What Does Custom Software Cost? Honest Price Ranges

“What does our own software cost?” is the first question in almost every initial conversation, and the one most vendors dodge. Here is the answer, as honest as possible.

The rough map

A focused tool: from CHF 10,000 to 25,000. A calculator, a form workflow, a small management tool for a clearly defined workflow. Few screens, few users, one purpose.

A full-grown business application: roughly CHF 20,000 to 100,000. Several users with permissions, data management, reports, connections to other programs. For perspective: our calculation software Easy-FM took shape in 10 weeks, the ordering platform plaene-scannen.ch in just one.

A comprehensive system: CHF 100,000 to 500,000 and more. Complete business processes in a single application, like our CAFM software easyCAFM, which covers everything from space capture to staff planning (8 weeks of development).

What the price depends on

Four drivers determine almost everything: the number of distinct workflows (every screen, every process is work), the connections to existing programs, the user structure (roles, permissions, customer access) and the volume of data plus migration from legacy systems. The number of users alone, by the way, is rarely the cost driver, unlike rented software, where every user costs money every month.

The counter-calculation: rent never stops

Rented software looks cheap: CHF 30 to 80 per user per month. With 15 employees that is CHF 5,400 to 14,400 per year, forever, with price increases, and in the end you own nothing. Your own software is paid once and belongs to you; extensions only cost when you want them. More on the dependency trap in the article Vendor lock-in explained.

When you do not need us

If your workflow is common and a ready-made program covers it well, simple accounting is the classic example, then buy the ready-made program. Sometimes adapting a proven base is also smarter than building new: that is exactly what we did with the Cliantra membership management, deliberately cheaper for the client than a new build would have been.

Your ballpark in two minutes

The fastest way to your figure: our pricing calculator. A few questions about your starting point and scope, and you get an honest initial assessment with a fixed price, before you commit.