Firstly, I agree with a few of the comments on here most notably the Cowboy Designers that offer very low prices in order to enter the market and have no idea about service or design. This is often followed up by a large amount of BS to the client who frequently knows no different. In my part of Spain, near Torrevieja, virtually all of the competition I am up against are like that.
In answering the question though about what is a rip off price, it depends on a lot of issues. Firstly the value of an internet presence to the company i.e. where it fits in their marketing strategy (if they have one!) and what they are prepared to pay. Secondly, the level of design and facilities involved in the design. Thirdly, the popularity of the designer in question and his reputation. Fortunately my company
CB Web Solutions enjoys a very good reputation and has a very high level of repeat business which is a good sign. Apart from that we are frequently dealing with companies who have dealt with the competition and need us to 'repair the damage' and even help save the business!
My final point is that the clients idea of a rip of and what actually IS a good website don't always coincide. Clients far too often are taken in but sites that have excesssive flash content for example. The rest of the site may be limited when you explain things to clients but they often only see the flash content and 'hey we've got a flash movie on our site so it must be goos!' is what they are thinking!
