I've been working on a website for a client, a local pool hall, and after spending around 200 hours on it, I'm trying to establish a reasonable price. My question is whether it's unprofessional to reach out to local web development companies that offer free quotes for competitive pricing. I intend to be upfront about my intentions; I won't pretend to be a client but will inform them that I'm gathering pricing information for a project. I'll share the list of features I'm including in this site and request a quote based on the technology stack I'm using. Is this acceptable in the industry?
4 Answers
Consider that it’s about your services' value over hours spent. Companies might appreciate your proactive approach, but they also may not take you seriously if they know you're trying to undercut them or use their pricing strategy. Just keep all communication professional and transparent. It's all about establishing relationships in this field!
Definitely! Being clear about your purpose could help you make connections.
Honestly, reaching out for quotes isn't inherently unprofessional, especially if you're clear about your intentions. However, just be cautious—some companies might see it as a potential conflict of interest. Instead, try to find firms that list their prices publicly, or do research on typical rates in your area. Also, considering the extensive work you've put in, you might want to charge according to the value you're providing rather than just your hours.
Yeah, I felt the same way! It's definitely more about the value delivered than just hours worked.
True, maybe looking at average rates for similar projects could help too!
You definitely should not undervalue your work based on just hours logged. The quality and features you provide outline a much higher value. I’d consider charging between $10,000 and $15,000 for something like this. If you're trying to benchmark prices, reaching out is fine as long as you're upfront about your intentions, but a lot of places might not be responsive if they realize you're another developer.
That range makes sense—especially considering the comprehensive features you're offering!
Totally agree; pricing can vary widely in our industry.
Reaching out to companies for quotes is a good way to get perspective. However, some developers might refuse to engage with a competitor about pricing, especially if they feel like their methods could be copied. Since your clients have seen the work and are satisfied, your position is strong! Just be transparent and respectful in your inquiries; that's the best approach here.
That's a solid point! Being transparent can open doors!
For sure. Most of us respect honesty and sincerity.
Great advice! Fostering good relationships is key.