Not every project looks the same. Choose the model that fits your budget, timeline, and risk appetite — or let us help you decide. No lock-ins, no surprises.
ENGAGEMENT MODELS
Five ways to work with KITLabs
Every model comes with the same commitment: senior-led delivery, full IP ownership, and transparent communication throughout.
MODEL 01
Fixed Cost
DEFINED SCOPE
When to use: You have clear requirements and want cost certainty before you start.
BEST FOR
MVPs & Startups
Well-defined projects
Budget-sensitive builds
One-time deliverables
HOW IT WORKS
We agree on the full scope, deliverables, and price before a single line of code is written. No scope creep billing. No surprise invoices. You know exactly what you’re paying — before you commit.
- Price locked in before work starts
- Clear milestone payment schedule
- Detailed scope document you approve
- Change request process documented upfront
- Full IP transfer on final payment
MODEL 02
Hourly
FLEXIBLE SCOPE
When to use: Scope isn’t fully defined yet, or you need to move fast on exploratory work.
BEST FOR
Early-stage exploration
Consulting & audits
Quick bug fixes
Short-burst projects
HOW IT WORKS
You pay for the actual hours worked — tracked transparently, reported weekly. No inflated estimates, no padding. Rates are fixed for the engagement and quoted upfront. Ideal when scope evolves.
- Weekly hour logs shared with you
- Start and pause anytime
- Rates fixed per seniority level
- Daily async updated included
- No minimum commitment required
MODEL 03
Dedicated Team
MOST POPULAR
When to use: You need full-time engineers but don’t want the overhead of hiring.
BEST FOR
Product Companies
Long-term builds
Scaling teams fast
Startups post-funding
HOW IT WORKS
A handpicked team of engineers — front-end, back-end, QA, DevOps — works exclusively on your product. They integrate with your tools, attend your standups, and function like an in-house team. You manage the roadmap; we handle the delivery.
- Team assembled within 5 business days
- Works in your timezone
- Full control over team composition
- Replace any team member within 14 days
- Monthly billing, no annual lock-in
MODEL 04
Monthly Retainer
ONGOING SUPPORT
When to use: You need continuous development, maintenance, or strategic advisory support.
BEST FOR
Ongoing product iteration
Post-launch maintenance
CTO advisory
HOW IT WORKS
You pay a fixed monthly fee for a guaranteed block of hours each month. Unused hours roll over (up to 20%). Priority response times. Your KITLABS team is always ready — no onboarding delay, no re-briefing cycle.
- Priority response - 4-hour SLA
- Rollover hours (up to 20% monthly)
- Dedicated account lead included
- Monthly strategy review call
- Cancel or adjust with 30 days notice
MODEL 05
Revenue Share
STRATEGIC PARTNER
When to use: You have a strong idea and limited capital, and want a partner — not just a vendor.
BEST FOR
Pre-revenue startups
Joint ventures
Saas co-builds
HOW IT WORKS
We take a reduced upfront fee in exchange for a percentage of revenue once the product goes live. This model is by invitation only — we evaluate the business case, market fit, and founder track record carefully. We only say yes when we genuinely believe in the product.
- Reduced upfront cost for equity/revenue share
- Full team commitment - skin in the game
- Strategic input beyond IP transfer agreement
- Milestone revenue share structure
- Transparent revenue share structure
Quick Comparison
Side by side at a glance.
Not sure which model fits? This table covers the key decision factors for
each engagement type.
| FEATURE | FIXED COST | HOURLY | DEDICATED TEAM | RETAINER | REVENUE SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Predictability | ✓ Fixed | Variable | Monthly fixed | ✓ Fixed | Hybrid |
| Scope Flexibility | Low | ✓ High | ✓ High | ✓ High | Medium |
| Minimum Commitment | Per project | ✓ None | 1 month | 1 month | 6 months |
| Dedicated Point of Contact | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Full IP Ownership | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | On milestones |
| Best Project Size | Small–Med | Small | ✓ Any size | Ongoing | Startup MVP |
| Upfront Cost | Medium | ✓ Low | Medium | Medium | ✓ Low |
| Time to Start | ~5 days | ✓ ~2 days | ~5 days | ✓ ~3 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Access to Senior Engineers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
GET STARTED
Not sure which model is right for you?
Tell us about your project — budget, timeline, team structure — and we'll recommend the engagement model that fits. No pitch, no pressure. Just clarity.
Free 45-min consultation · Response in 1 business day · No commitment