In this guide · 8 sections
Short answer
It depends on scope. As a reference, IT Sorted charges S$390 for one automation between existing apps and from S$1,990 for a small custom tool; systems with portals and integrations cost more. Hosting, maintenance and security are ongoing costs, so check no-code options first.
Do you actually need custom software?
Before asking for a quote, walk up this ladder and stop at the first step that solves the problem. Each step up costs more to build and to keep running.
| Option | Good for | Typical cost profile |
|---|---|---|
| Better spreadsheet or form | Tracking jobs, stock or leads for a small team | Little or no extra cost; your time |
| Automation between existing apps | Moving data between tools (form to sheet to email to WhatsApp) | Tool subscription plus setup per workflow |
| Off-the-shelf software (SaaS) | Standard processes: accounting, booking, POS, CRM, HR | Monthly per-user fee; little setup |
| No-code app builder | Simple internal apps with forms, lists and approvals | Platform subscription; limits as you grow |
| Custom build | Processes unique to you, portals for clients, joining several systems | Build fee plus hosting and maintenance |
Automation is often the sweet spot. Our guide to workflow automation costs explains what a single workflow costs, and Zapier vs Make compares the two main tools.
Signs custom software is worth it
A good case for custom
- Staff re-type the same data into three systems every day
- Clients need a portal to see their own jobs, documents or status
- Off-the-shelf tools force you to change a process that is your edge
- You pay for several SaaS tools to do one joined-up job
Probably not yet
- The process changes every month and isn't written down
- A standard tool would do 90% of it
- Only one person uses it, a few times a week
- Nobody will own it after launch
If you are in the right-hand column, fix the process first. Software built around an unclear process just makes the confusion faster.
How fixed-scope pricing works
For a small business, a fixed price against a written scope is usually safer than paying by the hour. The developer carries the risk of their own estimate; you carry the risk of changing your mind.
Write down what you need
Use the spec template below. The clearer it is, the tighter the quote.
Get a written scope back
The provider restates what they will build, what they won't, and how you will test it (acceptance criteria).
Agree a fixed price and timeline
Payment terms, delivery date, and how many rounds of changes are included.
Build in your accounts
Hosting, domain, code repository and any third-party services should be registered to your company from day one.
Test against the acceptance criteria
You check each item. Anything outside the agreed scope becomes a separate, priced change request.
Handover and warranty period
You receive the source code, admin logins and documentation, with a bug-fix period after launch.
The running costs after launch
The build is a one-off. These costs continue for as long as you use the software.
- Hosting and databasePaid to the cloud provider in your nameMonthly, varies with usage
- Domain and SSLSSL is often free; the domain is notYearly
- Third-party servicesEmail sending, SMS or WhatsApp, maps, AI APIs, payment feesPer use or monthly
- Updates and security fixesFrameworks and libraries need regular patchingOngoing
- Backups and restore testsPlus a written plan for what happens if it failsOngoing
- Small changes and new featuresQuoted separately from the original scopeAs needed
A useful rule: ask every provider what the software will cost to run and maintain each year, in writing, before you sign.
Our web hosting cost guide gives current prices for common hosting options.
Data protection and security by design
If the software holds customer or staff data, the PDPA applies to it, and you remain responsible even if a developer built it. PDPC's Guide to Data Protection Practices for ICT Systems (published July 2026) and its earlier Data Protection by Design guidance recommend building protection in from the start rather than retrofitting it. In practice, ask for:
- a check of what personal data the system really needs before building (collect less);
- role-based access, so staff see only what their job requires, with MFA for admins;
- passwords stored hashed, data encrypted in transit (HTTPS) and at rest where possible;
- test environments using dummy or anonymised data, not copies of real customer records;
- logs of who viewed or changed records, and a retention rule that deletes old data;
- backups, and a plan for what to do if there is a breach.
Funding: the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Enterprise Singapore's Enterprise Development Grant can support up to 50% of qualifying project costs for local SMEs, covering third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and internal manpower. It is for projects that build new capabilities, such as redesigning a process and developing a system to support it, not for buying laptops or routine setup costs.
Two rules catch people out. First, the project must not have started: Enterprise Singapore treats a signed contract or a payment to the vendor named in the application as starting the project. Second, applications take time; Enterprise Singapore says about 8 to 12 weeks to process. Ready-made software on the Productivity Solutions Grant list is not covered by EDG. Our EDG guide for website and IT projects covers eligibility and the application.
Writing a one-page spec, and getting help
One-page spec template
Small, well-defined tools are a realistic DIY project for a business with a technical staff member using no-code tools. For anything holding customer data or joining several systems, get it built properly and owned by you.
Our Custom Tool or Dashboard (from S$1,990) starts with a free written scope and fixed quote, is deployed in your accounts, hands you the source code and includes 30 days of bug fixes. If an automation is enough, Workflow Automation (S$390 per workflow) connects your existing apps with up to five steps. Questions about scope go through the site chat or email.
Frequently asked questions
It depends entirely on scope. As a reference point, IT Sorted charges S$390 for one automation between existing apps and from S$1,990 for a small custom tool or dashboard; multi-user systems with client portals and integrations cost more. Ask for a fixed quote against a written scope, plus the yearly running cost.
Often, yes. No-code app builders and automation tools handle forms, lists, approvals and moving data between apps well. They become limiting with complex permissions, large data volumes, client-facing portals or unusual integrations. Start with no-code and move to custom when you hit a clear limit.
Your company should. Make sure the contract transfers the source code to you and that hosting, the domain, the database and any third-party service accounts are registered in your company's name. Otherwise you may be unable to change provider or fix problems without the original developer.
The Enterprise Development Grant can support up to 50% of qualifying costs for local SMEs on projects that build new capabilities, including software development. You must apply before signing a contract or paying the vendor named in the application, and processing takes about 8 to 12 weeks.
Hosting and database fees, the domain, third-party services such as email or SMS sending, security updates to the frameworks it uses, backups, and changes or new features over time. Ask every provider for a written estimate of yearly running and maintenance costs before you sign.