[ohashi]

Considering you're asking them to build the whole product 8k seems fairly cheap. Run some of the numbers:

Let's say it takes 1 month to build an MVP with 2 people at a small firm.

Programmer + (Programmer OR Designer) = 2 people

40hrs/week working on this to get it out the door.

2 (people) * 40 hrs * 4 (weeks)* X (hourly rate) = 8k

320 work hours * X = 8k

X = $25/hr

That's a pretty cheap rate in my mind. Of course you can play with the numbers and expectations.

You could always try a startup weekend or something to build an MVP with a team.

[pbreit]

I suspect the OP is looking for something more like 1 person for 1-2 weeks. Which is not unreasonable, IMO.

[yashchandra]

"takes 1 month to build an MVP "

If the MVP actually takes 3 months, X = $8/hr (rounded). My point is: OP needs to clarify the kind of application he wants to build for <8K.