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$9k for a mobile MVP (instead of $50k) – Should I raise my prices?
Hey Hacker News!
This is my first question here, and I’m hoping to get advice from more experienced agency owners and entrepreneurs.
I run a mobile MVP agency that takes apps from idea to launch in around 30 business days, charging a flat $9k for the entire process.
The package includes everything—wireframes, design, development, and app store launch. Essentially, we deliver a fully functional MVP without unnecessary fluff.
Here’s my dilemma: many agencies charge $50k+ for similar projects, and I’ve had some founders tell me my pricing seems “too good to be true.” I’ve intentionally kept my rates low to stand out and attract clients quickly. So far, this has worked—I’ve successfully launched a few apps, and clients have been really happy with the process.
But now I’m starting to wonder if I should raise my prices to better reflect the value I deliver. Would a higher price make my service feel more “premium” and attract clients who value quality? Or could it hurt my positioning? I’m also thinking there might be a middle ground—raising prices slightly without losing the competitive edge that has brought me clients so far.
So if yes, by how much should I increase and why? If no, why?
I’d love to hear your insights, especially from fellow founders or agency owners. What pricing strategies have worked for you?
(P.S. To be clear, I wouldn’t raise prices by much because I still believe many agencies overcharge. I think $50k+ for most MVP projects is excessive. I’m always honest with clients—if their idea can’t realistically be built in 30 days, I let them know upfront. In those cases, they're happy to pay the flat fee to start, already knowing in advance that they will need to subscribe to the monthly retainer. This way, they know exactly what to expect and stay happy throughout the process.)
- programd 2y agoThe answer to the question of "Should I raise my prices?" for an agency is always yes, as long as you're getting clients. You need to discover what clients are willing to pay you for your excellent services. What you consider excessive might be considered pizza money by your prospective clients - it's their opinion of excessive not yours which matters. Note that those other agencies are charging more then you because they clearly get clients at those prices, even with their messy project management. As for by how much? At your level I'd eyeball it and say ratchet things up by $4K and see what happens. If it works and you still get clients keep going, but maybe grandfather your old clients on your old pricing until the end of the year or some such.
- AlessioGherasim 2y ago[dead]