Agency quote making me ask "what even is software development": What does this line item do, is it mandatory?

Did the quote specify which programming language or which ready-made platform they'll use? If they just put down 65.000 TL without adding a two-line explanation, definitely don't approve that budget. Without knowing whether they're coding a dashboard from scratch or just installing a standard WordPress plugin, you can't evaluate the price.

The software development process consists of two main layers: the frontend code that executes when a user clicks a button, and the backend code that takes that drawing file, scans it for viruses, saves it to the server, and sends you an SMS or email notification. Database architecture also falls under this line item.

Last year we closed a deal for a similar hydraulic parts site. One agency wanted 90.000 TL for custom software, while another built the forms on an off-the-shelf CMS framework and handled the software development line item for 25.000 TL. We've been using it for two years without any issues, getting around 40-50 request forms a month.

Email the agency right away and ask for the technical specifications. Tell them, "Could you please provide a list of the features included in the 65.000 TL software development line item?" If their list doesn't include any tangible custom modules beyond form validation, admin panel management, and email notifications, push for a revised price.

when we first had our website built we thought they just slap some pictures on and call it a day but behind that quote form there are spam filters, database records and all that stuff. still 65 thousand lira for a simple form feels a bit inflated tbh.

Two years ago, on a similar quote, we thought the software line item was way too expensive, went "it's just a form after all," and picked the cheapest option. Because they didn't build the software properly, the technical drawings submitted through the form went straight to spam, and we missed customer inquiries for three straight months. The line item is necessary, but what actually goes into it is critical.

During the contracting phase, attaching a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the software development line item along with a bug-fixing warranty as an annex is imperative to protect your legal rights.

Bottom line, the software line item is definitely not redundant, as that's the part that turns the site into a functioning machine. That said, 65.000 TL is the price for custom software; if they're using an off-the-shelf system, that line item should be cut in half.

I've been down this road, let me tell you. Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.

If you post the result here, it will help others too.

I'll try it.

theres a trap here, let me mention it. access credentials should be opened in the companys name, not personal accounts.

of coruse it varies if your situation is different.

There's also a measurement aspect to this... The real issue isn't the number but what it's based on.

If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.

I agree.

Let me summarize the topic, since several different answers were given. Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later.

Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later. I'm also curious if anyone does it differently.

I don't think this advice fits everyone. Code without setup documentation isn't yours, even if you have it.

Code without setup documentation isn't yours, even if you have it.

We've heard this a lot, but it never happened like that for us. Everything goes well for the first three months; problems arise in the fourth.

If you post the result here, it will help others too.

Let me share what happened to me; it might be useful... If you get three different answers on a topic the question was asked wrong.

Just leaving this note it might be useful.

Great work. If acceptance criteria aren't written, when the work is done is open to debate.

Good luck with that.