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Pricing Structure

Last Updated: June 5, 2025

Anker Studios - Our Pricing Approach

At Anker Studios, we believe in transparent and fair pricing tailored to the unique needs of each project. We develop a range of applications, from niche tools for general use to bespoke solutions for specific client requirements. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional value and a clear understanding of how our services are priced.

How We Price Our Custom App Development Services

Our pricing for custom app development is primarily based on the scope, complexity, and specific requirements of your project. We offer flexible models to suit different needs:

1. Fixed Price Projects

Best for: Projects with a clearly defined scope, features, and deliverables.

How it works: After an initial consultation and detailed scope definition, we provide a fixed total price for the entire project. This gives you cost certainty from the outset.

Process:

  • Initial Consultation: We discuss your vision, goals, and high-level requirements (free of charge).
  • Scope Definition & Proposal: We work with you to detail the project scope, functionalities, design elements, and timelines. Based on this, we provide a comprehensive proposal with a fixed price.
  • Development & Delivery: Upon agreement, we proceed with development, keeping you updated throughout the process, and deliver the project as per the agreed scope.

What's included: All development work, project management, standard testing, and deployment assistance as outlined in the project proposal.

Changes: Significant changes to the scope after agreement may require a revised quote.

2. Time & Materials (T&M)

Best for: Projects where the scope is likely to evolve, for ongoing development needs, or when flexibility is paramount.

How it works: This model is based on an agreed hourly or daily rate for the time our developers and designers spend on your project. We provide regular reports on hours worked.

Rate: Our standard hourly/daily rates will be communicated and agreed upon before work commences. Rates may vary based on the complexity and specific expertise required.

Process:

  • Initial Consultation & Estimate: We discuss your needs and provide an estimated range of hours/cost based on initial understanding.
  • Agile Development: We typically work in sprints, allowing for flexibility and iterative development based on your feedback.
  • Transparent Reporting: You receive regular updates on tasks completed and hours utilized.

Benefits: Offers flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and priorities. You only pay for the actual time spent.

3. Retainer Agreements

Best for: Clients requiring ongoing development, maintenance, support, or a dedicated block of development time each month.

How it works: You secure a set number of development hours per month at a pre-agreed rate, often discounted compared to standard T&M rates.

Benefits: Guarantees availability, allows for proactive maintenance and iterative improvements, and can be more cost-effective for continuous needs.

Details: Specific terms, hours, and rates are defined in a custom retainer agreement.

4. Potential Partnerships / Equity-Based Projects

Best for: Innovative app ideas with strong market potential where a collaborative, long-term partnership is mutually beneficial.

How it works: For select projects where we see exceptional potential and alignment with our strategic interests, Anker Studios is open to discussing partnership models. This could involve a reduced upfront development cost in exchange for equity in the resulting venture or a revenue-sharing arrangement.

Process:

  • Initial Pitch & Evaluation: You present your app idea and business plan.
  • Due Diligence: We conduct a thorough evaluation of the concept, market viability, and potential for synergy.
  • Term Negotiation: If mutual interest is established, we collaboratively define the terms of the partnership, including equity distribution, roles, responsibilities, and future development commitments. This will be formalized in a separate partnership agreement.

Consideration: This model is highly selective and depends on a strong business case and a shared vision for the app's success.

Factors Influencing Project Cost

Several factors contribute to the final cost of a custom app development project:

  • Project Complexity: The intricacy of features, logic, and algorithms.
  • Number of Features: The quantity and depth of functionalities required.
  • Platform(s): Development for iOS, Android, Web, or cross-platform solutions (each has different considerations).
  • UI/UX Design: Custom design, animations, and overall user experience sophistication.
  • Backend Development: Requirements for server-side logic, databases, APIs, and admin panels.
  • Third-Party Integrations: Connecting with external services, APIs, or hardware.
  • Data Migration & Import: If existing data needs to be moved into the new application.
  • Security Requirements: Specialized security measures beyond standard practices.
  • Ongoing Maintenance & Support: Post-launch support, updates, and bug fixes.

Pricing for Our Niche Apps (Ready-to-Use)

For our niche apps developed by Anker Studios for general use, the pricing model is determined on a per-app basis, considering the app's functionality, target audience, and value proposition. Common models include:

  • Subscription-Based: Regular (e.g., monthly or annual) payments for ongoing access to app features and updates.
  • Credit System / Pay-As-You-Go: Users purchase credits to use specific features or consume resources within the app.
  • One-Time Purchase: A single upfront cost to download and use the app.
  • Freemium Model: Basic features are free, with optional in-app purchases or subscriptions for premium functionality.
  • Optional Donations / Support-Driven: The app may be offered for free, with an option for users to support its development through voluntary donations.

Specific pricing for each niche app will be clearly displayed on its respective app store page, website, or within the application itself.

Standard Payment Terms (for Custom Development)

Our typical payment structure for custom development projects (excluding equity-based partnerships) is as follows:

  • Initial Deposit: An upfront deposit (e.g., 30-50% of the total project cost for Fixed Price, or an initial block of hours for T&M) is usually required to secure your project slot and commence work.
  • Milestone Payments (for Fixed Price projects): Payments are tied to the completion of specific, pre-agreed project milestones (e.g., design approval, beta version delivery).
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance is due upon project completion, before final delivery or deployment to live environments.
  • Retainers: Billed monthly in advance.

Specific payment schedules will be detailed in your project proposal or service agreement.

Getting a Quote or Discussing a Partnership

Ready to discuss your app idea or explore a potential partnership?

  • Contact Us: Reach out with your initial thoughts, requirements, or partnership proposal.
  • Consultation/Discussion: We'll schedule a call or meeting to understand your project or idea in more detail.
  • Proposal/Term Sheet: For custom projects, we'll provide a detailed proposal. For partnership discussions, we may move towards a term sheet if there's mutual interest.

We are committed to providing clear, fair, and competitive pricing and fostering innovative partnerships for the high-quality development services Anker Studios offers.

Last Updated: June 5, 2025

Anker Studios

www.ankerstudios.co.za