Number of workflows
One clear job costs less than a platform trying to run the whole company.
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Straight answerWhat does custom software cost
What does custom software cost
for a small business?
A focused small-business build usually costs $100 to $1,000 up front at SYSTALOG, then $20 to $60 a month for hosting, updates, backups, and support. You see the flat price before work starts.
The plain answer
The price depends on what the software must do—not how impressive the pitch deck looks. A website is usually at the low end. Booking, ordering, portals, inventory, native apps, and outside integrations move the scope upward.
Typical build$100–$1,000Flat setup estimate
Keep it running$20–$60/moHosting, updates, support
Typical launchDays to 4 weeksAfter scope approval
What changes the price
The problem should be obvious before the software starts.
These are the practical signals we look for. If none sound familiar, you probably do not need a custom build yet.
Customer logins
Accounts, permissions, saved history, and secure files add real build work.
Payments and integrations
Stripe, QuickBooks, text messages, maps, and existing systems must be connected and tested.
What the first version includes
Small enough to ship. Useful enough to matter.
We keep the first build focused on the work that pays back time, prevents mistakes, or makes it easier for a customer to buy.
- A written scopeThe exact screens, workflows, integrations, and launch work included.
- One flat build priceNo hourly meter and no surprise invoice after the work is underway.
- A clear monthly numberHosting, security, monitoring, backups, fixes, and small changes.
- OwnershipYour software and business data remain yours and can be exported.
Is this worth building?
A quick fit check.
Probably a good fit
- You have one expensive or frustrating bottleneck
- You want the number before committing
- A useful first version can stay focused
Probably not yet
- You need a nationwide enterprise rollout
- The scope has no clear owner
- You want every possible feature on day one
Not sure which side you are on?
Answer five short questions. We will estimate the time being lost and show the smallest sensible starting point.
Common questions
Short answers, before you reach out.
Is $100 really possible?
Yes for a focused website or small workflow. A business application with accounts, payments, or multiple workflows will cost more.
Why is the monthly fee so low?
It covers the practical work of keeping a focused build online and current. Large feature additions receive a separate flat quote.
Can the quote change?
Only if you ask to change the agreed scope. The original written scope keeps its original flat price.