David Rothman's rates are competitive. He'll typically charge $3,000 and up for a medium-sized Web site. For a small business or individual requiring only a basic site, David can stay within $1,000. Ask for a quote. You may be surprised. A $1,000 site from his 1Ksites.com might even include RealAudio.

Many variables come into play here. David may offer some discounting if you're sending enough business his way. Similarly a site with useful, already-prepared copy will cost less than one for which David must create text from scratch. Material that must be researched will cost more than rewrites. For well-defined tasks, such as the creation of a Web site with X number of pages and photos and only minor research required, David's services will cost less.

Beyond David's fees, potential expenses could arise from the use of:

• Artists and programmers, who will work for you at their usual rates, subject to direct negotiations with them. Keep in mind that their use is optional. David if need be can do the entire site on his own, and then the trimmings can come later.
  
  
• A site name register, so you have a professional address in the vein of www.yourcompany.com. Typically that's $25 or less. As usual, you'll pay the vendors directly.
  
  
• An Internet Services Provider if you lack one already. The fee could vary from $10 per month to the mid hundreds or well beyond. Some factors to consider are (1) how fast and reliable the providers' net.connections are, (2) how appropriate they are for audio and video, and (3) whether you want features such as Web stores. In some cases David may be able to upload his work to your existing account on AOL or a similar service and allow you to use your own domain name.
  
  
• A microphone ($25 or less, depending on the quality) or video camera (anywhere from $50 to $150.
  
  
• Software to create the audio or video. RealProducer costs $200 per copy unless you want to limit yourself to the free version, which can be used only with recent editions of the RealPlayer.
  
  
• Related services such as mailing lists, a great way to keep reminding customers that you and your site are around.
  
  
• Keeping the site fresh. Your products, services and prices change. You and David can discuss three options--(1) having him do the work, (2) farming it out to another Web guy or gal or (3) David training you or an employee to do the work inhouse. Costs will vary according to your needs.