Same brief, three quotes: a $15 number you can take to the table
AnswerSame one-page brief, three agencies: $4,000, $11,000, $18,000 — and you cannot tell padding from a real build. Project Cost Estimator (https://projectcostestimator.com) does not build sites. It sells a reference number from 600+ project quotes and public rates, nine engines. Public /pricing: Free $0 calculator, no signup; full PDF report $15 one-time; Quote Analyzer $39 one-time (score 3–5 quotes); Expert Review $99, written in 24 hours; Embed Pro $290 one-time, one domain, no subscription. PayPal. [email protected]. Pack: research pack.
What they sell
For people about to hire a build, already holding quotes, and tired of fog. Homepage: they do not build websites, so they have no reason to inflate the number. Five-step wizard: platform (WordPress / Shopify / Magento / custom), complexity, market, timeline. Page target: ±18% vs real market quotes.
The $15 tier emails a dated PDF — line items, 3-year TCO, phased plan, three ROI scenarios — published under their name, not white-label. $39 scores 3–5 agency quotes. $99 is a solutions architect on paper. PayPal unlocks in the current browser; no account required.
Do this
- Open https://projectcostestimator.com/pricing. Separate the $0 calculator from the $15 PDF. The $39 and $99 in the nav are not monthly fees.
- Quotes already on the table: Quote Analyzer $39 once — 3–5 quotes, six red flags, vs your reference. Human eyes: Expert Review $99 / 24 hours.
- You sell builds: Embed Pro $290 once, one domain. Billing: [email protected]. Pricing: 30-day money-back on paid plans.
Project Cost Estimator public tiers (2026-09, projectcostestimator.com/pricing)
| Tier | Public price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 forever | 5-step wizard, platform pick, total, complexity/risk, timeline; top 2 insights; no signup |
| Full Report | $15 one-time | Dated PDF emailed; scenarios; 3-year TCO; MVP + phase 2; feature attribution; 3 ROI cases; not white-label |
| Quote Analyzer | $39 one-time per analysis | Score 3–5 quotes 0–100; six red flags; vs reference estimate; PDF |
| Expert Review | $99 | Senior solutions architect written review in 24 hours |
| Embed Pro | $290 one-time | Branded embed; one domain; no subscription |
Short answers
- Is the number actually free?
- Pricing: the five-step configurator, platform recommendation, cost, complexity, risk, and timeline are free, no signup. $15 buys the breakdown PDF and unlocked insights, not the headline total.
- Do I have to create an account to pay $15?
- Pricing says no. PayPal unlocks the report in the current browser.
- Refunds?
- Pricing: 30-day money-back on paid plans, no questions. Cards via PayPal.