Having software built: costs, process and common pitfalls

Excel sheets nobody understands any more. A customer portal you can't buy off the shelf. A startup idea that needs to be tested with real users quickly. At some point the question comes up: should we have our own software built? Here is what it costs and how to keep the risk small.

What a custom web app costs

Custom web applications in Switzerland start at around CHF 25,000, with almost no upper limit. Hourly rates for experienced developers are typically CHF 120 to 250. The main price drivers are:

• Number of roles and workflows: a portal for customers is simpler than one for customers, staff and partners.
• Integrations: connections to accounting, CRM or existing databases.
• Security and data protection requirements: such as storing data in Switzerland.
• Operations: hosting, monitoring, further development.

The most common mistake: too much at once

Many projects fail not because of technology but because of scope. Everything imaginable gets built for six months, and only then does it become clear what users really need. A step-by-step approach is better: first an MVP, the smallest version that delivers real value, then targeted expansion.

How a project runs with us

1. Workshop (from CHF 1,200): half a day to clarify goals, users and workflows. Result: a requirements list and a clickable prototype. The fee is credited if you order.
2. Quote: fixed price or cost cap with clear milestones. No open-ended hourly billing.
3. Development: short iterations in which you test and give feedback regularly.
4. Go-live and operation: launch, training, monitoring and further development on a subscription.

We deliver a startup MVP with login, database and admin area from CHF 15,000 in about 6 to 8 weeks.

Five questions to ask every provider

• Do I own the source code after the project?
• Where is the data stored?
• Is there a fixed price or a cost cap?
• How is it tested, and who runs the application afterwards?
• Is the software documented well enough for other developers to continue?

Bottom line

Custom software pays off when it supports a workflow that defines your business and can't be bought off the shelf. Start small, measure the benefit, then expand. Read more about our approach under web apps & software, or tell us your idea and we'll reply within two working days.