The engagement model shapes cost, flexibility and risk as much as the choice of partner. Here is how the three common models compare.
| Fixed price | Time & material | Dedicated team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Defined up front | Flexible | Ongoing roadmap |
| Budget certainty | High | Medium (capped if agreed) | Predictable monthly |
| Flexibility to change | Low: change requests | High | High |
| Your involvement | At milestones | Regular prioritisation | Daily or weekly, like your own team |
| Best for | Websites, defined ERP rollouts, MVPs | Evolving products, enhancements | Long-term products and platforms |
A common path
- Start with a paid discovery or a small fixed-price project.
- Move to time and material as the product evolves.
- Scale into a dedicated team once the relationship is proven.