Finding a development team can be a little tricky especially when you aren't familiar with the technology industry. There are some things you need to be aware of when choosing a development team for your project to make sure you protect yourself and the time you have invested into your company and/or idea.
Truthfully, I have heard too many horror stories about projects gone wrong that could have easily been avoided. By doing the necessary research and asking the right questions, you can avoid a huge headache.
1. Mostly importantly, you want to make sure that everything that is developed for your project belongs to you including graphics. It is absolutely necessary this be in writing. A year or so ago, a potential client inquired about adding customization to his company website. We were in the process of getting everything going, but when he went to his previous developer to get the code, he was informed that the code to the website was not his and therefore could not be added upon by another company. Understandably, the potential client could not part with the program he invested so much in and decided to try and fight the developer. All of the effort that should have been spent on his company was instead being wasted in court.
2. Check project references. There is no better indication of the quality and service provided by a development team than project references. Also, you might want to do a quick search for the company on the Better Business Bureau website.
3. Inquire about the project process. Can you expect to receive documentation of the project requirements? Will they be providing project status reports? Will there be project milestone meetings? Will there be an estimated project timeline?
4. Ask about the payment process. Never pay the total project cost up front. Typically a down payment is expected to get the project started, but it should be no more than 50%.
These tips should help you sift through the development teams until you find the right fit for you!
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