While many web design projects can be built using existing templates or plugins, a custom feature is something unique that is coded specifically for your business’s needs. This is where the price of a website can increase significantly, as it moves from assembly to custom fabrication.
The price of a custom feature on a website is not a fixed cost; it is typically based on the amount of time and technical expertise required to develop it. This is often quoted at an hourly or project-based rate.
What Constitutes a “Custom Feature”?
A custom feature is any functionality that is not available out-of-the-box with a standard CMS or a premium theme. Examples of custom features include:
- A unique user portal: A login system that allows users to access personalized dashboards, view their order history, or manage their account details.
- An interactive calculator: For a financial advisor, this could be a mortgage calculator; for a travel agency, it might be a trip-cost estimator based on different variables.
- A custom booking or reservation system: A system that is tailored to your specific needs, such as a clinic that needs to manage appointments for different doctors in multiple locations.
- Integration with a specific third-party API: Connecting your website to a proprietary software that isn’t commonly used by the public.
- A unique product customizer: For an e-commerce store, a tool that allows customers to design a product (e.g., a t-shirt, a piece of furniture) before they buy it.
- A multi-vendor marketplace: A platform that allows multiple vendors to sign up and sell their products on your website, similar to Jumia or Kilimall.
The Pricing Model for Custom Features
The cost of a custom feature is primarily determined by two factors: complexity and development time.
- Complexity: A simple contact form with a few extra fields is far less complex than a full-fledged inventory management system that syncs with a physical store’s stock. The more technical a feature is, the more expensive it will be.
- Development Time: Web developers typically charge for their time. The more hours a custom feature takes to design, code, test, and integrate, the higher the price.
Typical Price Ranges for Custom Features in Kenya
Prices can vary widely depending on the developer’s experience, location, and the project’s complexity. However, here is a general range to help you budget.
- Simple Customization (KES 10,000 – KES 40,000):
- Examples: A custom contact form with specific fields, a unique calculator, or a simple pop-up for a special offer.
- Timeframe: A few hours to a couple of days of development time.
- Intermediate Custom Feature (KES 40,000 – KES 150,000):
- Examples: A custom booking system that integrates with a calendar, a simple user login portal, or a unique product filtering system for an e-commerce store.
- Timeframe: One to two weeks of dedicated development time.
- Complex or Advanced Feature (KES 150,000+):
- Examples: A fully custom-built e-commerce platform, a multi-vendor marketplace, a custom customer relationship management (CRM) system, or an online course platform with user-specific content.
- Timeframe: Several weeks to several months of dedicated development. These projects often involve a team of developers, designers, and project managers.
How to Get a Realistic Price
When asking for a quote for a custom feature, it’s essential to be as detailed as possible.
- Create a “Feature Specification”: Describe exactly what you want the feature to do. Use bullet points and examples to clearly articulate its functionality.
- Provide Visuals: If you have a concept in mind, provide sketches or examples from other websites that have similar features.
- Ask for a Breakdown: Ask the developer for a clear breakdown of the hours or cost allocated to each part of the feature (e.g., “front-end design: X hours,” “back-end functionality: Y hours”). This shows transparency and helps you understand where your money is going.
- Be Prepared to Compromise: If a feature is too expensive, ask the developer if there are ways to simplify it to reduce the cost. You can always build on the feature in a later phase of the project.
In summary, a custom feature can be a powerful tool for giving your website a competitive advantage, but it is a significant investment. By understanding the factors that influence its price and being prepared with a clear plan, you can budget for and acquire the custom functionality you need to make your website truly unique. Sources