Compare software development quotes side by side.

NoteOngoing maintenance: not included

Software needs security patches, dependency updates and small fixes after launch, whoever does them.

Adding it: Usually a separate monthly retainer or hourly support after the warranty ends. Ask for its terms now, not after launch.

NoteHosting and infrastructure: not included

Servers, databases and cloud services are a running cost. Know whether this quote covers them or leaves them to you.

Adding it: Usually billed to you by the cloud provider, or passed through by the vendor. Ask for the expected monthly bill.

NoteThird-party licences: not included

Paid libraries, APIs, maps, email or payment services carry their own fees, sometimes per user.

Adding it: Usually paid by you to each provider. Ask for a list of every paid service the build depends on.

GapDiscovery and requirements: not included

Without a written scope the price has nothing firm to stand on, and every later disagreement turns into a change request.

Adding it: If it is not in the quote, it is usually sold as a separate paid phase before the build, or folded into the first sprint at the vendor’s rate.

GapQA and testing: not included

Without dedicated testing, defects are found by your users after launch, when they are the most expensive to fix.

Adding it: Often added as tester hours or a share of the development effort. Ask for it as its own line so you can see it.

GapProject management: not included

Someone has to run the schedule, the scope and the communication. If the vendor does not, you will.

Adding it: Usually a project manager’s hours or a set share of the fee. Ask who your day-to-day contact is.

GapPost-launch warranty: not included

A warranty means defects found after launch are fixed at the vendor’s cost. Without one, every fix is billable.

Adding it: Some vendors include a set bug-fix window, others bill fixes as support hours. Get the period and what it covers in writing.

GapSource code and IP assigned to you: not included

If the contract does not assign the code to you, the vendor may keep the rights to it. In the US, commissioned software is not one of the nine kinds of work that can be “made for hire”, so a written assignment is what transfers it.

Adding it: A contract clause rather than a price item. Ask for full assignment on payment and access to the code repository from the start.

CheckFixed price with no change-request terms

A fixed price covers the agreed scope only. Without written terms for changes, every new request is priced on the spot.

CheckTimeline much shorter than the others

7 weeks against a median of 18 weeks for the other quotes. Check that the scope is the same.

CheckPrice much lower than the others

Under half the median of the other quotes in USD ($51,692). Check what is left out before comparing on price.

CheckHalf or more paid before any delivery

50% upfront. Paying against delivered milestones keeps the risk shared.

NoteDocumentation: not included

Without technical and handover documents, the next team has to relearn the system before it can change anything.

Adding it: Usually a few extra hours at the end of the build. Ask which documents you receive at handover.

NoteOngoing maintenance: not included

Software needs security patches, dependency updates and small fixes after launch, whoever does them.

Adding it: Usually a separate monthly retainer or hourly support after the warranty ends. Ask for its terms now, not after launch.

NoteHosting and infrastructure: not included

Servers, databases and cloud services are a running cost. Know whether this quote covers them or leaves them to you.

Adding it: Usually billed to you by the cloud provider, or passed through by the vendor. Ask for the expected monthly bill.

NoteThird-party licences: not included

Paid libraries, APIs, maps, email or payment services carry their own fees, sometimes per user.

Adding it: Usually paid by you to each provider. Ask for a list of every paid service the build depends on.

GapDiscovery and requirements: not included

Without a written scope the price has nothing firm to stand on, and every later disagreement turns into a change request.

Adding it: If it is not in the quote, it is usually sold as a separate paid phase before the build, or folded into the first sprint at the vendor’s rate.

GapPost-launch warranty: not included

A warranty means defects found after launch are fixed at the vendor’s cost. Without one, every fix is billable.

Adding it: Some vendors include a set bug-fix window, others bill fixes as support hours. Get the period and what it covers in writing.

NoteUX/UI design: not included

Without design, developers decide layouts while they code, and screens tend to be reworked once users see them.

Adding it: Usually quoted as separate design hours or a design phase. Ask whether you get a clickable prototype or only image files.

NoteHosting and infrastructure: not included

Servers, databases and cloud services are a running cost. Know whether this quote covers them or leaves them to you.

Adding it: Usually billed to you by the cloud provider, or passed through by the vendor. Ask for the expected monthly bill.

NoteThird-party licences: not included

Paid libraries, APIs, maps, email or payment services carry their own fees, sometimes per user.

Adding it: Usually paid by you to each provider. Ask for a list of every paid service the build depends on.