Choosing a technology partner is mostly about trust, and trust is easier when you ask the right questions early. These are the ones we would ask if we were in your seat.
About the work
- Can I see something you built that is live and that you still maintain? Screenshots show design; a live product shows whether it still works a year later.
- Who will actually work on my project? Know who your day-to-day contact is and whether the work is done in-house.
- How will I see progress? Look for working versions you can try at each milestone, not just a status report.
About scope and money
- What exactly is included, and what is not? Ask for it in writing: pages, features, content, languages, testing.
- How are changes handled? New ideas will come up. Agree how they are estimated and approved before work starts.
- How are payments tied to progress? Paying per milestone protects both sides.
About ownership and the long term
- Who owns the code, domain and accounts? The answer should be you, with access handed over at the end.
- What technology will you use, and why? Well-known, well-supported tools make it easier to find help in the future.
- What happens after launch? Ask about bug fixes, security updates, response times and the monthly cost of care.
- If we part ways, what do I get? Source code, documentation and credentials. A confident team will answer this without hesitation.
Listen to how they answer
Clear, specific answers are a good sign. So is a team that asks you hard questions back about your customers, your budget and what success looks like. Be careful with anyone who promises everything, fast and cheap, before understanding your business.