"How much does custom software cost?" is a lot like asking "how much is a house?" — the answer depends on what goes inside. A small app that routes a request form into an admin panel and a system connecting stock, production, accounting and marketplaces are simply not the same budget line.
Note: The budget levels in this article are for orientation only and are not binding prices. A firm figure emerges once requirements are clarified during discovery.
8 factors that drive custom software pricing
- Scope and number of modules — screens, workflows and reports.
- Business-rule complexity — multi-step approvals, pricing logic, exceptions.
- Integrations — accounting, ERP, e-invoicing, marketplaces, banks, shipping.
- User roles and permissions — who sees and changes what.
- Platform — web only, mobile too, offline work in the field.
- Data migration — importing from spreadsheets or legacy software.
- Security, KVKK (Turkish data protection) and performance.
- Post-launch maintenance and support.
The biggest cost multiplier is rarely a single item — it is unclear scope. Every requirement discovered mid-project becomes a change that would have cost far less if planned up front.
Budget levels by project type
| Project type | Typical scope | Budget level |
|---|---|---|
| Simple business app | Requests and forms, basic reporting | Medium |
| Admin panel / CRM | Customers, quotes, tasks, multiple roles | Medium – High |
| Integrated operations system | Stock, orders, production or service; accounting and e-invoicing | High |
| Multi-module enterprise platform / ERP | Several departments, extensive integration, mobile access | Project-specific |
For a quick starting point, our cost calculator shows custom software projects starting at roughly TRY 150,000 (excluding VAT).
The hidden price of a cheap quote
When two quotes differ a lot, the gap usually sits in what you cannot see: discovery and written scope, testing, security, scalable architecture, source-code handover and post-launch support. Each missing item returns later as delay, rework or dependency.
Phased development keeps budgets under control
- Discovery: map processes, write down scope and priorities.
- Core release: ship the most critical workflow and test it with real users.
- Expansion: add reports, integrations and modules by priority.
- Continuous improvement: planned maintenance and small enhancements.
What a proper quote must include
- Written scope and acceptance criteria
- Milestones and delivery schedule
- Transfer of source code and intellectual property
- Yearly costs for hosting, domain and third-party services
- Maintenance and support terms
- How out-of-scope changes will be priced
With offices in İzmir (Güzelbahçe) and Manisa (CBÜ Technopark), ikibinbeş can run discovery and key meetings in person with businesses across the region.
Summary
Custom software is priced by scope, integrations and business-rule complexity — not by lines of code. The healthiest path is to clarify needs during discovery, start with a core release and grow in phases, and insist that source code, maintenance and yearly costs are written into the quote. See our custom software in İzmir page or get in touch.