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Compare · Updated November 5, 2026

Fixed-price project or monthly design plan: which is better for a startup?

A fixed-price design project or a monthly design subscription for a startup: what each covers, who carries the risk, and how to pick.

The short answer

For most startups, a fixed-price project is better for a redesign or an MVP: you know the cost before you start, and the studio carries the risk if it takes longer. A monthly plan or subscription is better when design work keeps coming and changes every week. Baobun Studio offers both, from $15,000.

Our take: If you can describe what “done” looks like, go fixed. If you can’t yet, a month or two on a plan is a fine way to find out.

By Charles Postiaux, founder of Baobun Studio · November 5, 2026

The difference. 01

Fixed-price projectMonthly plan
You pay forA resultTime and attention each month
Cost knownBefore work startsPer month
If it takes longerThe studio’s problemYou pay more months
Changes mid-wayA new scope, agreed in writingEasy: the list changes
Best forRedesigns, MVPs, design systemsOngoing product work

What studios charge. 02

Fixed priceMonthly
ElekenNot offeredFrom $4,599, 2-month minimum
DesignMeOne-time projects, like a website from $15,000$6,000
PhenomenonFrom $16,300From $8,500 per specialist
Baobun StudioFrom $15,000From $15,000

From each studio’s own site, November 5, 2026.

How to pick. 03

  • Can you describe what “done” looks like? Fixed price.
  • Will the work change every week? A monthly plan.
  • Is the budget approved as one number? Fixed price.
  • Do you have someone to steer the work every week? A monthly plan works well.

How we do it. 04

Most of our projects start fixed: a redesign or an MVP from $15,000, agreed in writing after a 25-minute call. After that, some teams move to the design partner plan for the work that keeps coming. We’ve designed for Booking.com, Serko, Slack and Mux, and the founder designs every project.

Questions. The ones people ask next.

Email us
What if the scope grows on a fixed-price project?

You agree on the new scope and price in writing before the extra work starts. Nothing gets added to the bill without it.

Can we pause a monthly plan?

With us, yes. Elsewhere, check the minimum term first: some ask for two months, some for a year.

Keep reading. Related pages.

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