One of the most common conversations I have with clients goes something like this:
"We need a new feature for our Magento 2 store. How much will it cost?"
Seems like a straightforward question, right? But here’s the problem - most clients haven’t fully defined what they need before asking for a price.
Will it take a day? A week?
Does it require frontend or backend changes?
Are we integrating third-party services or building from scratch?
Budgets in Magento 2 projects can be very difficult to estimate, and misunderstandings around costs often lead to delays, unexpected expenses, and frustration.
In this post, I’ll break down:
Why budgeting for Magento 2 projects is so tricky
Common issues that cause budget overruns
How we estimate costs for Magento customisations
Tips for getting the most out of your development budget
If you want to avoid budget surprises and maximise the value of your Magento 2 investment, keep reading.
Unlike simpler ecommerce platforms, Magento 2 is highly customisable, which is both its strength and its challenge. Every store has a unique setup, different extensions, and custom code, making it nearly impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all pricing model.
Here’s what makes budget estimation tricky:
Clients don’t always know exactly what they need – They describe symptoms rather than underlying problems.
Magento 2 stores often have complex existing setups – Adding a new feature could mean modifying existing code or dealing with compatibility issues.
Hidden complexities in development – A simple-looking feature might require significant backend work.
Changing requirements mid-project – A small request can quickly turn into a much bigger project if all factors aren’t considered upfront.
Without a clear understanding of the scope, cost estimates can quickly become inaccurate.
Before we can estimate costs, we need to fully understand the client’s needs. That means going beyond "We need this feature" and asking deeper questions like:
What’s the business goal behind this request?
Is there an existing module or workaround that solves the issue?
What are the technical limitations of the current Magento setup?
Is this feature a must-have or a nice-to-have?
Here’s an example:
Client request: "We need a new checkout flow."
Better question: "What specific issue are you facing with your current checkout? Are customers dropping off at a certain step? Are you struggling with payment options?"
By digging deeper, we might find that a checkout redesign isn’t necessary at all - a minor UX tweak or a better payment gateway integration could solve the problem more efficiently.
Key takeaway: A clear scope = an accurate budget.
The problem: Clients often jump to solutions instead of defining the real business need.
The fix: We help clients focus on the core issue before deciding on a solution.
The problem: A feature might sound simple but could conflict with existing customisations or extensions.
The fix: Always analyse the current Magento setup before promising a feature.
The problem: Custom features require planning, development, testing, and ongoing maintenance - not just coding.
The fix: Clients should be aware that custom features often have long-term costs beyond just the initial build.
At our agency, we don’t just throw out random numbers. Instead, we follow a structured process:
Identify the real business need
Break it down into frontend, backend, and third-party integrations
Simple changes (1–2 days): Design tweaks, adding an extension, small bug fixes
Medium changes (1–2 weeks): Checkout optimisations, performance improvements, payment gateway setups
Complex features (2+ weeks): Custom module development, API integrations, major UX overhauls
Every task is documented with estimated hours
The client gets a breakdown of costs by feature
We provide alternatives to optimise budget
If you want to maximise your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses, here are some key strategies:
Instead of building from scratch, consider existing extensions
Look at phased development - start with a simpler solution before committing to a full feature build
What’s the core purpose of this feature?
How will it impact sales or user experience?
Is this feature critical, or can it be postponed?
A custom solution might cost more upfront, but if it saves internal resources, it can pay off in the long run.
Example: A manual Excel process takes 10 hours per week to maintain. A custom Magento automation might cost 5 days of development time but could eliminate that manual work entirely.
Key takeaway: Magento 2 development is an investment, not just an expense.
Working with Magento 2 stores brings unique budgeting challenges, especially when it comes to custom features and optimisations.
Clients often underestimate complexity and expect quick estimates without defining scope.
Miscommunication can lead to budget overruns and timeline delays.
Proper planning, questioning, and prioritisation can prevent wasted spending.
Ultimately, successful budgeting comes down to clear communication, realistic planning, and focusing on features that truly drive business value.
I have one final takeaway: Managing a Magento 2 budget isn’t just about numbers - it’s about making strategic decisions. It’s not just about getting a feature built; it’s about ensuring that the investment aligns with business goals and delivers long-term value.
As an agency, our goal isn’t just to build features - it’s to help clients make smarter investments in their ecommerce stores.
Let's talk about your Magento 2 project budget and benefit from our experience!
20.10.25
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