When you decide to hire an Indian web developer for your website, you expect them to know how to code, design, and make your website functional. All of these skills come with a cost. However, there are some things that do not require additional payments.
Unfortunately, there are some website developers who try to charge their clients for services that are already included in their contract, or what we like to call ‘extras’. To assist you with unnecessary costs, we have outlined nine services that you should not pay for when working with a web developer.
#1 Website Warranty
Like any other product, service, and even device, we expect a website to have a warranty. If a developer delivers a website and there are bugs or errors within a given period, then the developer should be able to rectify these without any extra payment. Unless the problem is created by the client or a 3rd party, there is usually no need to pay.
What Typically Counts Under Warranty?
- Fixing links that are tagged as non-working
- Fixing issues regarding layout
- Fixing issues with code
- Ensuring the website is functional to what was agreed upon.
Before you hire a website builder in India, ensure you ask them about a warranty policy to prevent unexpected charges in the future.
#2 Troubleshooting & Bug Fixing
When hiring a web developer in India, one should expect a fully functional and operational website. If you experience problems post-launch, it should not be your problem to cover the cost of fixing these issues.
When Can Troubleshooting Be Done Without Charge?
- If the issue is a result of a programming error
- If the client did not properly test the website
- If the issue deals with an unfinished product bugs existing in the system
In the case where the issue is brought from the use of additional plugins, server popular modifications, or changes at the client level, it is possible you will have to spend some money for that support.
#3 Logo Design (If It Wasn’t Agreed Upon)
Some web designers in India offer free logo design as an add-on service to their clients. However, other developers charge for logo design. If you need logo design service along with the web development, make sure to set clear conditions before the project starts so you are not charged extra. At Innomax, we provide free logo design services to our clients.
Questions to Ask the Developer:
- Is the basic logo part of the package inclusive?
- Can these free resources be provided for simple logo design?
- Are they independent of paid logo services?
Never forget that even without having a free logo, the designing tools Canva always have logos for you.
#4 Free Images
High quality images should not be added to website quotation because many websites offer them for free.
Where to Find Images Free of Charge
- Unsplash
- Pexels
- Pixabay
Your developer should incur no costs for the images they acquire from these platforms. Nonetheless, if you desire premium images, you will need to purchase them separately.
#5 Free Consultation
Most web developers will provide a free consultation in order to determine what you need prior to drafting an agreement.
What’s Free of Charge?
- Initial pricing and project discussion
- The basic layout for the website
- Preliminary/basic on-page SEO services
- Domain and hosting services
Beware if a developer wants to charge you for basic project discussion as this is alarming! Always check if the consultations are free before proceeding.
#6 Mobile Responsiveness
More than half of the web traffic is from mobile devices today. Your site should be responsive and able to fit any size screen without hindrances.
What Should Be Considered in Responsive Design?
- Mobile-optimized menu
- Changed images and text size according to the devices.
- Text and image positioning for various device sizes.
If a web developer claims that there is an added fee for making a responsive website, stay away from them.
#7 Testing the Site
Prior to going live, the developer should test the website thoroughly and confirm the maximum functionality of the website. Some may attempt to charge additional fees for ‘extra testing,’ but this should already be included in the initial scope of work.
Common tests done on a website include:
- Functionality Testing: Verifying links, buttons, and forms
- Cross-Browser Testing: Checking compatibility with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Mobile Testing: Ensuring the site is viewable on mobile phones and tablets
- Speed Testing: Ensuring optimal load times.
#8 Layout Mockups
Before coding starts, web developers usually provide a design mockup (wireframe) of your website layout. This allows you to visualize the final result and request changes early on.
Why You Shouldn’t Pay for Mockups:
- It’s part of the design process
- It prevents costly changes later
- It ensures you get what you envision
Some developers offer one free mockup with limited revisions, while others allow unlimited changes within reason. Always clarify this before starting the project.
#9 Instruction Manual or Basic Training
Once your website is built, you should be able to manage simple updates without needing a developer every time. That’s why a basic instruction manual or training should be provided for free.
What’s Typically Included?
- How to edit content (text, images, etc.)
- How to manage blog posts
- Basic SEO guidance
- How to update plugins
If your developer tries to charge for basic guidance, ask if they can at least provide a short document or tutorial video for free.
Bonus: Website Backup
A one-time backup of your website should be included at no additional cost. Some developers try to charge for this service, but backups are quick and easy to create.
How to Ensure Free Backups:
- Request a full website backup before launch
- Use free backup plugins like UpdraftPlus (for WordPress)
- Ask for your website files in a .zip format
If your developer insists on charging, use hosting services that offer automatic backups instead.
