Choose a development company by checking real case studies in your domain, talking directly to the engineers, starting with a small paid pilot, and making sure the contract gives you full code ownership. Compare the estimate structure, not just the total price.
Checklist
- Real case studies similar to your project, with technical details
- Direct conversation with the developers who will work on it
- Itemised estimate: features, hours, assumptions
- Clear process: sprints, demos, task board you can see
- Full IP and source code ownership in the contract
- Support and warranty after launch
- Transparent pricing model: fixed price, time & materials or dedicated team
Red flags
- A price without questions about your requirements
- No access to the code repository until the end
- Only junior developers on calls, seniors 'supervising'
- Reviews that cannot be verified anywhere else
- Vague contract about who owns the code
Fixed price vs time & materials
Fixed price fits clear, stable scope (MVP, website). Time & materials fits evolving products and R&D. Many teams combine them: a fixed-price first milestone, then time & materials.
Amsoft
Amsoft gives every client a free itemised estimate, demos every 1–2 weeks, repository access from day one and full code ownership. 10+ years of experience, 50+ projects, rates from $25/hour.