from the story.
Loyalty tiers
Customers move up tiers based on spend; each tier offers different discounts, early access and free shipping perks.
Store stock and pickup
Users see whether a product is available in nearby stores and can choose in-store pickup.
Waiting list
Users can join a waiting list for sold-out sizes; when stock is replenished, those next in line are notified.
What goes into the first version, what comes later
First version (MVP)
- Catalogue, collection pages, search and filters
- Cart, stock reservation and checkout
- Push notifications and campaign announcements
- Order tracking and return requests
- Product and stock integration with the ERP
Later releases
- Loyalty tiers and early-access launches
- Video-based collection stories
- Store stock and in-store pickup
- Waiting list for sold-out sizes
Modules and how the budget is calculated
The budget is calculated with 360 SOFT’s pricing model from the modules below, about 28 screens and the project’s complexity: roughly 180 person-days for the full scope and 129 person-days for the first version. Every module you drop lowers the budget directly.
| Module | Phase |
|---|---|
| Sign-up, login, social login | First version |
| User profile and settings | First version |
| Roles and permissions | First version |
| Admin dashboard | First version |
| Online payments (Stripe / PSP) | First version |
| Product / content catalogue | First version |
| Cart and checkout | First version |
| Advanced search and filters | First version |
| Push notifications | First version |
| File, photo, video upload | First version |
| Video / voice calls | First version |
| Content management / blog | First version |
| Reporting and analytics | First version |
| ERP / accounting integration | Later release |
Hosting, SMS, map APIs, app store accounts and payment-provider fees are separate items. Maintenance and improvements (optional): €600 / month. We send a fixed written price within 24 hours after a free discovery call.
The hard parts
Launch-time traffic
The minute early access opens, many users rush the same products; a virtual queue and caching strategy are needed.
Fair stock allocation
With limited items, bots and simultaneous orders can drain stock; reservation and bot protection must be designed in.
Content performance
Video and high-resolution images can slow the app down; a CDN and adaptive media delivery are essential.
Business model
Revenue is the margin from the brand's own product sales. Exclusive collections and collaborations raise demand and perceived value, while the loyalty programme retains frequent shoppers. A free shipping threshold, basket growth through outfit suggestions and gift card sales are items that bring in additional revenue.
Get a free quote for your project
Let us scope it together and send a fixed written quote within 24 hours. NDA on request; you own the source code.
Choosing a company to build an app like Koton
Most people searching “build an app like koton” are really looking for a reliable app development company. When comparing quotes, check four things:
- Can you try similar products they have shipped, in the stores or live?
- Are the source code, design files, servers and store accounts transferred to you by contract?
- Do they show a working demo every two weeks, with written scope and acceptance criteria?
- Are maintenance, scaling and GDPR/security costs written into the quote?
Copyright and trademarks
A business model and features are generally not protected on their own, but the Koton name, logo, interface design, content and source code are. That is why we build a product with similar functionality but your own brand, design and code. This is not legal advice; we recommend a trademark search before launch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build an app like Koton?
A first version with a catalogue, checkout, notifications and ERP integration can be ready in a few months. The launch mechanics, loyalty tiers and video stories are added in later releases.
Will the site crash during a limited collection launch?
If it is not designed properly, the load will cause problems. A virtual waiting queue, cached product pages and short-term stock reservation greatly reduce this risk.
Ready-made script or custom software?
For a standard fashion store, an off-the-shelf platform works. If concepts such as early access, loyalty tiers and store integration are your competitive advantage, custom software is the better choice.
Are there copyright or trademark issues?
App features and the business model are free to use, but the Koton name, logo, design and product images may not be used. This information is not a substitute for legal advice.
