Dedicated team or fixed-price project: how to choose?

It's the question every CTO asks: is it better to build a dedicated team or commission a fixed-price project? The answer depends on your context.

Fixed-price: fixed scope, guaranteed result

Fixed-price is suitable when the need is clear and well-defined. You have specifications, a budget, and you want a turnkey result. The provider commits to a deliverable, a deadline, and a price. Ideal for an MVP, a migration, or a one-off project of 2-6 months.

Dedicated team: flexibility and continuity

A dedicated team is suitable for long-term, evolving projects, or when scope isn't fully defined. You have a squad (2-10 people) working exclusively on your project, with the flexibility to prioritize features over time. Ideal for a SaaS product, platform, or transformation program.

Comparison

Duration — Fixed-price: 2-6 months. Dedicated team: 6 months+. Scope — Fixed-price: fixed, defined upfront. Dedicated team: evolving, sprint-driven. Cost — Fixed-price: predictable, fixed price. Dedicated team: monthly, adjustable. Risk — Fixed-price: shared (result commitment). Dedicated team: on you (means commitment). Management — Fixed-price: provider manages. Dedicated team: co-managed with provider.

Pitfalls to avoid

In fixed-price: scope creep is the #1 risk. Define the perimeter clearly before signing. In dedicated team: the risk is lack of framing. Without a product owner and tech lead, the team spins in circles.

What Nearvik offers

We offer both models, with a unique advantage: a senior tech lead in Paris in both cases. In fixed-price, they frame architecture and deliveries. In dedicated team, they lead the squad daily. Result: you don't need to manage an offshore team yourself.