Regarding the legality of discussing pricing

[earl223]

The issue on fixed pricing, i would like to believe (though of course this is my opinion) is giving all developers a fair chance in getting a job. If all developers were more or less into the same pricing pricing range, this would make the market more competitive and thus deliver more quality materials.

In one thread, pricing and competition was discussed throughout varying cultures. It may be common knowledge, that some third-world economies are now selling thier wares in the global market, at a price westeners wouldn't even think about.

If i lived in the US, who would my probable clients be... compared to say if i live here in the Philippines? The thing is, developers in third world countries, can easily get foreign clients because the price they give is far less than what their western counterparts are offering. To you, US$1000 may not be much for a 2 month full flash website but that's a whole lot to us.

So what should we do about it? Should we just let it be? Would developers lower their prices just to compete with the east? I think the idea of "fixed pricing" would somehow put a minimum limit to developer's prices depending on where the client resides, which would give fair competition to all developers.

So If i make websites for US$1000 here in the Philippines, I can't approach a US-based client with the same price, but i have to follow the "fixed" minimum price, based on your standards. At this point, quality of work will start to become the issue... which is really what counts.

Of course, i know this is a long shot.... but i just think it would be great. Fair pricing... regardless of location or culture. If you sell here... you have to follow our rules. Something like that. And again, this is just my opion.

[Orkar]

Unfortunately the so called 'Third World' is not competing on the same table as the so called 'First World'.

Many(Not All) third world developers and companies use illegal/pirated/stolen copies of software to produce their work.... some cleanse the work through one legitimate copy of software (supporting hundreds of illegal copies).

I'm not saying this is unheard of in North America/Europe ... but its much less frequent in occurance.

The economies are unfortunately not equivalent in any realm of understanding or experience.

First world developers are angry when they see work run away to another country where hard working people on the edge of poverty (by a First world standard) cheat the developer out of a contract due to much lower operating costs. (Zero cost software etc...)

The third world devs see this as a personal opportunity to rise up the ladder to success. (A good thing) After all in a country where $5000 US a year is considered a very healthy living a $1000 contract is a heavensent opportunity. (Too bad that the software packages going into it would have cost several thousand per workstation to buy)

Now the wish/hope is to sell Third world (but quality) product just below the price point of a First World developer (to maximize product).

As to the US regs on pricing comparison... they mean nothing to dev's outside the USA and are virtually unenforceable inside the USA. If you want to know what the market is pricing things at ... get someone to get a quote from a compeditor. Look on the job boards and add at least 20% (the listed price for the service is just a starting point for negotiation)