Regardless of how easy or hard, graphics or code intensive, WordPress themes are time-consuming. The time it takes to put together a theme ranges from three or four hours to three or four days.
Every WordPress designer has to go through the same process:
- Design
- Code
- Skin for WordPress
- Test
- Correct
- Validate
Some themes are free. Some cost $45 (per download). Some cost $2,000 (completely unique/custom and exclusive). Question is…
How much would you pay for a custom/unique/exclusive theme?
- $100 (36%)
- $300 (18%)
- $200 (17%)
- over $1000 (9%)
- $800 (9%)
- $500 (8%)
- $2000 (4%)
Total Votes: 140
How much would you pay for a non-exclusive theme?
- $20 (36%)
- $5 (28%)
- $10 (19%)
- $45 (17%)
Total Votes: 139
The results above have been in for days. So what’s the verdict if you haven’t seen the poll? Over one third (36%) of you wouldn’t pay over $100 for an exclusive WordPress theme. For nonexclusive (pay-per-download theme), it’s $20 for each download, which sounds about right.
Reality Check
From a web designer point of view, the top voted price for an exclusive theme is beyond comprehension. Let me paint a better picture:
In general web design, a five-page website costs you typically $300 – $500 among the average freelancers; that includes design, coding, and content integration (filling the site with text and images). A ten-page site will yield an $800 to a $1000 quote.
Those numbers are ballpark prices among average freelancers. Contracting a company or highly distinguished web developer to handle your site would for sure cost upwards of $1000.
Why such a big difference?
I’ll go over three outstanding reasons.
Low-level Freelancers – Although you do get what you pay for, however, I’m not talking skill-wise here. The problem is there are many freelancers willing to work for a lower price range just so they can get the job. Although this also applies to general web development, I have to mention this reason because it’s even worse within the WordPress theme circle.
Consider the Client – WordPress theme clients are different from general web design clients. I believe WordPress theme clients are more knowledgeable. Some are interested in modifying the final product rather being happy with receiving a well-designed theme.
Ease of Use and Management – A part of the problem is how easy it is to set up a WordPress blog, add content, manage it, and find free themes for it. What you end up having to deal with is knowledgeable and more experienced clients that simply want custom modifications to look unique instead of a completely unique/exclusive theme.
