Hourly Billing in Web Development Is a Trap (What I Do Instead)
Hourly billing in web development might sound flexible, but it’s a trap too many clients fall into…..
If you’ve ever hired a developer or agency that charges by the hour and felt like your project dragged on endlessly—you’re not imagining things. That’s exactly what happens when the billing model favors time, not results.
The Problem with Hourly Billing
On the surface, hourly billing seems fair. You pay for the time spent, right? However, it often turns into a bottomless pit of costs with no clear outcome.
- Need a simple change? That’s an hour.
- Fix a mistake from that change? Another hour.
- Want a quick progress update? Clock’s ticking.
This loop keeps going until your budget’s drained—and your site still isn’t delivering.
For example, one of my clients came to me after spending $6,000 on a basic eCommerce setup. Despite the cost, the site had poor UX, zero conversion planning, and wasn’t even fully functional. All they got was a long list of logged hours, with little to show for it.
Fixed Bids Aren’t the Solution Either
Sure, fixed pricing sounds better. You agree on a set amount, so you know what to expect.
But here’s the catch: scope is often vague, and revisions quickly become a nightmare. Agencies tend to deliver just the bare minimum to protect their margins. If you want changes, they’ll say it’s “out of scope.” Ask for more revisions? Get ready for extra fees—or worse, a dev team that stops responding altogether.
Here’s What I Do Instead
I take a different route. No hourly billing. No rigid, fixed-price traps.
Instead, I assign you a dedicated developer—someone who works with you like part of your team.
Why This Model Works Better
- Full focus on your project: No juggling 10 other clients.
- You control the pace: Shift priorities, update goals, and stay agile.
- No hiring headache: I handle vetting, onboarding, and quality. You just get the results.
Stop Wasting Time and Money
Hiring a developer shouldn’t feel like gambling with your budget. With the right model, you get faster results, less stress, and more control.
If you’re done with hourly billing or burned out by fixed bids, let’s work smarter. I’ll assign a developer who’s fully committed to your goals—not just logging time.
Need a Dev Who Works Like Your Own Team?
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