Pricing
How projects are priced
Pricing is a fixed-scope proposal after a free discovery call, not a rate card. Typical timelines: an MVP in 4–8 weeks, a full custom platform in 12–20 weeks. Ongoing work runs as a monthly retainer or a dedicated developer billed monthly. Every quote lists what is included, the milestones, and what happens if scope changes.
By Dilawar Khan · Updated
Engagement models
Fixed-scope project
Best when: A defined website, MVP or app
One price for an agreed scope, paid in milestones (typically a deposit, then per milestone demo). Changes are quoted separately.
Monthly retainer
Best when: A live product that needs steady improvement
A set number of development days each month, prioritised with you, billed monthly, cancel with notice.
Dedicated developer
Best when: You need capacity inside your own team
A named developer part-time or full-time, working in your tools and reporting to you, billed monthly.
Discovery sprint
Best when: The problem is clear but the solution is not
A short paid engagement producing scope, screens, data model and a fixed quote you can take anywhere.
What drives the cost
- Number of screens and roles
- An app with customers, vendors and admins is three products, not one.
- Integrations
- Payments, SMS, maps, accounting tools and third-party APIs each add work and testing.
- Platforms
- Web only, or web plus iOS and Android, or desktop too.
- Data and migration
- Moving existing data from spreadsheets or an old system is often underestimated.
- AI features
- Chatbots and agents need data preparation, prompts, evaluation and guardrails, not only an API key.
- Design
- Using an existing design system is faster than a custom design from scratch.
Typical timelines
| Project | Time |
|---|---|
| Business website | 2–4 weeks |
| MVP web or mobile app | 4–8 weeks |
| Full custom platform | 12–20 weeks |
| AI chatbot or automation | 2–6 weeks |
| Desktop application | 6–12 weeks |
Timelines as published on devkeytech.com; your proposal has the exact one.
Questions about pricing
How much does it cost to build an app with Dilawar Khan's team?
It depends on screens, platforms, integrations and AI features, so every project gets a fixed-scope proposal after a free discovery call rather than a price from a list. The proposal lists exactly what is included and the milestones.
Do you charge hourly or fixed price?
Fixed price for defined projects, monthly for retainers and dedicated developers. Hourly billing is avoided because it rewards slow work.
Is the discovery call free?
Yes. The first call and the written questions after it are free. A paid discovery sprint is only suggested when the solution itself needs designing before it can be quoted.
What payment methods do you accept?
International bank transfer, Wise and Payoneer for clients abroad; bank transfer and local methods in Pakistan. Invoices can be issued in USD, AUD, CAD, GBP or PKR.
Compare the models side by side: fixed scope vs hourly vs retainer. Outsourcing or white-label rates are discussed on the outsourcing page.
Have a project in mind?
Tell me what you want to build. You get a reply within a few hours, 7 days a week, with questions, an approach and next steps.