Me and the members of Low Yat forums half the time finding members asking these very same questions,
“How much do you charge for a website?”
“What’s the current price to design (and develop) a website?”
Some of us have approached this question too many times. But is it really our fault that there is no standard website price? After all, what is a standard website and what does the standard package contain?
There was a time when a standard website for a company was only a simple HTML tables driven website. Then later on, things like colorful or animated images came in. After that, along the line the companies were offered more tools for their website via databases. When Macromedia made Flash widespread, it was the hype that everyone wanted it in their website.
Not too long a wait, many didn’t care of the database and demanded a full fledged Flash website. They liked the moving and fading text. They loved their techno induced introduction movies. And they were dying to outdo one another to see who could get their Flash website up first or better.
When the web standards scenario came, tables were regarded as evil elements and the Flash was regarded as pointless doodads. Many started building websites with more concrete foundation of its function than form. Usability and accessibility were becoming part of the website building bible.
So what is a standard website now?
Well, you tell me. As for me, I take a standard website having this:
- xHTML and CSS
- template design
- 5-10 pages (I hardly say this)
- ..throw in a Flash banner for kicks?
This is the current standard website you’ll find any client approaching you. The smarter ones would figure out if they really need the Flash banner. The ones who’ve got a bigger budget don’t mind opting for a CMS and a database because they do save money in the long run.
And as I’m viewing more examples of great works from places like CSSBeauty, I’ve noticed that the Flash trend might be re-entering into websites soon.
Anyway, care to share what is your ‘standard’ website?
so…. what is the price??
for the Standard as you describe??
hehe me not into web designing, just to 8 8 nia :p
Well, there isn’t one. Every designer or studio or company have their pricing based on their services. :)
You know, it is so unfortunate to have to present a ‘standard’ fee for a ‘standard’ website. Most of the good designers design custom websites for their clients based on the clients’ individual needs. Since each clients needs are different, the website created is not ‘standard’.
When new clients ask how much I charge I like to say I start at a certain price and will present a final price with my proposal after learning more about their needs. It’s worked so far – no one has forced me to agree on a price before drawing up a proposal. But then again, I don’t have that many clients anyway…
gahh… we have the same concept of standard website :P
to be more specific, you’ll also need to include
– Sufficient documentation
– Complete source code and images
i’ll probably throw in some minor php/javascript scripts as well maybe if it’s worth it.
David,
I like your idea of using a ballpark figure then after getting more information then only you place a finalize price in the proposal. One question though, do you charge your clients for the proposal?
No you can’t charge for proposals (unfortunately). Presenting a proposal is selling your game plan for their website. If they are considering more than 1 designer, they’ll hire the one with the best ideas or best proposal. I think it’s like that for all service industries although there is the possibility some ppl just want your ideas.
In my day job we are invited to present proposals all the time. Some times these so called ‘potential clients’ don’t end up engaging us after listening to our proposal, but use our ideas anyway. It’s just something we have to live with.
Since I’m in a sharing mood, my process is like this:
1. Receive enquiry
2. I give a ballpark figure e.g. Starts at RMXXX, depending on size of website may be more (Good to have a ‘standard’ scale here).
3. We meet and discuss the client’s needs
4. Present proposal to solve client’s needs.
5. Amend proposal (and price) if necessary.
6. Sign on the dotted line and get to work!
The above is based on my day job’s consultation process a lot. At my company, we don’t have a ‘standard’ pricing too. We charge for scope of work, i.e. charge more for more features.