The answer to your question would have to depend on exactly what the design company quoted.

In our designs, in order to save a customer money, we use Matt's Formmail program. Yes, I could write my own, but why reinvent the wheel. Matt's programs allow for an inexpensive way of adding function and capability to a website without overburdening the client's budget.

We've built several custom systems for people, and people have paid a good amount of money for such custom work. However if we can offer the client an off the shelf solution which saves the client money, then that is our first choice.

I'm not trying to excuse what these folks did or did not do. I'm merely offering you an opinion from the trenches.

- Bob