Why we do a Design Phase
Martijn
We start e-commerce projects by giving you a ballpark estimate, and then a paid design phase. Discover why a ballpark estimate alone isn’t enough, what the design phase is, and how it saves you time and money in the long run.
When starting a new project, you want to know exactly where you stand. We understand that clarity and certainty about the investment are crucial. That is why we work with an approach that first gives you a rough price, followed by a paid design phase to arrive at a final, transparent price.
To create a solid solution and realistic definitive price, we:
- Give you a ballpark estimate
- Do a paid design phase* to get to a definitive price
A ballpark estimate gives you a first impression of the pricing. It helps you understand what level of investment you might be looking at. But it’s important to know that this number is not a guarantee.
* We are talking about design in the broader sense. It is the design of the entire system, not just its visual appearance.
Why the design phase saves you time and money
The real details that matter emerge after we discuss together how each feature should work. During these conversations, we might find that:
- Payment integration X offers great flexibility but comes with higher costs.
- Payment integration Y is more affordable but lacks certain advanced features.
There will be numerous decisions like these that need to be made to get to a solid design. These are decisions you need to make. We can only explain the pros and cons to help you choose.
In short: a ballpark estimate is just that, an estimate. To define a clear scope, timeline, and final price, we move to the design phase.
What Does It Cost Me?
Our design phase costs €2200 (ex. VAT). This amount is deducted from the final project price if you decide to continue with us.
“What if I don’t proceed? Is that €2200 wasted?” Not really, here’s why:
The Deliverables
When the design phase is complete, you’ll receive:
- A final, fixed price without hidden margins or insecurities
- A technical design document
The most important deliverable is the final price. You’ll know exactly what you get for the definitive price of €X, no surprises, no scope creep.
In addition, the technical documentation contains our expert guidance on how to implement your desired features in Vendure. This document is something you will always need, regardless of whether you proceed with us or not.
So, whether you continue with our team or take another route, you’ll walk away with clarity, direction, and a solid technical foundation.
Ready to explore what your project could look like?
Get in touch today to learn more about our Design Phase and how it can set your e-commerce project up for success.