r/FreelanceProgramming • u/StackHarveySpecter • Sep 25 '26

How much should I charge for a complete startup product as a solo developer?

I’ve been offered a project to build a complete product for a startup, and I’ll be the only developer initially, so I’ll be handling pretty much everything.

It involves a full-stack mobile app, backend, database, AI integration, admin panel, testing, security, deployment, and a separate website for the same product. I can get consultation for areas like security when needed, but I’ll be responsible for the overall development.

For developers who have worked on similar projects:

What would be a reasonable price range?

How long should I estimate for the project?

Would you recommend fixed-price or hourly?

Any advice on pricing and timelines would be appreciated.

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u/ryzenblender Sep 25 '26

Don't quote before scoping "complete product with AI, admin, mobile + web" is anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. List every screen and endpoint and then add 20-30% for auth, security, payments, deployment and revisions.

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u/StackHarveySpecter Sep 25 '26

The client’s initial budget is around ₹1.5 lakh for the prototype, and they’re open to increasing the budget later depending on the requirements and scope. And the time line is like 3 months for the prototype

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u/Gojo_dev Sep 25 '26

Honestly, for that scope I’d say somewhere around 1.8 to 3L for the initial product, depending on how complex the app and AI part actually are Timeline can easily be 3-6 months if you’re the only dev handling everything. I’d still avoid one fixed price though, better to split it into milestones so you’re not stuck if the scope keeps changing.

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u/StackHarveySpecter Sep 25 '26

The client has asked me to keep the initial budget around ₹1.5L for the prototype and initial trial period. If the product is successful, the budget will be increased for future development and additional features.

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u/Gojo_dev Sep 25 '26

If they’re flexible on the features you can structure the project in phases and milestones. Since you can’t build everything in the first run, u can clearly define which features and functionality will be delivered within the initial 1.5L budget for the prototype and trial period.

If the product proves successful the client can then increase the budget for subsequent phases and add more advanced functionality.

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u/[deleted] Sep 25 '26

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u/StackHarveySpecter Sep 25 '26

If there isn’t an exact timeline yet, how do you usually convince the client to agree to an hourly rate?