How we price custom software
Scope decides the price, so we do not publish a price list. This page explains how pricing works, what moves it and what a proposal contains, so you can budget before we talk.
Discovery first, then a price for release one
- 1
Discovery
A paid, fixed-scope phase. It ends with a findings document, a prototype and a fixed-price proposal for the first release. You keep all of it whether or not you hire us to build.
- 2
Build
Usually a fixed price per release against written acceptance criteria. Time and materials suits a product that will change as you learn. Either way, changes are written down and estimated first.
- 3
Care
Hosting, monitoring, updates and a monthly block of improvement hours, under a support agreement you can end.
Eight drivers
A build prices out as team size, times weeks, times a blended weekly rate, plus migration and hosting. These drivers decide the weeks.
- Document types and workflow steps in the first release
- Integrations, and the method for each one
- Data migration: volume, cleanliness and how much history moves
- Units of measure, currencies and legal entities
- Number of user roles and approval levels
- EDI trading partners, each with its own specification
- Reporting depth
- Compliance and audit requirements
Engagement models
- Fixed price per release
- A fixed price against written acceptance criteria. Changes go through a written change request with an estimate before any work starts. Suits clear requirements after discovery.
- Time and materials
- You pay for the time worked in each sprint, reported every cycle. Suits a product that will change as you learn.
- Dedicated team
- Named developers assigned to you for a set term, usually after a first release.
- Retainer
- A monthly block of hours for support and improvements after launch.
Ten things every quote should state, ours included
- 01Scope of the first release as a written list
- 02Acceptance criteria for each item
- 03Assumptions the price depends on
- 04Data migration approach and number of rehearsals
- 05Integrations included
- 06Training and documentation
- 07Hosting arrangement and monthly cost
- 08Support options, with response targets by severity
- 09Warranty period for defects
- 10How changes are requested, estimated and approved
Two quotes are only comparable if they assume the same scope. Ask each vendor to list what is not included: migration, integrations, training, hosting and support are the usual omissions.
Get a number
Start with discovery and leave with a fixed price.
Send a project brief. We reply within one business day to agree what discovery would cover.