Finding the right software firm to help you build and maintain your systems can be quite the challenge. Typically, it is who you know. "I know a guy who does development. Let me ask him if he can help/let me ask him who he'd recommend." But, what is the right method for evaluating whether your guy's recommendation is the right fit for your company?

#1 Expertise Culture - you'd think Expertise would be #1, but it's actually Culture. Does the culture of the firm match yours? Do you align with their ways of working? You could hire the "best" firm when it comes to expertise, but if you don't get along, then the efforts are completely wasted.

#2 Expertise - this is why expertise is number two. Naturally, you need to find a firm who can accomplish your project's requirements. Do they have experience with your current tech stack? Are they able to build from scratch? Are they committed to learning and growing in their skills and not stick with the same ole technologies and approach?

#3 Happy customers - do they have a book of documented client case studies and client contacts you can reach out to for a reference? Do they have long-standing clients or are they a one and done type of shop? Depending on their business model and what you are looking for, a "one and done" shop may be a red flag. Why don't they keep relationships with their clients after the project is complete? 

#4 Location, location, location - does their time zone and working hours align with yours? Having a team who is online and available relatively the same time as you is so valuable as opposed to struggling to coordinate meeting times due to varying time zones.

#5 Budget - Be sure that you have your project well-documented so that firms can put together a well-informed estimate. Be wary of firms who bid a fixed price or who low-ball. Software development always comes with unknowns. Things pop-up that were not known when bidding and things change. You need a firm who can be flexible and who can advise you on any budgetary concerns. A good account manager/project manager will always have their finger on the project burn rate and can advise if changes will affect your budget/their estimate.

Naturally, Engage wants to the be right fit for your custom software development project. Do we pass the test of these 5 tips? Contact our team to get started.