How Much Does Custom Software Cost in South Africa?
Honest, transparent pricing for custom software development. No vague estimates, no hidden fees — just a clear picture of what to budget for your project.
Focused Tool
A single-purpose system solving one specific problem in your business.
Examples
- Basic job card system
- Simple quoting tool
- Stock level tracker
- Digital inspection form
- Staff leave management
Small teams or businesses automating one manual process for the first time
Business System
A full-featured system covering a core area of your business operations.
Examples
- Custom CRM with pipeline tracking
- Digital job card + invoicing system
- Inventory management platform
- Field service mobile app
- Contractor management portal
Growing businesses replacing spreadsheets or off-the-shelf software with something that fits
Enterprise Platform
A multi-module system covering several interconnected areas of your operation.
Examples
- Full ERP covering production, inventory, and finance
- Multi-site operations platform
- Custom CRM + automation + client portal
- Manufacturing execution system
- Integrated compliance + maintenance + contractor management
Mid-size companies replacing legacy systems or building a digital backbone for the business
What is included in every project
No hidden extras. Everything below is included in your quoted price.
Custom software vs monthly SaaS — the real cost comparison
Off-the-shelf tools look affordable month to month. But for a 20-person team, the annual costs add up quickly — and you never own anything. Custom software breaks even within 12–18 months, then costs a fraction of the equivalent SaaS.
| Tool (20 users) | Monthly cost | Annual cost | Custom equivalent (once) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesforce (20 users) | R28,000/mo | R336,000/yr | R100,000–R200,000 once |
| SAP Business One (20 users) | R45,000/mo | R540,000/yr | R250,000–R500,000 once |
| HubSpot Pro (20 users) | R22,000/mo | R264,000/yr | R80,000–R180,000 once |
| Odoo ERP (20 users) | R15,000/mo | R180,000/yr | R150,000–R350,000 once |
* Pricing estimates in ZAR as of 2026. Actual costs depend on user count, features selected, and exchange rate at time of billing.
Pricing FAQ
How much does custom software cost in South Africa?
Most custom software projects for South African businesses range from R25,000 for a simple focused tool to R600,000+ for a complex ERP. The most common projects — a job card system, a CRM, or an inventory management platform — typically cost between R80,000 and R250,000. We always provide a detailed, fixed-price quote after a free discovery session.
Is there a monthly fee after the software is built?
No ongoing licence fees — you own the software outright. The only recurring costs are hosting (typically R1,000–R3,000 per month depending on your setup) and an optional support/maintenance package if you want us to handle updates and bug fixes. No per-user fees, ever.
What is included in the quoted price?
Our quotes include: full software design and development, database setup, user testing, staff training, deployment to production, and 60 days of post-launch support. We do not add surprise costs mid-project — what we quote is what you pay.
Is custom software cheaper than SAP or Salesforce long-term?
Usually yes, significantly. A 20-person team using Salesforce pays R25,000–R60,000 per month in licence fees — R300,000–R720,000 per year. A custom CRM for the same team costs R100,000–R250,000 once, with no recurring licence fees. Within 12–18 months, custom software typically costs less in total than a comparable SaaS tool.
Can we start small and expand later?
Absolutely — this is how most of our projects start. We build the core system that solves your biggest problem first, get it into your team's hands, and then add features in subsequent phases based on real usage. This spreads cost, reduces risk, and means you see value faster.
Do you offer payment terms?
Yes. We typically structure projects as 50% upfront, 25% at milestone, and 25% on delivery. For larger projects we can discuss phased payment structures. We do not require full payment before work begins.
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Tell us what you are trying to build. We will get back to you within one business day with an honest assessment and a transparent price range — no sales pitch, no pressure.