Outsourcing business tasks through Done For You (DFY) services has become one of the most efficient ways for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to save time and boost productivity. Whether you’re hiring a DFY team to create a sales funnel, manage your social media, build a website, or handle email marketing, these ready-to-implement services can accelerate your growth—if you know what you’re really paying for.
But while DFY services promise speed and convenience, many business owners are unsure how pricing works. Even worse, they may encounter hidden costs that weren’t obvious in the initial quote. This article will guide you through the most common Done For You services pricing models, reveal hidden fees to watch out for, and help you make smarter outsourcing decisions that protect your bottom line.
What Are Done For Your Services?
Done For You services are solutions provided by experts or agencies where they complete a task or entire project on your behalf. You don’t have to build or manage the process—everything is delivered ready to use. Popular DFY services include:
- Website and sales funnel creation
- Social media content and automation
- Email marketing and lead generation
- Paid advertising campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
- SEO blog writing and keyword optimization
- Branding and graphic design
- CRM and automation setups
These services are appealing to businesses that want fast results without hiring in-house staff or learning new tools.
Popular Pricing Models for DFY Services
Understanding how DFY services are priced is key to budgeting and assessing value. Let’s break down the four most common pricing models.
1. Fixed-Priced Packages
This is the most straightforward pricing model. You pay a set fee for a clearly defined set of services or deliverables.
Example:
- DFY Landing Page Design: $500
- Social Media Management (Monthly): $1,000
- Complete Sales Funnel: $3,500
Pros:
- Easy to compare between providers
- Predictable cost
- Ideal for one-time or smaller projects
Cons:
- May include limited revisions
- Add-ons can increase the total cost
2. Hourly Rates
Some freelancers or agencies charge hourly, especially for technical support, consulting, or when the scope is unclear.
Typical Rates:
- Beginner: $25–$50/hour
- Intermediate: $60–$100/hour
- Expert: $100–$200+/hour
Pros:
- Flexible for small, ongoing tasks
- Pay only for the time used
Cons:
- Hard to estimate total cost in advance
- Can become expensive without clear boundaries
3. Monthly Retainers
Ongoing services like DFY content creation or marketing management are often billed monthly office 365 consulting.
Example:
- DFY Email Marketing: $750/month
- Blog Writing: $500/month for 4 posts
- Ad Campaign Management: $1,500–$5,000/month
Pros:
- Consistent service and support
- Builds a long-term working relationship
Cons:
- Requires a monthly commitment
- May include unused hours if not tracked properly
4. Performance-Based Pricing
Some providers, especially in lead generation and advertising, charge based on performance metrics like leads, conversions, or revenue.
Example:
- $25 per qualified lead
- 10% of ad campaign profit
Pros:
- Aligns cost with results
- Low risk if results are not delivered
Cons:
- Can get expensive if the provider performs well
- May prioritize volume over quality
Hidden Costs You Should Watch Out For
Many businesses are surprised to find out that DFY services often involve additional expenses not included in the base price. Here are the most common hidden costs:
1. Software and Tools
Some DFY services require third-party tools or software subscriptions, which are billed separately.
Example:
- Funnel hosting platforms like ClickFunnels or Leadpages
- Email marketing tools like ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp
- Graphic design software licenses
- CRM systems (HubSpot, Keap, etc.)
Tip: Always ask if tools or subscriptions are included in the quoted price.
2. Revisions and Edits
Many DFY providers limit the number of free revisions. Additional revisions may incur hourly or fixed fees.
Example:
- 2 revisions included, $75 per revision after
- Redesigning a landing page layout: $150 extra
Tip: Confirm how many edits or changes are included in your package.
3. Scope Creep Fees
If your project expands beyond the initial agreement, you’ll likely face additional charges.
Example:
- Wanting 10 email templates instead of 5
- Requesting an extra blog post not included in your plan
Tip: Get a written scope of work and clarify what’s included before you start.
4. Rush or Priority Delivery
Need it faster? Be prepared to pay extra for rush jobs or weekend turnarounds.
Example:
- 48-hour delivery instead of 5 days: +20% fee
- Weekend project delivery: $100 surcharge
Tip: Plan ahead to avoid urgency fees.
5. Strategy and Consultation
Some DFY providers charge separately for strategy sessions or project planning time.
Example:
- 60-minute strategy call: $200
- Funnel mapping or campaign planning: $500–$1,000
Tip: Ask if strategic support is part of your package or billed separately.
How to Avoid Overpaying for DFY Services
While it’s important to invest in quality, you also want to avoid unnecessary spending. Here’s how to protect your business:
- Always ask for itemized quotes. Know exactly what you’re getting.
- Clarify the revision policy. Avoid being hit with unexpected editing fees.
- Get it in writing. Contracts should clearly outline the scope, price, and terms.
- Choose outcome-driven providers. Look for providers who focus on delivering ROI.
- Avoid “too good to be true” prices. Extremely low rates usually mean lower quality or hidden fees.
Evaluating Value vs. Cost
While pricing is a key consideration, the value you receive is even more important. A $3,000 funnel that brings in $10,000 in new sales is a much better investment than a $500 template that doesn’t convert.
When comparing DFY providers, ask these questions:
- What’s included in your quote?
- Do you provide examples or case studies?
- How will your work contribute to my business goals?
- Are there long-term savings by bundling services?
Conclusion
Done For You services offer a powerful way to save time, accelerate growth, and focus on what you do best. But like any smart business decision, it’s crucial to understand pricing models and be aware of potential hidden costs.
By choosing the right pricing structure, asking the right questions, and looking beyond surface-level quotes, you can find a DFY provider that offers high-impact results without hidden surprises. Whether you’re outsourcing your marketing, web development, or automation, a transparent and knowledgeable provider can be the key to long-term success.