Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

11–20 of 79 posts

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#11

Post by danielh »

faramarz wrote: post #9
gte910h wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>I also tend to shy away from fixed bid because it doesn't work with an agile approach. You may not know completely what you want and as you get building and can get a better picture, being able to add extra components into the mix will cause friction with a fixed bid contract. Fixed bid works just fine with an agile approach. You just start with a very small core project, then iterate upwards with follow on projects…

This is especially important for the Apple App Store because there is no other way to know if your app will be approved. This is HUGE! Do you believe a company can flourish just as an App store app. or is that just too risky. Would love to hear your personal opinion. I'm working on an enterprise solution, and it's reliance is completely on Apple's code-of-conduct.

I think if your whole business is based on one iPhone app, you are at high risk. Even if you get approved today, there is no guarantee that Apple doesn't change their mind tomorrow.

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#12

Post by gte910h »

faramarz wrote: post #9
gte910h wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>I also tend to shy away from fixed bid because it doesn't work with an agile approach. You may not know completely what you want and as you get building and can get a better picture, being able to add extra components into the mix will cause friction with a fixed bid contract. Fixed bid works just fine with an agile approach. You just start with a very small core project, then iterate upwards with follow on projects…

This is especially important for the Apple App Store because there is no other way to know if your app will be approved. This is HUGE! Do you believe a company can flourish just as an App store app. or is that just too risky. Would love to hear your personal opinion. I'm working on an enterprise solution, and it's reliance is completely on Apple's code-of-conduct.

My email is in my profile if you want to talk.

The long and the short of it: You can flourish, but you can also get dragged along and then watch your app get shot like a dog after 6 months of being dragged through "maybe if you did this it would be okay" from the developer liaison people.

If you'd like, I can call one of them and go "Hey, is this in any shaky territory you can think off of the top of your head" if you want me to. I talk a lot about the environment in my HN comments if you want to read about it.

They're totally non-committal, but hey, they'll point out anything that sticks out.

Then again, we're starting android development here too.... :OD.

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#14

Post by glen »

I'm using rent-a-coder to develop an iPhone app for an automatic thought record -- a tool that clinicians use to help people challenge irrational thoughts with evidence and rational thoughts. I put the bid out at $300 just to see what happened. I had 3 bids and ended up choosing one w/60+ reviews and a 9.7 (out of 10 rate) for $250. Feel free to email me with any questions. I'd be happy to share the project plan they developed.

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#15

Post by gte910h »

jrockway wrote: post #8
gte910h wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>I also tend to shy away from fixed bid because it doesn't work with an agile approach. You may not know completely what you want and as you get building and can get a better picture, being able to add extra components into the mix will cause friction with a fixed bid contract. Fixed bid works just fine with an agile approach. You just start with a very small core project, then iterate upwards with follow on projects…

I like this advice. Usually developers are wary of fixed-bid, because the client tends to want to tack on a bunch of "oh, and"s, and they end up spending a lot of hours working for free. People commissioning software, on the other hand, are worried about whether or not 0 to working prototype will take more hours than they are willing to pay for. Your system seems to keep everyone in their comfort zone. No uncertainty…

I talk a lot about how we do business here in my HN comments if you're more interested in the hows.

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#16

Post by adriand »

We're a development shop that focuses on web development, not far from Toronto. We're dipping our toes into iPhone and iPad development - we have someone who is trained, but no app in the App Store yet. We're working on a new app right now that we intend to be free, just to build credibility. But I'd be happy to quote on your project. I'd cut you a deal given that it'd be great exposure and experience for us.

I realize that stating up front that we have limited experience in the area probably doesn't inspire confidence. However, we're a high quality shop with excellent design skills. We produce quality software, and wouldn't let you down.

Contact info in my bio if you're interested.

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#17

Post by gte910h »

Mankhool wrote: post #10

I got a very rough quote from a Toronto firm to do a location based app for web, iPhone and Android for approximately $370,000. I just talked to a Vancouver developer who charges $120/hr. As others have mentioned there are numerous variables, but most developers will usually be happy to do an initial free consultation to learn more about your project so that they can at least ballpark a figure to you.

What? I can't imagine spending that much money on a non-game development effort for a mobile device. What the heck does it do?

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#18

Post by faramarz »

gte910h wrote: post #12
faramarz wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is especially important for the Apple App Store because there is no other way to know if your app will be approved. This is HUGE! Do you believe a company can flourish just as an App store app. or is that just too risky. Would love to hear your personal opinion. I'm working on an enterprise solution, and it's reliance is completely on Apple's code-of-conduct.

My email is in my profile if you want to talk. The long and the short of it: You can flourish, but you can also get dragged along and then watch your app get shot like a dog after 6 months of being dragged through "maybe if you did this it would be okay" from the developer liaison people. If you'd like, I can call one of them and go "Hey, is this in any shaky territory you can think off of the top of your head" if yo…

Check mail. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#19

Post by yish »

The going rate for a great developer/designer with lots of mobile experience here in SF is in the ~150 an hour range. I've seen this price go up significantly in the last couple months, primarily due to high demand at the moment. You can probably get a little cheaper outside the area and definitely less offshore, but even then a good offshore house will run you $60 and they often don't like doing fixed bids at those prices.

My experience is that app development for a medium to high complexity app with location features and accessing a 3rd party API for data would typically take 4-6 weeks including QA but really depends on the complexity.

I've done about 30+ mobile apps now so ping me if you need any advice

Re: Ask HN: How much does it cost to outsource iPhone app development?

#20

Post by rickharrison »

I started up a small development shop about a year ago with a couple other people from Hacker News, and we have done a lot of iPhone development. I would be glad to talk with you about your project. We deliver quality work, and charge much less than some of the more well known shops.

We just launched two iPad apps this past weekend, and they are in the top 100 in both overall categories (free and paid). And they are a #2 and #3 app in their respective subcategory. Send me an email (its in my comment).

Post reply on HN