What drives the cost
The price of an internal tool is mostly a function of scope: how many screens it has, how complex the logic is, and how many other systems it has to talk to. A single-screen lookup tool sits at one end; a multi-team platform with approvals, roles, and several integrations sits at the other.
We won't quote a number on a page, because an honest estimate depends on your specifics. But these are the levers that raise or lower it.
- Number of screens and distinct workflows the tool has to support
- Complexity of the business logic and calculations behind them
- Number and difficulty of integrations (databases, APIs, third-party systems)
- Permissions, roles, audit logging, and other access-control requirements
- Data migration from existing spreadsheets or legacy systems
- Whether it's built fully custom or on a low-code platform like Retool
How we price and quote it
For work with a clear, stable scope we quote a fixed project price so you know the total upfront. For work that's likely to evolve as you use it, time-and-materials or a phased build keeps you from paying for guesses.
Either way, you get an itemized estimate tied to the specific screens and integrations we agreed on, and you own the finished tool outright, no per-seat fees for your team to use it.
- Fixed-price quotes for well-defined scopes; phased or hourly for evolving ones
- An itemized estimate mapped to real features, not a vague lump sum
- The option to start with a small first phase to prove value before committing further
- You own the code, with no ongoing per-user licensing to us
- Hosting and maintenance quoted separately and transparently
More on internal tools & dashboards
Frequently asked questions
Can you just give me a ballpark number?
Not responsibly without knowing your scope, and we'd rather not throw out a figure that turns out to be wrong. A 20-minute free consultation is usually enough for us to give you a real, specific range based on your actual requirements.
What's the cheapest way to get started?
Start with the single most painful workflow rather than the whole system. A focused first phase costs less, delivers value quickly, and tells you whether to invest further, all before you commit to a bigger build.
Is custom cheaper than a per-seat SaaS or low-code subscription?
It depends on your team size and time horizon. A custom build costs more upfront but removes recurring per-seat fees, so it tends to win over time for larger teams and long-lived tools. For small or short-lived needs, a subscription can be cheaper. We'll do the math honestly with you.