Hiring a developer for your first custom application? Ask these 10 questions before committing.
- Can I see live examples? Working demos beat portfolios of screenshots.
- Do I own the code? Some developers retain ownership. Ensure you get full rights.
- What technology do you use? Mainstream languages mean other developers can maintain it.
- What are the ongoing costs? Hosting fees, licence fees, maintenance costs — know the total.
- How will I give feedback? A good developer shares progress early and iterates.
- What happens if I need changes later? Understand post-launch pricing.
- Where will the data be stored? Know where your data lives and how it’s backed up.
- How long will it take? Get a realistic timeline. Expect a prototype within days.
- Do you understand my industry? Industry knowledge means less time explaining.
- What if it doesn’t work? Understand the revision and bug fix policy.
Red flags: no live demos, vague timelines, proprietary technology, monthly fees on top of build costs.
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