How to Get a Free Quote From a Software Development Company

Many businesses are now outsourcing their software needs to software development companies here and abroad. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, it is essential to begin with a free quote that offers plenty of information. Not every software development company offers the same level of detail, so a free quote can give you an easy way to separate legitimate bids from boilerplate figures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Budget for the development process
• List of your needs

Find a Software Development Company

1. Look online for software development companies that have created proprietary software in your sector. If you are unsure, get in touch with the company and ask what kind of experience they have creating solutions like the one you're seeking.
2. Winnow down the choices to a few names that boast solid client lists and plenty of experience.
3. Boutique startups may be cheaper, but it is wise to err on the side of reliability for an effort such as this.

Request Your Quote

4. Fill out the online form with as much detail as you can. If corporate security or trade secrets may be involved, give the best possible explanation without actually revealing the substance of that concept.
5. Overestimate the number of users who will be using the software. You want a coding package that is built to scale with your company, up to and including any major expansions you undertake in the coming years.
6. Give specific information about your server type, main OS and any other platform information that company will need for the design.
7. Stay within the bounds of your most conservative time estimate for the project. If it simply cannot be done within that window, you will be informed by the responsible companies on your list.

Evaluate Your Quotes

8. Look for specific figures that correlate with each of your requests. If anything is missing, do not assume it can be added cheaply. Get a second free quote right away.
9. Compare the prices and timelines with what you know about the quality of that company's work. You get what you pay for in software development, and sometimes a little extra cash gives you a far more fluid and effective program.
10. See if you can get the companies to respond to each other's quotes. Often you can get a second bid that undercuts something already on the table.

Tips & Warnings

• Go with an established software development company that comes with referrals and testimonials.
• Demand regular oversight during business hours that are convenient for you, especially if the outsourcing company operates overseas.
• Make sure your quote includes moneys allocated specifically for updates and support.
• Beware of any company that sends you a form letter in return for your request--you want a reasoned projection of the efforts involved.
• Make sure the free quote includes a specific contact so that you can discuss the details with a decision-maker at that company.

Who Can Help:

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