Money question for all you experts out there

[doctorgonzo]

I have a question for all of you experienced web developers out there. A person has asked me how much it would cost to set up a secure webform for submitting some fairly simple information. It would basically replace a one-page paper form containing name, date, place, other general info. I am not an experienced web developer, although I could probably set up something fairly basic like this. Setting it up isn't the issue, though: the cost is.

This would be added to an existing website, so assume that IIS, ASP.NET, and SQL Server already exist. Not sure about SSL setup. How much would such a webpage cost to put together? If some of this software was missing (i.e. IIS), what is the worst-case cost?

I know this is a little vague, so if you want more information, PM me. Thanks!

[faulkner132]

If I were in your shoes, I would find out exactly what you are getting into. Make sure they confirm what they are using and what you are expected to develop in. Additionally, make sure their environment is up and running BEFORE you do anything, otherwise if they hire you and something which wasn't working to begin with still isn't working, they might point the finger at you and refuse to pay.

As for a price, you can't charge them for your learning curve. Once they give you a definitive scope, come up with a flat price (from the scope you explained above, it doesn't appear to be difficult at all). Make sure you include a statement that if they change the scope, your fee is subject to change accordingly.

[doctorgonzo]

Well, I'm not going to be doing this at all. Web development is not my thing. The guy wants a ballpark figure so when he does ask how much it costs, and they give some ridiculously high number like $1 million, he will know it is B.S. (and yes, that might happen). He's just looking for some estimates from people who do this. He's not techy at all so he doesn't have anybody to talk to, and I don't do web development so I don't know, but I bet some of you here do!

[faulkner132]

Ahh, in that case, judging by the _seemingly_ simple nature of the request:

1. A single data entry page which submits to a database. Lets say 10-15 fields.
2. I would assume they would also want something which queries the database to get this information out. This would be an web page where they can define their query criteria.
3. I am assuming their environment is already set up and 100% working (IIS/Apache, SQL, etc.).

If that is all they are looking for, I would say ~$400 - 600 (depending on the complexity of they querying they want to do) would be about right. Of course, if I am way off base here with the requirements, the price could swing either way.

Hope that helps.

[doctorgonzo]

Thanks, that is exactly what I am looking for, and is in line with my expectations.

[Force Flow]

An SSL certificate costs around $150-$200 per year.

I've worked with Verisign and Thawt (owned by verisign, if I recall correctly).

Verisign has good walk-through setup instructions after you make the purchase.