The verdict in three sentences
The headline price predicts neither quality nor final cost: a EUR 7,000 quote with no code ownership can cost more than a complete EUR 13,000 quote. A 12-criteria scoring grid turns an intuitive choice into a defensible decision and cuts overrun risk. The real cost of a bad choice is +40% budget and 3 months of delay — more than the gap between the quotes themselves.
The 12-criteria scoring grid
Score each agency 1 to 5 on these criteria, then apply the weights. An agency strong on design but weak on code ownership is a classic trap.
| Criterion | Weight | Key question |
|---|---|---|
| Sector references | 15% | 3 comparable sites delivered? |
| Technical stack | 10% | Durable, non-exotic technologies? |
| Code ownership | 12% | Code delivered and yours? |
| Timeline & schedule | 10% | Dated milestones and penalties? |
| Support & maintenance | 10% | Clear contract, SLA, hourly rate? |
| Exit plan | 8% | Documented reversibility? |
| SEO & performance | 8% | Core Web Vitals guaranteed? |
| Accessibility | 6% | WCAG addressed? |
| Price | 12% | Detailed schedule, no opaque lump sum? |
| Communication | 5% | Dedicated contact? |
| Financial strength | 2% | Track record, accounts? |
| Culture & fit | 2% | Understands your business? |
A cheapest bid scoring 2/5 on code ownership and exit plan almost always ends up dearer than the complete competitor.
The hidden cost of a bad choice
The overrun comes not from the initial quote but from the blind spots. Here are the most frequent 2026 slippage items and their estimated impact on a EUR 13,000 project.
| Blind spot | Consequence | Estimated overrun |
|---|---|---|
| Code not delivered | Buy-back next tender | +EUR 4,500 - 8,500 |
| No scoped support | Changes billed ad hoc | +EUR 1,300 - 3,200/yr |
| Timeline not contracted | 2-3 months delay | variable revenue loss |
| SEO neglected | Later SEO rebuild | +EUR 2,700 - 6,500 |
| Exotic stack | Captive supplier | +30% support |
| Content not planned | Rushed copywriting | +EUR 800 - 2,700 |
Possible total: a poorly chosen EUR 13,000 project can drift to EUR 18,000 and slip a quarter, exactly the +40% and 3 months stated.
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Mini case study
Karim, director of a software vendor in Dubai (25 staff), compares four agencies: EUR 7,200, 10,400, 13,800 and 21,000. Tempted by the EUR 7,200 quote, he first applies the grid. The cheapest agency scores 2/5 on code ownership and 1/5 on support: projected hidden cost of +EUR 6,000 over two years. The EUR 10,400 agency earns the best weighted score (4.2/5) thanks to SaaS references and a documented exit plan. He selects it and avoids an estimated EUR 7,300 slippage plus a quarter of delay before a sales cycle. Cost of the grid: 2 hours of work, about EUR 95 — for a net gain above EUR 6,000.
FAQ
Should I pick the cheapest quote? Rarely. A quote 30% lower that omits code ownership and support often costs more over two years, up to +EUR 6,000 in hidden costs on a EUR 13,000 project.
How do I check an agency's references? Ask for 3 comparable sites delivered, call a client, test performance (Core Web Vitals). A serious agency provides these contacts within 48 h.
What is an exit plan and why require it? It is the reversibility procedure: code, documentation, access. Without it, switching supplier can cost EUR 4,500 to 8,500 to buy back the site.
How much does price weigh in the decision? About 12% in a balanced grid. References, code ownership and support together weigh over 35%, because they drive total cost over 3 years.
How long does a rigorous selection take? Budget 2 to 3 weeks: brief, consulting 3-4 agencies, scoring, interviews. That is little against the 3 months of delay a bad choice imposes.
Let's scope your project. Send us your sector, target budget (EUR 7,000-21,000) and your 3 priority criteria: we hand you our pre-filled scoring grid and a transparent quote. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
