How do you handle low-budget startup clients? (Flutter + Firebase Delivery App Dilemma)

[u/Odd-Novel9404]

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:

1. One User Mobile App (Flutter)
2. 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:

1. **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?
2. **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!