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What's the average cost to develop a plugin?

I know that’s a nearly impossible question to answer, but I need help getting the quickpress-for-buddypress plugin to work (or replicate its functionality in a new plug-in).

I’d like to post this in the WPMU jobs section, but I’m not exactly sure of a budget to post. I’m not looking to insult people with the $100 method, but also can’t spend thousands.

Any advice/direction would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 16:42:41
  • Aaron
    • Ex Staff

    If you just want to fix/modify the plugin, you should contact the author.

    Dev costs are tied mainly to the amount of time a project takes, so hiring someone familiar with it (the author) would probably be cheapest.

    As far as a plugin from scratch, depending on it’s complexity and the developers experience they can be anywhere from $100-$200 to thousands. For example I remember James posting somewhere that Incsub would have quoted $20,000+ for the Supporter plugin here if it was for a client.

    The hardest part in finding a developer is finding a good professional one who will complete the project and do it well. From my experience it is worth paying for a good developer to get it done. Too many people go bargain hunting and get screwed with an unfinished/unsatisfactory product.

    Most important thing is make sure you are familiar with their previous work (and that it’s quality).

  • drmike
    • DEV MAN’s Mascot

    Dev costs are tied mainly to the amount of time a project takes, so hiring someone familiar with it (the author) would probably be cheapest.

    +1 for that. For someone like me, I would have to learn the plugin, especially since I’ve really yet to deal with buddypress. Drive up the times and therefore the costs involved.

    Plus if you work with the original plugin designer, you;re supporting the work that he or she did originally.