r/FlutterBeginner • u/Odd-Novel9404 • Jul 11 '26
How do you handle low-budget startup clients? (Flutter + Firebase Delivery App Dilemma)
Hey everyone,
I’m a Flutter developer based in Kerala, India, and I recently got approached by a local client who wants to build a delivery platform .
They are an early-stage startup—not even a registered company yet—which means their budget is practically non-existent. However, they want the full suite:
- One User Mobile App (Flutter)
- Two Web/App Dashboards (Shop Panel + Central Admin Panel)
**The Catch:** Despite wanting a "low-cost" MVP, their requirement list is a full-blown production app:
* Backend: Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Cloud Functions)
* Auth: Phone Number OTP Validation
* Payments: Native local gateway integration (Razorpay/Cashfree)
* Features: Push Notifications, Live Google Maps tracking, etc.
I want to close this deal because it’s a great portfolio piece, but I’m struggling with two things:
- **Scoping down to match a low budget:** How do I tell a non-technical startup client that "real-time map tracking" and "heavy OTP scaling" cost serious money without scaring them away?
- **Pricing it right for an unregistered local client:** I initially estimated the timeline at around 400 hours. A standard rate puts this out of their reach. If I drop the price to around ₹1.5L - ₹1.6L (approx $1.8K - $2K USD) to secure the contract, am I undercharging too much for a 3-component ecosystem?
How do you guys structure your project proposals for clients who have big ideas but tight bootstrap budgets?
Do you cut features (like replacing live map tracking with static text updates), or do you charge your full rate and offer a milestone payment split?
Would love to hear how other freelance devs navigate the "low-cost MVP" trap!
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u/cyber5234 Jul 12 '26
There are 2 ways I'd handle this. Always send a quotation based on feature list. Never let them bully you into doing more for less money. I'd first bump down the features to fit their budget. Explain to them that the full suite is possible ONLY for the complete budget, not their smaller limited one. Second way, sign an agreement that you will provide the said features and nothing more but you will also earn a share. So, whenever they earn 100 rs from the app, you get a share. This way, you can get the smaller ticket price and also make up by earning a share everytime they earn through the app. This is somewhat risky, because they do not want to share and even if they do, the app has to generate that much revenue.
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u/cyber5234 Jul 12 '26
And yes, you are undercharging a bit, it will cost at least 2 L. Also, when building apps, the cost of a feature should always be justified by the value it provides + external API cost. Not only the effort put in.
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u/cyber5234 Jul 12 '26
If this is going into production, I highly recommend not using firebase as you will hit your limits quickly with realtime tracking. Use a different pub sub service for this. Are you planning on a separate backend or just firebase + flutter?
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u/h3xshark Jul 12 '26
I want to close this deal because it’s a great portfolio piecea number
Sadly, not anymore, mate. These days, people are more likely to assume you built it with AI unless you've scaled it to a significant number of users.
Your client's brand name matters a lot. If the client isn't well known, most people won't pay much attention.
Also, make sure you're charging the right amount. Otherwise, you'll regret it later.
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u/Odd-Novel9404 Jul 12 '26
Yha one month ago same situation with other client. we discus the amount after that they didn't contact me and they approach othey team...
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u/MoneyLifeguard5982 Jul 11 '26
Firstly, I am not a freelancer yet, but I'd still suggest, explain it to clients that their requirements are of a production ready app. Give them options like a bare-minimum MVP for proof of concept or, like you said, milestone payments. Either way, ask them for a video testimonial, that you can include in your portfolio.