I just started building websites using replit. what would be a fair cost to charge any new client to build them a AI website or even redo there current website? im not sure what i should be charging clients. any help would be appreciated. thanks,
This will vary wildly based on the client’s requirements.
Hi there… 
Isn’t it simple? Just add the Replit AI cost to your hours multiplied by your hourly rate for the total price.
Anyways: The Hours x Rate formula works, but remember to factor in value. If you build a site in 8 hours using AI that normally takes 35+, charge for the value of the website, not just the 8 hours. Also, clarify who covers hosting and ongoing AI API token costs, as these can be expensive for the client.
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Simple…
I charge ÂŁ250 per hour (approx $335) to build.
Plus ÂŁ250 per month hosting/maintenance including 1 hour of fixes, edits etc.
Clients also pays my Replit credits which I pass on at cost. Most MVPS I build come in at less than $300 in credit usage, and this is a big saving for clients - if they were to do it themselves they can easily spend thousands in credits.
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I’d assume it would depend on:
- Scope of work
- Developer’s expertise
This culminates in a project-developer fit.
If there is a poor fit and/or you are inexperienced, it may take you longer to complete a job.
For example, an experienced developer may knock out a simple static page from scratch with the client’s customized web design in 90 minutes. Many on Contra.com advertise just this. Comparatively, a developer with less experience may take 3 hours (or more) for the same output because of gaps in fund of knowledge, skill sets, and tech stack proficiency.
Is it fair to the client to pay for a developer’s inexperience?
Everyone needs to start somewhere, but I don’t think it’s ethical for the client to subsidize a developer’s inexpertise/inefficiency. If charging by hourly rate, it may be reasonable to charge a lower rate per hour. Or, charge a flat fee based on the usual and customary fee for such a job (as if done by an expert); and, if it takes you longer, that’s on you, not the client.
When a client submits a request for proposal (RFP), it would be useful to have a Client Needs:Developer Capabilities matching system (based on knowledge and skill criteria) that identifies where right matches are and where gaps may exist.
