What does custom software cost?
An honest, concrete overview of what custom software costs in the Netherlands in 2026: from a single automation to a full client portal, and the four factors that set the price.
- A single automation or integration starts from €1,500.
- A web app, booking system or client portal starts from €5,000.
- The final price depends on complexity, users and integrations.
- You always get a fixed project price up front — no hourly rate.
Why custom software costs more than an off-the-shelf package
An off-the-shelf package like a CRM or accounting tool has already been built thousands of times and spread across many users. Custom software is built once for you: the process we digitise exists only in your business. That translates to a higher up-front investment, but also a system that does exactly what you need with no workarounds. Most custom projects pay for themselves through time savings or reduced errors, often within the first year.
What does custom software cost in 2026?
Our published starting prices, so you have a concrete reference point. The final project price depends on scope and integrations: you always get it in writing before we start.
| Type | Price | Good for | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automation / integration | €1,500 per item | automating a manual process or connecting two systems | 1-3 weeks |
| Web app or custom software | from €5,000 | booking system, dashboard, client portal, business application | 3+ weeks |
Fixed project price on request after intake. Excluding VAT. No hourly rate.
4 factors that set the project price
Complexity of the process being digitised
A single automation needs little logic. A client portal where multiple parties access different data has exceptions, permissions and validations that expand the total work. The more complex the process, the more design and build work is needed.
Number of users and roles
Software for just yourself is simpler than software for a team with multiple roles: employees, clients and admins each see something different. Each additional role type adds extra screens, permissions and testing.
Integrations with existing systems
Standalone software that talks to nothing is the cheapest to build. As soon as you connect to an accounting system, payment provider or external platform, extra work is involved: authentication, data translation and error handling for each integration.
Iterations and lead time
The more precisely you know up front what the system needs to do, the faster and cheaper we can build it. Many extra feedback rounds or changed specifications mid-project extend the lead time and therefore the project price.
Is custom software worth the investment?
Custom software pays off when an off-the-shelf package fits poorly and you see people doing workarounds or double entry every day. A system that eliminates that can pay for itself quickly, even with a handful of employees. If you're weighing custom versus off-the-shelf, read our article on that difference first: it helps you make the right choice before you're locked in.
Frequently asked questions about custom software costs
What does a web app or booking system cost?
Can I know the price up front?
What's the difference from buying an off-the-shelf package?
How long does it take to build custom software?
Do I pay per hour or a fixed price?
Want to know what your project costs?
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