Finding the right custom software development company that delivers is a complex challenge. It is like hiring a crew to build your new house. Triple check with whom you will work with over the next few months or years as it has a direct impact on your success or failure. As we know at the heart of every successful organization is a quality custom software solution, therefore we decided to create a guide with key factors on how to choose a custom software development company that delivers.

Key Factors to Take into Account When Choosing a Custom Software Development Company That Delivers a software

1. Review Portfolios

Explore the prospective software development company’s previous projects. Picking a company with a proven experience in a specific industry, technology, or type of project can be advantageous as they are familiar with the challenges that can occur during a custom software development life cycle for a specific product or feature. When reviewing portfolios, also consider the size of your project. You’ll notice if any custom software development company prefers working with certain-sized projects.

2. Ask for Recommendations and Check Testimonials

Ask the company for recommendations and look for reviews over the internet, for example in Clutch, Glassdoor, etc. Dig deeper into a local community — ask them about their opinions about the company. Look at LinkedIn and which of your contacts have someone in common with the company — ask them for opinions.

3. Community Engagement

Involvement in both the local and global IT community says a lot about custom software development companies. Here are the signs you’re dealing with a serious player: company’s employees speak at large-scale IT conferences, the company organizes events, workshops, and meet-ups, online webinars, shares open-source tools, writes e-books, guides, blog publications, has certifications and awards.

4. Cultural Fit

Browse through your prospective partners’ websites or a blog and see whether they talk about their company values and mission. Speak with the team asking the “Why” behind the company.

5. Partner Chemistry

Relationship chemistry exists. Once there is chemistry and you are on the same page, this is a clear indication that this company might be a long-term partner.

6. A Partner that Understands the Business

It’s not all about the code and technology behind your product — it’s about the business.
Your development partner should understand that and challenge the new features you develop, help you focus on priorities, advise you from a technical perspective, and connect with you as partners in their network. Do as much as they can to make your business succeed.

7. Employer Brand

The image of a custom software development company on the global and local tech market has a huge influence on how well and fast they can attract tech talent. A business that is looking for a custom software development company wants, first of all, to get rid of the recruitment hassle and split the risk of hiring people.

8. Understand Where the Custom Software Development Company Possesses Expertise

Your development partner needs to be focused. Most software development companies aren’t proficient in every language, you’d rather work with a company that focuses on their expertise than one that hopes of gaining a few extra customers by trying to do what you ask without having a solid experience in it. Search for companies that have a proven knowledge base in your area.

9. Detailed Proposal

Your entire software project should be clearly spelled out in a proposal. It should outline the timeline, the team, the chosen tech stack, the team, etc. You should discuss and cover everything from a statement of work, required materials, and payment terms.

10. The Cheapest Now Can Be the Most Expensive Later

You don’t want to buy the cheapest service, but the most cost-effective. If you focus on spending less money initially, you will normally pay 2-3x times more in the future and in the worst-case scenario — rewrite the app from scratch. It’s like buying products on Ali Express — each time when you buy the cheapest cable, it’s broken after a week or two. The same with buying services. If you choose the cheapest offer, you will ultimately pay more at the end of the project: technological debt, poorly written code, lack of tests, difficulty to work on or maintain, lack of documentation, etc. Also, take into account that sometimes if it seems cheap in the short term, make result expensive in the long term.

11. Transparent Communication

Find a company that puts pressure on transparent communication, constant improvement, and values retrospective meetings. Constantly showing the progress, adding value, and explaining the current status are critical in a healthy long-term relationship.