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Resolved Question

I need help with an estimate

Mar 2, 2013 11:16AM PST

Does anyone have a clue as to how much it would cost to develop a site on the scale of vrbo.com?

I have the opportunity to take over development of a site similar to vrbo.com but with a different angle. The previous developer took the upfront money($4,000) and ran. I'm thinking he ignored bids with a realistic bids and went straight for the "too good to be true" low bid. I'm trying to convince the potential client that a site on the scale of vrbo.com is a huge investment and he should severely reduce his requirement to match his budget.

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rondvorak has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Looks great.
Mar 3, 2013 3:06AM PST

Seems to be a fine piece of work so figure in the 6 figure USD range. Now if you outsource it you might cut it in half but then you are on flights to other parts of the world, hotel bills and such so my bet is you end up at 6 figures again.

The problem is that if you copy a site you are going to open yourself up to lawsuits so maybe another 6 figures to the lawyers.
Bob

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Thank you
Mar 5, 2013 11:22AM PST

Thank you for saving me from wasting time. I told the potential client about the 6 figure estimates I got from you and another forum I posted too. I couldn't convinced him to scale down expectation and/or up the amount he is willing to spend. He seems to think that because his craigslist post resulted in multiple people bidding less than $10,000 that it can be done for that amount. Wow, even after being taken by the original developer, he is still in denial. News Flash, craigslist is full of people who will take your money and run. Additionally, there are people who are so desperate for work that they will bid on projects even though they don't have a clue how many hours would be involved.

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Nod.
Mar 7, 2013 11:00AM PST

By the way, this story repeats it self a lot. Isn't the first, won't be the last.
Bob