Choosing a development partner is mostly about reducing risk. A few questions surface most of what you need to know.
What to look for
- Real work you can look at, with honest labels on what is live and what is in progress
- A focus on understanding your problem before proposing a solution
- Clear, plain-language communication — not jargon that hides uncertainty
- Honest scoping, including what they would not build or would defer
- A stated plan for testing, launch, handover, and support
- Ownership terms you are comfortable with
Warning signs
A quote before anyone understands the workflow. A portfolio of claims with nothing to see. Reluctance to explain trade-offs. Pressure and artificial urgency. A vague answer to 'what happens after launch'.
The conversation matters
The first conversation is a good preview of the whole project. If it is a genuine discussion about your business rather than a pitch, that is a strong signal.
Frequently asked questions
Should we choose the cheapest option?
Price matters, but the expensive outcome is a system that does not fit and has to be redone. Weigh cost against how well the partner understood the problem.