Requesting a Quote

First be sure to read the previous article on requesting a quote, before continuing. You should receive a well thought out quote in about 1-3 days from the time you request one. It should be in writing, with everything explained thoroughly, and it should have a service contract included. Quotes can be a flat rate for the whole project and by the hour. The flat rate approach is the safest bet for you.

What effects the design pricing

• Total main sections, sub-sections and pages in your site
• Additional site features: examples: databases, user log-ins, e-commerce, site search, etc.
• Type of navigation required (sites with more pages might require more advanced menus)
• Whether the designer must purchase additional stock art or stock photos
• Timetable given to design the site
• Visual site style and design requirements (custom illustrations, sophisticated graphics, etc.)
• Site animation using Flash
• Site needs to be updateable by you
• Your companies profile and product/service reach
• Search Engine Optimization Services

Pricing and Quote Red Flags

Package Quotes: Avoid designers that advertise packages such as "a 10 page site, with 5 images, and 10 links, costs X". This shows that the designer has no interest in making a customized site for your needs. If these packages are used for ballpark examples only, than this can be very helpful. If you find a great deal, remember, you usually get what you pay for.

Quick Quotes: Avoid designers that give you a quote by filling out a simple online without additionally contacting you for more details of your specific needs. Avoid any designer that gives you a quote without asking lots of questions. See requesting a quote for what they could ask you.

What Your Site Should Cost

For the same 25 page site, the kid down the street will offer to design your site for $350, while a award-winning design studio will charge you $15,000. This is way you should always get 5-10 quotes. A fare quote will probably be somewhere in the middle of your offers. The right quote for you depends on your specific site needs. Compare portfolios, ask a lot of questions and choose a web designer, that meets your needs. There are simply too many factors specific to each site, to give a good stock answer for what sites should cost.

Why You'll Get a Great Deal

Competition for website work is fierce. Just about all website designers have been forced to price themselves very competitively. Generally, pricing is just enough to keep their shop doors open. If you do your homework, you'll be sure to get a great deal compared to the actual amount of time and energy the designer will put into your site.

A Short Story That Also Explains Costs

A man hires a computer consultant to fix his computer. The consultant fixes the computer in 5 minutes and hands the man a bill for $95. The man throws up his arms in disgust, as he can't believe that he's being charged $95 for 5 minutes of service. The computer consultant responds that it took 5 minutes to fix the problem, and another 15 years to learn how.

Return on Investment

The cost for a website is a one time fee, plus maintenance. A good site will be around for years, and should generate regular sales. A well designed and optimized site should pay for itself fairly quickly with new business. Consider your site costs spread out over the lifetime of sales generated over the lifetime of your site. Sites typically need to be redesigned in 5 years depending on your product, services, and market.

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