Compare most quotes based on price. That's exactly the comparison that will cost you money later.
You choose a web developer by asking about ownership of the code, the costs over three years instead of just the construction price, who will actually do the work, and what happens if you want to switch. A party that answers these questions evasively is more expensive than the quotation suggests.
STEP BY STEP
The questions you ask
- Who owns the site after delivery?Ask explicitly whether you will receive the source code and whether transfer will cost extra. Some parties retain the rights or charge a separate transfer fee. That should be stated in the quotation, not in the small print.
- What will this cost in three years?Construction price plus hosting plus maintenance times 36 months. A low construction price with an expensive monthly contract is often more expensive than the other way around, and you only see this with the third annual invoice.
- Who really builds it?Ask whether it is done in-house or outsourced. Outsourcing is not a bad thing, but it does determine who you call when something breaks and how quickly a change is implemented.
- What happens if I want to leave?Can I take my domain, files and database with me? Is there a notice period? A party that is vague about this expects you to stay because leaving is too much of a hassle.
- What technology does it run on?You do not need to understand the technology, but you do need to understand whether another party can use it further. Standard technology is transferable; its own closed system means that only they can work on it.
- Can I speak to a customer?A reference that you can call yourself says more than a portfolio. Ask for a project of comparable size, not for the most beautiful work.
- What is not included in the price?Ask this explicitly. Texts, photos, multilingualism and links are the most common items that later appear to be missing.
PITFALLS
Answers that make you look further
There are a few answers that reliably predict that things will be difficult later. Not because the party is unreliable, but because the revenue model conflicts with your interests.
Also be honest about yourself: choosing the cheapest quote and then expecting custom development is an expectation that no one can live up to.
- "The code remains ours" — you rent, you don't buy.
- Two-year contract with low monthly price — calculate what you pay in total.
- No fixed price in advance — then ask for at least a maximum.
- Only nice pictures for reference — ask for numbers and a customer you can call.
- Everything is possible — a builder who doesn't say no to anything doesn't think along with you.
- No question about your company — anyone who immediately starts talking about technology is not building for your purpose.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
More about choosing
Freelancer or agency?
A freelancer is often cheaper and more direct, but vulnerable in case of illness or crowds. An agency has continuity and more overhead. What weighs more heavily depends on how critical the site is: if your turnover is on it, then continuity counts more than rate.
Is the cheapest quote a bad sign?
Not automatically. However, it is a reason to ask what is not included. Large price differences are almost always due to a difference in scope, not a difference in hourly rate: and that difference will come later.
Why are your prices listed on the site?
Because the first question of almost every customer is "how much does it cost", and it is unnecessary to hide it behind a conversation. It also saves us conversations with people for whom we are too expensive: which is more pleasant for both sides.
What if I already have a builder that I am dissatisfied with?
First request your domain, files and database. Until you have that, you are not in a position to switch. We help with such a transfer, even if you only want to arrange the transfer.
CONTINUE READING
Of course, continue reading about this subject.
Doubt about one quote?
Feel free to send it to us. We say what we miss, even if the conclusion is that you should stay with the other person.