ByteBrik
Credits
Honest software evaluation

Before you build it —
know what it will really cost.

Submit your software idea. Get a realistic cost estimate, risk breakdown, and the hard questions no one else will ask — before you spend a dollar.

Evaluate my idea →$2.50 per evaluation · Questions are free
Sample evaluation
Your idea
"A marketplace where freelancers sell digital templates, with escrow payments and a review system."
Cost estimate — 6 scenarios
Optimistic
$18,000
Normal
$26,000
Pessimistic
$38,000
Worst case
$72,000
Key risks identified
HIGHPayment escrow logic adds significant legal + technical complexity
MEDTrust & fraud prevention often underestimated at launch
MEDTwo-sided marketplace requires separate acquisition for buyers & sellers
The problem

Most software estimates are wrong. On purpose.

Agencies underestimate to win contracts. Developers underestimate to keep you motivated. By the time you realize it — you're six months in and twice over budget.

70%
of software projects run over budget or over time — often both.
3×
The average cost overrun for custom software projects that lack upfront scoping.
$0
What you recover after building something no one uses or can't afford to finish.
Founder

"The agency said $25k. Six months later we were at $90k with no launch in sight."

Product manager

"We skipped the estimation phase. We "just wanted to start building." We wasted 8 months."

How it works

Three steps. One honest answer.

No forms, no sales calls, no waiting. Describe your idea in plain language and get a real evaluation.

1

Describe your idea

Write what you want to build in plain language. No technical spec required — describe it like you'd pitch it.

Free — no account needed to start

2

We ask the right questions

If your idea is too vague, we ask clarifying questions before running the evaluation. Clarifications are always free.

No charge until you're ready

3

Get your evaluation

You receive a detailed cost breakdown across 6 scenarios, a risk analysis, and honest notes on what could go wrong.

$2.50 per evaluation

Why ByteBrik is different

No agency. No sales pitch.
No fake optimism.

⚖️

No conflict of interest

We don't build software. We have no reason to make your project sound cheaper than it is.

❓

We challenge bad ideas

If your request is vague, we ask. If it's unrealistic, we say so — and show you the real cost.

📊

Six scenarios, not one number

You get optimistic, normal, pessimistic, and worst-case figures. Plan for reality, not the pitch.

🎯

Scoped before you build

Identify gaps and hidden complexity before committing to a developer or agency.

"Most tools tell you what you want to hear. ByteBrik tells you what you need to know.

If your idea is too vague — we'll ask. If it's unrealistic — we'll tell you. If it will genuinely cost $200k — you'll know before you sign anything."

Real example

See exactly what you get.

Here's a real evaluation for a freelancer marketplace. Input, clarifications, and full output.

Idea submitted

"A marketplace where freelancers can sell custom digital products and services, with escrow payments and a review system."
↓
ByteBrik asked first
  • ?Will buyers and sellers be able to message each other directly?
  • ?Do you need custom payment splits or fixed commission?
  • ?Is mobile app required at launch or web-only?
Evaluation resultREADY FOR ESTIMATION
Components identified
User authentication & profilesLOW
Product listing & searchMED
Escrow payment systemHIGH
Messaging between usersMED
Reviews & dispute resolutionHIGH
Cost scenarios
Optimistic
$18k
Normal
$26k
Pessimistic
$38k
Low risk worst
$54k
High risk worst
$72k
Max exposure
$96k
Risks
HIGH
Escrow adds legal & compliance complexity often 3–4× original estimate
Multiplier: ×2–×4
MED
Two-sided marketplace requires simultaneous buyer + seller acquisition
Multiplier: ×1.5–×2
MED
Dispute resolution logic is rarely scoped and always expensive
Multiplier: ×1.5
Pricing

Simple. Transparent. No subscriptions.

You pay once per evaluation. Clarifying questions are always free.

$2.50
per evaluation
  • ✓Full cost breakdown across 6 scenarios
  • ✓Risk analysis with multipliers
  • ✓Component-level complexity breakdown
  • ✓Clarifying questions — always free
  • ✓No subscription. Pay only for what you use.
Evaluate my idea →

Credits are purchased before evaluation. 1 credit = 1 evaluation.

FAQ

Questions people actually ask.

How accurate are the estimates?
They're realistic ranges, not guarantees. Real costs depend on who builds it, how, and with what constraints. We give you a grounded starting point — not a promise.
What if my idea is unclear?
We'll ask you clarifying questions first. No credit is charged until you've answered and the evaluation actually runs. Clarifications are always free.
What if I disagree with the estimate?
That's fair. We show our reasoning — components, risks, and multipliers — so you can push back or adjust scope. The evaluation is a starting point for a conversation, not a final verdict.
Is my idea kept confidential?
Yes. Your submissions are not shared or used to train models. Your idea stays yours.
What if my idea is unrealistic?
We'll tell you. The evaluation runs — but with heavily inflated costs and risk multipliers. Better to know now than after you've signed a contract.
Do I need a technical background?
No. Describe your idea in plain language. If something needs clarification, we'll ask. You don't need to know what a database is.

Stop guessing. Start knowing.

One $2.50 evaluation can save you months and tens of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate my idea →

$2.50 per evaluation · Clarifications are free · No subscription