// How StackPick Works

A complete technical scope in 6 questions and 3 minutes.

Full step-by-step breakdown of each quiz question, why we ask it, what it affects in the output, and what the range of answers means.

Step 1: What Are You Building?

Why we ask: Project type determines the baseline architecture. A SaaS needs multi-tenant data isolation. A marketplace needs two-sided user models. An AI product needs ML infrastructure. This single answer shapes 40% of the recommendation.

What each option means for your scope:

SaaS Product

Subscription billing, user management, dashboards

E-commerce

Inventory, payments, order management, logistics

Mobile App

Native vs cross-platform decision, app store compliance

AI Product

Model selection, inference cost, data pipeline

Internal Tool

Auth/SSO, admin, lower scale requirements

Marketplace

Two-sided model, escrow/payments, trust and safety

How The Cost Is Calculated

Our cost model:

1.

Base cost range per project type

Indian agency rates, 2026

2.

Feature multipliers

Each selected feature adds to min and max

3.

User scale modifier

High scale = more complex infrastructure

4.

Timeline modifier

Rush = 20-40% premium; flexible = small discount

5.

Risk buffer

Embedded in the max figure

Example: A "Medium" SaaS with 3 MVP features, 5K initial users, and normal timeline typically costs Rs. 8L-15L and takes 8-10 weeks.

How To Use Your Scope

Your scope is a starting document, not a finished contract. Here's how to use it effectively:

Share with developers to get accurate quotes

Your scope removes ambiguity. Developers can quote more accurately and you can compare quotes fairly across teams.

Share with co-founders to align on the plan

The architecture diagram makes technical decisions understandable to non-technical co-founders.

Include in investor presentations

A technical scope signals founder credibility and preparation.

Use as input for your project brief

When you hire an agency or developer, share your scope as the starting point for discovery. It compresses 2-4 weeks of scoping.

// Frequently Asked Questions
Is StackPick really free?+

Yes. The full scope, architecture diagram, and chat feature are free. No signup required. We may introduce premium features for power users in future. The core tool will always be free.

How accurate are the estimates?+

StackPick uses a production AI engine calibrated against Indian dev agency rates and real project data. Estimates are directionally accurate for planning purposes. For a fixed quote, you will need to engage a development team with your scope in hand.

Can I use this for a client proposal?+

Absolutely. Many consultants and freelance PMs use StackPick to scope client projects. The embed widget lets you add the calculator to your own site.

Ready to understand your scope?

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