Does it really cost that much?

Question

Is it really that expensive to develop a customized portal website with advanced CMS features? How much will a web development firm usually rip-off a lay customer for this kind of job? I mean, you don't need expensive natural resources like gold, silver, oil, etc to build the website. Just technical labor. And this labor cost a whooping lot. Please explain why the high price.

I honestly believe if people want big businesses, they should solicit more businesses through affordable packages. Not by charging $100K to 1 customer, but instead charging $1k to 100 customers. The last thing I need is an intention to rip me off.

No, that $100k is just an exagerated figure. The original package cost less than $10k. Then I suggest I require a more advanced system and the price goes up to $50k (just a starting price, meaning it can go higher). The difference is far more than 400% increase. And I don't think the additional workload required for my customized system will also increase by that much percentage.

Answer 1

Lessee... 4 years of college, and then another5 years to be called a Senior Developer, then another few years for analysis experience... this is just the guy who'll manage your project to make sure it agrees with the specs you signed off on.

Now we get to the developers... anywhere from 1 to maybe 50...

We don't "rip people off". If you want generic... then pay for generic. If, however, you want something that actually works... I look forward to seeing your spec sheet.

Answer 2

Lots of those sites are collecting money to keep the business up and running. They pay their workers. This is America. Welcome to free enterprise. Don't get mad....do something productive and make some money yourself. Make good websites and charge what you want. Make some money and don't complain about other people making/charging so much.

Answer 3

You can get a freelancer coder for as less as $100 to completely develop your website
at
http://expert.myitcareer.org/