Fear #1: Getting Ripped Off By an Unqualified Custom Software Development “Expert”
Anytime you’re hiring someone over the internet, you have reason to be concerned about whether or not you’re going to get what you paid for. The internet is full of unqualified hucksters who will take your money and either take their time in completing your project or disappear after getting your deposit. This problem is easy to overcome if you use a freelancing site such as Elance, OSdesk, Guru or Freelancer to connect with your custom software development prospects.
On these sites, you can see feedback from past customers and get a good idea of what kind of experiences other people have had working with each custom software development expert.
The other good thing about using an outsourcing site to hire your custom software development expert is that you can see what types of projects they’ve already completed. Outsourcing sites also have escrow accounts set up where you can put your money until the project is completed to your satisfaction.
This way, both you and the custom software development who you work with are protected: they see that you’re willing to show them some money, but you don’t have to put it in their hand before you see any results. Most of these sites require that you pay a small percentage of the project fee towards the site for providing the service of connecting you with the custom software development company.
Fear #2: Not Getting What You Expected
When you hire a custom software development expert, you have every reason to be concerned about whether or not the end product will be worth the money spent. However, few buyers know that this is just as much (if not more) the responsibility of the buyer as it is of the custom software development company. For example, it’s important that you’re realistic about your expectations in comparison to what you’re willing to pay.
While there are custom software development experts who are willing to work for very cheap rates, most of the time you’re going to get exactly what you pay for. If you choose a provider who is at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to price, don’t expect the same quality as you would if you went with one of the most expensive solutions. Also, if you aren’t clear on your instructions or expectations in the beginning, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with something that you’re not satisfied with. This leads us to the next important point when hiring a custom software development expert…
Fear #3: Miscommunication
Even the best custom software development expert can only fulfill your expectations if they first understand them. It’s VERY important that you’re clear about the objective of your software application and the expectations in regard to the deadline. The more clear you are in the beginning and the more diligent you are in making sure that the custom software development expert who you choose has good communication and listening skills, the better your experience will be with them.
As a good rule of thumb, sit down and write out some specific instructions about what you’re looking for. Pretend that you just had ONE shot to tell your custom software development expert absolutely everything about your project, and that after that there would be NO communication between the two of you. Of course, you want to make sure that you’re still available to them after the project has started, but it’s important that you get as many of the details out on the table as possible in the beginning.
This approach will also make it easier for you to choose someone who understands the requirements and who is confident that they can fulfill them.
Fear #4: The Ongoing Deadline
One of the most frustrating experiences you’ll ever have when working with a freelancers or outsourced company is the ongoing deadline. In other words, the project is supposed to be completed within one month, but one month turns into six weeks, then eight weeks…and suddenly you find yourself three or four months down the road wondering if the project is very going to get completed.
This is another reason why you should use an escrow account, and only release 20 to 50% of the money up front. By withholding the remaining balance, you create an incentive for the project to be completed on time. In addition to this, it’s important to have all of your expectations and specifications laid out from the beginning. The more clear and precise and thorough you are in the beginning, the more likely you are to see the project completed on time and according to your expectations.
Fear #5: Difficulty Learning to Use the Software Solution
Even if you have a great software application created, it’s only as useful to you and your employees as it is easy to use. Custom software development experts are often guilty of assuming that you’re just as technically savvy as they are. The last thing you want is to send the last payment, approve the project and find that you still need guidance and instruction on how to use the software application which you’ve had built. The simple solution here is to commission your custom software development expert to create a set of training videos which you can use to learn the software.
Of course, you will pay some extra money for having this done, but it sure beats having to fumble around with the software or to pay the programmer to stay on as a consultant. Another great advantage of having this done is that you can always sell your application as a downloadable or “software as a service” solution, complete with the training videos. This is a great way to offset the investment which you put up to have the application created.
So these are the five common fears when hiring a custom software development company, and if you’re diligent in following the instructions in this article, you’re sure to have a great experience and a great product.