01What decides the price
Two quotes for the same idea can differ because they cover different amounts of product. These are the factors that move the number.
Scope
- Keeps it lower
- One core journey, done well
- Pushes it higher
- Many features, roles and approval flows
Platforms
- Keeps it lower
- One web app, mobile-friendly
- Pushes it higher
- Web plus iOS and Android apps
Design
- Keeps it lower
- A simple, consistent look using standard components
- Pushes it higher
- Custom visuals, animation and many screens
Integrations
- Keeps it lower
- Few or none
- Pushes it higher
- Payments, maps, WhatsApp, accounting and third-party APIs
Back end
- Keeps it lower
- A simple database and sign-in
- Pushes it higher
- Admin panels, reports, roles and background jobs
Quality and security
- Keeps it lower
- Basics: sign-in, access control, backups
- Pushes it higher
- Compliance needs and extensive testing
02Prototype, MVP and full product
Choosing the right stage saves money. A clickable prototype can test an idea with people before any code is written. An MVP is a working product with the smallest set of features that delivers value. A full product comes after the idea is proven.
Prototype
- What it is
- Clickable screens that show the idea, with little or no working code
- Best for
- Testing the idea with people before building
MVP
- What it is
- A working product with the smallest useful set of features
- Best for
- Launching to real users and learning
Full product
- What it is
- A complete product with many features, built to scale
- Best for
- After the idea is proven
03How to keep an MVP small
- Pick one user and one journey. If a feature does not help that journey, it waits for version two.
- Write down what done means for each feature, so scope cannot drift.
- Use standard sign-in, payments and hosting services instead of building them.
- Test a clickable prototype with a few real users before you build.
- Put new ideas on a list for the next release rather than into this one.
04Red flags in an MVP quote
- No written scope, or a scope that says only a list of features with no definition of done.
- An open-ended price that changes as the build goes on.
- Code and accounts that belong to the vendor instead of you.
- A prototype that will have to be rebuilt before version two.
- No demo until the end of the project.
A good MVP quote has a written scope, fixed milestones, a working demo at each one and code in your own repository from the start.
05After launch
The first release is the start of learning, not the end. Plan for hosting and monitoring, fixes, and the next release based on real use. Many founders start with a fixed-scope first version, then continue by the hour or with a dedicated team.
?Frequently asked questions
How much does an MVP cost in India?
It depends on the scope, platforms, design and integrations. We do not publish rate cards. After a free call you get a written plan and a fixed-scope quote for the first release, and our cost estimator helps you size the project.
How long does an MVP take?
It depends on the scope. After scoping you get a milestone plan with dates, and a working demo at each milestone.
Is a prototype enough?
A clickable prototype tests whether people want the idea. If you need real users to sign in and use it, you need an MVP.
Can I start with one platform?
Yes, and it usually saves money. Start with a web app or one mobile platform, then add the next after you learn.
Will I own the code?
Yes. With MOUNTSMY the code, designs and accounts are in your name, and intellectual property transfers to you as set out in the agreement.
Can the MVP grow into a full product?
Yes, if it is built on a sound base with tests and structure. We build so new features can be added without a rewrite.