Website for 500 Euros? Why "Cheap" Web Design Ends Up Costing More

Cheap web design: why the price cannot be right

Web design for 300 or 500 euros? Sounds tempting, right? We often hear from potential clients: "I know someone who does it for 300 euros." Or even cheaper – sometimes under the table. But why are these offers so inexpensive? And what does that mean for quality?

Business owners understand how to calculate prices. Let's take 300 euros as an example: After deducting the Dutch VAT of 21%, only 248.76 euros remain. The standard hourly rate in web development ranges between 60 and 120 euros, with freelancers being slightly cheaper but still not below 45 euros per hour.

Developing a professional website takes several hours. Consulting, screen design, technical implementation, and final adjustments quickly add up to 50 – 80 hours for a standard web presence with around 8-10 subpages. Dividing the net amount of 248.76 euros by 65 working hours results in an hourly rate of 3.83 euros – far below any minimum wage. Such low prices are only possible by using pre-made templates and mass production.

The price test: Would you work for so little?

Try this test: Ask your auto repair shop if they will fix your car for 15 euros per hour. Or ask a craftsman for a renovation at rock-bottom prices. The answer will be obvious.

With a 300-euro web design, service often ends once the site is finished. Later modifications may not even be possible, or they suddenly come with hefty extra costs – which can become expensive in the long run.

Leasing websites: Cheap at first glance, expensive upon closer inspection

Leasing websites are a growing trend, but they often come with hidden costs. The offers may seem attractive at first, but long contract durations, high upfront payments, and unexpected additional charges often make them more expensive than a custom-developed website. Features that should be standard, like responsive design or minor adjustments, frequently cost extra. The focus here is on quantity over quality, meaning pre-made templates and standardized elements are used. If you want a truly unique online presence, this is not the right solution for you.

Why a professional website costs more

A website is more than just a few images and texts. Here are the key steps involved:

1. Initial consultation & advisory:

• Comprehensive needs analysis (2-3 hours)
• Clarification of goals, design preferences, and technical requirements

2. Screen design & layout creation:

• Development of a custom design (6-8 hours)
• Reviews and revisions (additional 30-40 hours)

3. Technical implementation:

• Coding in HTML, CSS, and CMS systems (15-20 hours)
• Integration of contact forms, image galleries, etc.

4. Client requests & modifications:

• Adjustments based on client feedback (10-15 hours)
• Additional requests and enhancements

Conclusion: Quality is an investment that pays off

We understand that investing in quality can be painful at first. But in the long run, it’s worth it! Your website is your company’s digital business card and should be professional, functional, and future-proof.

We focus on transparency and fairness: Instead of rigid fixed prices, we offer our services at 55 euros net per hour. This ensures that each project is individually calculated – fair for both sides.

Those who buy cheap often end up paying more. It's better to choose quality from the outset – for a website that truly represents your company professionally.