I couldn't even attempt to try to program+design my idea, so I have consulted with a couple programmers/designers to implement my idea onto page. One is very busy and still waiting to get back to me, The Second just got back to me with a quote after sitting down with him with my proposal for about 25 minutes.
Would anyone be willing to share how much you charge to build a site from scratch? Is it by hour? By Project?
The Proposal I made was in regards to a job-matching resource which includes:
-job board
-mail center
-Organizing center that helps employers organize their projects including favorite list, profile, forms, schedule/calendar
-Profile Creation
-Subscription Process
I know that's very broad but one quote was $6,000
He started with a Cost of $2,000 for a Content Management system (site owner able to manage basic features and update site without changing structure) with customized graphics, menus, admin features, user registration.
Now that $2000 is upfront (after estimate, NOW)...AND before any of the "add-ons" (as programmer defines) I listed above are even begun. So my first concern is... that's one expensive page!. Another concern of mine is that I don't know what I want the site to look like. I explained the functions clearly, however, I was still having second-thoughts about how they would apply to the site as a whole. Therefore, wouldn't it be prudent on your guys' part to sit down with your customer before anything is paid for/decided upon and discuss ways in which "add-on" features would be applied to the page; how they'll function together, and just what the page will look like?
I'm not making myself clear...
First question: How does a programmer or designer begin the process of defining their cost/quote?
Second question: What is the first action you take to begin working with your customer who has approached you with a solid, yet developing idea (paying or not yet paying)
Third question: How much do you charge? And what is a reasonable amount to expect to pay for a site with some of these added features I've mentioned (any rough guess)?
Thanks!