Questions about Custom Software Development
How much does custom software development cost?
It depends on scope. Here are real ranges: simple web app $150–$400 · standard app (auth + DB + integrations) $400–$800 · complex app (multi-role + webhooks + admin) $800–$1,500 · SaaS platform from $800 · CRM from $800 · MVP from $800 · Stripe checkout fixed at $60 · Stripe subscriptions from $250 · Stripe Connect B2B from $400. All prices are fixed per approved scope — no hourly billing.
See full pricingDo you charge by the hour?
Never. Every project at PolarSoftBD is a fixed-price engagement. You approve a written scope before we start. The price doesn't change unless you add scope — and even then, you approve it separately before we continue.
What's included in every project regardless of price?
Full source code ownership (no licensing fees), production deployment, test + live environment setup, 30 days of post-launch bug-fix support, and a code walkthrough call at handoff. Every project. No exceptions.
Do you offer payment plans?
For projects over $500, we typically split into 50% upfront before starting and 50% on delivery. For very large projects (over $2,000), we may structure milestone-based payments. Payment methods: bank transfer, Wise, or PayPal.
How long does a SaaS take to build?
A lean MVP SaaS (auth + Stripe billing + core features) takes 3–5 weeks. A full-featured SaaS (multi-tenant + admin panel + integrations) takes 5–8 weeks. Complex platforms with many integrations and roles take 8+ weeks. Timeline is defined in the scope document you approve before we start.
SaaS development detailsHow quickly can you integrate Stripe?
Stripe Checkout: 1–2 business days. Subscription billing + feature gating: 3–5 days. Stripe Connect B2B with KYC/KYB and payout routing: 5–10 days. These are delivery times after scope approval.
Stripe integration pricingHow long does an MVP take?
A focused MVP with auth, core features, and deployment typically takes 3–5 weeks. MVPs with Stripe billing, admin panels, or external integrations take 5–8 weeks. We always define the timeline in writing before starting.
MVP development detailsHow fast do you send a quote after the call?
We send a written scope and fixed price within 24 hours of the call. The scope includes a full feature list, tech decisions, timeline, and a single fixed price for you to approve.
Should I build custom software or use an off-the-shelf tool?
Use off-the-shelf when: the tool does exactly what you need, the per-seat cost stays cheap, and you don't need a competitive edge from the software. Build custom when: (1) you pay per seat and it'll cost more than custom in 12–18 months, (2) your workflow doesn't fit any existing tool, (3) the software is a competitive differentiator — you don't want competitors using the same product, or (4) you need full data ownership and control.
Custom CRM vs. Salesforce or HubSpot — which is better?
Salesforce and HubSpot are built for the average business, which means they're rarely right for any specific business. You pay per seat for features you'll never use while missing the exact workflow your team needs. Custom CRM: one-time cost, built around your actual pipeline, no recurring license, full data ownership. The breakeven is usually 12–18 months of Salesforce seats vs. a custom build.
Custom CRM detailsIs custom software more expensive than SaaS tools?
Upfront: yes. Long-term: often no. Consider a 5-seat Salesforce Professional plan at $75/seat/month = $4,500/year. A custom CRM from us costs $800–$2,000 one time, with no recurring license. By month 7–8, custom is cheaper — and it does exactly what you need, not what Salesforce decided.
Do I need a technical co-founder to launch a startup?
Not necessarily. Many successful startups launched their MVPs with an agency and validated the idea before hiring a CTO. The key is building with production-grade quality — not throwaway prototype code. We build MVPs that future in-house engineers can extend without a rewrite. Once you have revenue and product-market fit, hiring a technical co-founder becomes much easier.
What's the difference between an MVP and a prototype?
A prototype is throwaway code meant to show an idea. An MVP is a production-ready product that real users can sign up for, pay for, and use — running on real infrastructure with real auth, real data, and real performance. We build MVPs. A prototype is never investor-ready or extendable; an MVP is both.
MVP development detailsMERN stack or PERN stack — which is better for my SaaS?
It depends on your data model. MongoDB (MERN) is better for flexible, document-heavy structures: user profiles, content, logs, CRM records. PostgreSQL (PERN) is better for relational data with complex queries: financial records, inventory, multi-join reporting. We recommend the right one during the scope call based on your specific use case.
Can you build on top of my existing codebase?
Yes. We integrate into existing Next.js, React, Node.js, or Express codebases. We review your code before quoting to account for any architectural complexity. We've fixed architectures, added Stripe billing to existing apps, and extended CRMs without rewriting what already works.
What's the difference between Stripe Checkout, Subscriptions, and Connect?
Stripe Checkout: one-time payment. Customer pays, receives access. Fast to implement. · Stripe Subscriptions: recurring billing with monthly/yearly plans, optional feature gating per plan tier, Customer Portal for self-serve management. · Stripe Connect: for platforms and marketplaces. Routes money between multiple parties — platform takes a fee, vendor gets the rest. Requires KYC/KYB onboarding for connected accounts.
Stripe integration pricingWhat is Stripe Connect and when do I need it?
Stripe Connect is used when your platform facilitates payments between two or more parties. Examples: a freelance marketplace where clients pay freelancers through your platform, a service booking app where customers pay service providers, or a B2B SaaS where your business collects a fee on each transaction. If money flows through your platform to a third party, you need Connect.
Can you add Stripe to my existing app?
Yes. We integrate Stripe into existing Next.js, React, Node.js, or Express apps. We review your auth and data model before quoting to ensure the integration fits cleanly — not bolted on. Existing app integrations are the same fixed-price model as new projects.
Do you handle Stripe webhooks?
Yes. Webhook handling is included in every Stripe integration. We implement signature verification, idempotent event processing, and handlers for every event your app needs (payment_intent.succeeded, customer.subscription.updated, invoice.payment_failed, etc.).
Where is PolarSoftBD based and do you work with international clients?
PolarSoftBD is based in Bangladesh. We work with clients globally — US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. All communication is in English. We align to your timezone for calls and deliver code in your preferred format.
How do you communicate during a project?
Primary: email or the communication channel you prefer (Slack, Discord, WhatsApp). Weekly live demos via Google Meet or Zoom — you see real, working features. You talk directly to the developer, not a project manager.
What happens if I'm not happy with the result?
Unhappiness with delivered work almost always comes from unclear scope. That's why we invest heavily in the scope document — it defines exactly what we build, and you approve it in writing before we start. If delivered work doesn't match the approved scope, we fix it. Full stop.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance after the project?
30 days of bug-fix support is included in every project. After that, we offer structured monthly maintenance plans covering security updates, dependency upgrades, performance monitoring, and feature additions. Plans are scoped based on your app's size and update frequency.
Ask us directly on a free 20-minute call
No sales pressure. Describe what you're building and get honest answers about cost, timeline, and whether custom development is the right move for you.