Don’t Sign That Contract Before You Ask These 5 Questions
Some of the most rewarding moments in client services come from helping a client in need. We had one of those opportunities last week when a startup in crisis reached out. The crisis was acute: their development firm was telling them to pay a ransom in twenty-four hours or all of the code to the app will be deleted. It’s the sort of crisis Kiefer Sutherland comes to the rescue in, they turned to Appstem.
Unfortunately, this start-up’s experience is not an isolated one. We’ve all heard the stories of how unscrupulous businesses took advantage of clients before they showed up at our door. In the past month we’ve spoken to three separate clients in similar situations.
Since Apple created the App Store we’ve seen a steady increase in the size of the mobile marketplace. Today there are 1 Billion more people with mobile devices than there were in 2010. To meet the newly created demand there has been a flood of new companies created to help people bring their mobile apps to market. Like any industry app development firms vary widely in quality and competency.
In an ideal world businesses and contractors won’t take advantage of their clients, but we don’t live in an ideal world, we live in reality. So how do you protect yourself from these types of businesses?
We’ve seen an explosive growth of the mobile market, creating a flood of new companies rushing to meet demand. So how do you know if the company you’re talking to is one of the good ones? We have five questions to help you gain some clarity:
What Have You Done?
An established, reputable firm will have a track record.Take the time to download a couple of the apps they did and take them for a test drive. Is that the quality you’d be happy with?
How Are You Going To Do It?
At the end of the day they’re building your app. Make sure it’s built on a technology base that you are happy with and will meet your needs in the future.
Who Have You Worked With?
You wouldn’t hire an employee without checking their references, don’t make that mistake when hiring a development firm. Talk to former clients and find out what it’s like to work with them.
Where is the Team Located?
It’s surprising how many firms have United States addresses and phone numbers, but the team creating your app will be offshore.
Who Owns the Intellectual Property (IP)?
Make sure that when the last check is signed you own your code and design files. Don’t end up like the start-up at the start of the post: held hostage but an unscrupulous company.
If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact mobile app development company Appstem today!
