Hi there!
I've just received a cost estimate for my website and mobile app from a company. The estimate includes the cost for developing a website using 1C-bitrix + bitrix24 and a mobile app based on Xamarin technology. While I don't have a full understanding of the project, I would appreciate it if you could help me understand which items are worth paying attention to.
In particular, I'm curious about a few items:
1. Stage 3 includes the layout of design layouts. Can you explain why Layout of adaptive versions of pages and Layout of the main resolution are calculated separately?
2. Why is Programming the functionality of the mobile application and API preparation for the application listed twice under Stage 3 and Stage 4 respectively?
3. Can you clarify what is included in the Project management section?
4. Why is there a cost for Testing?
Overall, I feel that the cost is quite high, especially for the mobile app. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
As a customer who doesn't have a technical background, the technical task (TT) shouldn't contain too many details. It's important to focus on buying specific features that are either fully developed or almost finished. If you run out of money during the project, it's still possible to launch with limited functionality and continue development later on.
Using Bitrix for development can mean spending twice the time and effort, as you would need to first develop on Bitrix and then on a normal framework.
It's not necessary to order both a website and mobile application at the same time. You might only need a mobile app and a landing page to promote it, or an adaptive website.
The size of the development studio is less important than their ability to deliver quality work. Even if a studio has completed 100 similar projects, there's no guarantee that they won't prioritize other projects over yours. The price for the project is unlikely to change.
From my own experience, it's important to prioritize the most essential features for your website or mobile app, and to work with a development team that is transparent and communicative throughout the process.
The cost of development work is typically based on the hourly rate of the developers. While some freelancers may charge very low rates, it's important to consider the value and quality of their work.
As a freelancer, one may start at a low hourly rate and gradually increase it as they gain more experience and build a portfolio. However, when estimating the cost of a project, it's important not to base it solely on the rates charged by others, but on the value of the work being done.
If a studio charges higher rates but has a good reputation and delivers high-quality work, it's worth considering whether their prices are justified. Lower rates may not always result in lower costs overall, if the work isn't done well or requires additional time and resources to fix issues.
There are several points to consider:
1) Is using Bitrix truly necessary for your project? It may increase the cost without necessarily improving the final product.
2) Project management involves making changes throughout the development process. For example, if a designer creates a button that the layout designer cannot implement, then a new button will need to be designed.
3) The current price estimate for static layout without adaptive features is $2K for 70 hours of work. It's important to ensure that the final cost is reasonable and reflects the value of the work being done.
If Bitrix is not essential to the project, it may be worth considering alternative options that could reduce the overall cost while maintaining quality. Additionally, effective project management can help prevent unnecessary delays or costly mistakes during development.
In my experience, clear communication and collaboration between clients and developers can help to ensure that projects stay on budget and deliver the desired results.
1. The separation of "Layout of adaptive versions of pages" and "Layout of the main resolution" is likely due to the different design considerations required for different devices. "Layout of adaptive versions of pages" refers to designing the website to adapt and display properly on different screen sizes (such as desktop, tablet, and mobile), while "Layout of the main resolution" focuses on designing the website specifically for the main targeted screen size or resolution.
2. "Programming the functionality of the mobile application" and "API preparation for the application" listed separately in Stage 3 and Stage 4 could indicate two different phases of development. Stage 3 may involve implementing the core functionality of the mobile app, while Stage 4 might involve setting up the necessary APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for the app to communicate with external services or databases.
3. The "Project management" section typically includes activities related to overseeing the project, coordinating team members, managing timelines, and ensuring successful project delivery. It may involve tasks such as requirement gathering, project planning, communication with stakeholders, progress tracking, and quality control.
4. The cost for testing is included because it is a crucial part of the development process. Testing helps identify and fix any issues or bugs in the website or mobile app before they are released to users. This ensures a better user experience and helps prevent costly post-launch issues. Testing can encompass various forms, such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing.
Regarding the high cost, it's essential to evaluate the complexity and scope of your project, as well as consider the expertise and reputation of the company providing the estimate. Obtaining multiple quotes and discussing the breakdown of costs with the company may help you understand the specifics and determine if the price aligns with market standards. Additionally, you could consider alternative options or negotiate with the company to potentially find more affordable solutions without compromising quality.