The web industry is barely regulated: anyone can call themselves a "web developer" or a "digital agency" overnight. Most providers are perfectly legitimate, but it only takes a few bad experiences to understand why so many business owners approach this topic with suspicion. Here's how to sort the good from the bad.

Questions to ask before you sign

"Is the price fixed, or can it change?"

A serious quote is firm for a defined scope. If the answer is vague ("it depends," "we'll see as we go"), be wary — that's often a sign of a final invoice much higher than expected.

"Who owns the site once it's done?"

This is THE question that catches the most people out. Some providers keep control of the code, the hosting, or the domain name — which leaves you locked in: unable to switch providers without rebuilding everything from scratch. Insist on full ownership (code, content, domain) as soon as the site is delivered.

"Can I see examples of sites you've actually built?"

A portfolio full of screenshots isn't enough — ask for links to real, live sites. That's the only way to judge actual quality, rather than a polished mockup.

Warning signs

  • No written contract — everything happens "verbally" or through informal messages
  • An abnormally low price compared to the market (see our pricing guide) with no clear explanation of what's included
  • Pressure to sign quickly, "this offer is only valid today"
  • No legal notice visible on their own website (ironic, but surprisingly common)
  • A 100% deposit requested before the work has even started

What a serious provider should be able to guarantee you

  1. A written, detailed quote, with a price that won't move for the agreed scope
  2. A reasonable deposit (30% is a common standard), with the balance due on delivery
  3. Full ownership of the site once the project is complete
  4. A proper legal notice and privacy policy on their own website
  5. A clear answer when you ask "and what if I want to leave for another provider later?"

The right instinct: if a provider won't answer one of these questions clearly, it's not necessarily a scam — but it's a signal worth taking seriously before you commit your budget.