Hiring a software development partner is a big decision. Whether you’re building a new product, modernizing internal tools, or replacing manual processes, the right team can move you forward — and the wrong one can cost you time, money, and momentum.

Here are the questions you should ask before you sign a contract, even if you’re not technical. The goal isn’t to catch anyone off guard — it’s to make sure your project has the foundation it needs to succeed.

What does your process look like — from planning to launch?

Every developer can write code. What separates great partners from risky ones is how they plan, communicate, and deliver. Ask for a clear overview of their process, including:

• How they gather requirements

• Whether they provide design or just development

• How often you’ll see progress or get updates

• What happens when priorities shift mid-project

If they can’t describe a repeatable process, they may not be ready to manage your project end to end.

Who will I be working with, and how accessible are they?

Outsourcing shouldn’t feel like a black box. Ask who’s on your project, what their roles are, and how communication works. Can you talk directly to the developer or project lead? Are they in your time zone?

Clear access and accountability help avoid misunderstandings — and keep your timeline and budget on track.

Have you worked with businesses like mine?

You don’t necessarily need someone in your exact industry, but they should understand the pace, compliance needs, or technical depth of businesses like yours.

Ask to see relevant case studies, especially projects involving similar data handling, customer flows, or integration requirements. Good developers build great apps — great partners understand your business.

What happens after launch?

Some firms stop after delivery. Others become a long-term partner.

Ask how they handle support, maintenance, and future enhancements. Will you own the code? Can they help train your team? Do they offer security monitoring, backups, or managed hosting?

Custom software is an investment — and that investment should be protected and supported long after version one.

How do you estimate project cost and timeline?

A good developer will be transparent about cost drivers and timeline variables. They won’t guarantee a delivery date without first understanding your needs — and they’ll be honest if a fixed bid doesn’t make sense for your project.

If pricing seems vague or too good to be true, that’s a red flag. Look for teams that balance flexibility with clarity.

At Decision Point Software, We Welcome These Questions

We’ve built platforms for regulated industries, fast-growing startups, and internal teams with complex needs. We help clients ask the right questions — even if it’s their first time hiring a development partner — and we build systems that scale with their success.

Request a Free Consultation Today

Have a project in mind? Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through our process, answer every question, and help you decide if we’re the right fit — no pressure, just real guidance.