Key facts
- Ask to see systems they built and still support, not just designs
- Check who will actually write and maintain your code
- Insist on a written scope and a clear change process
- Get ownership of the source code and data written into the contract
- Ask how they test, deploy, back up and secure systems
- Compare quotes on what is included, not the headline number
Start with the right shortlist
Look for companies that have built things like yours: business systems with integrations, not just marketing websites, if that is what you need. Check how long they have been trading (Companies House is free to search), whether they work with the technologies you already use and whether they will still be around to support you in five years. Location matters less than it did, but being able to meet when it counts, and working in the same time zone, still helps.
Questions to ask every supplier
- Who will build it, and are they employees or subcontractors?
- What stack will you use, and why? (Mainstream choices such as PHP 8 and Laravel, Node.js and TypeScript, React or Vue, MySQL or PostgreSQL are easier to maintain or hand over.)
- How do you handle changes to scope once work has started?
- How will I see progress? Is there a staging site I can use?
- How do you test? Are there automated tests?
- Where is the code kept, and when do I get access to the repository?
- Who owns the code, designs and data at the end?
- How do you handle security, backups and GDPR?
- What happens after launch: warranty, support, hosting and updates?
- Can I speak to an existing client?
Red flags
- A price without questions. If a quote arrives after a five-minute call, the supplier is guessing.
- Vague ownership. Licences to use "our platform" can lock you in. See who owns the code.
- No access to source code until final payment, with no escrow or staged handover.
- Proprietary frameworks that only the supplier understands.
- Everything is "easy". Good developers point out risks early.
- No plan for after launch. Software needs updates, as our maintenance guide explains.
Comparing quotes fairly
Give every company the same written brief, ideally a short requirements spec. Then build a table: what is included (design, testing, deployment, data migration, documentation, training), what is excluded, the assumptions made, the payment schedule, the warranty period and ongoing costs. The cheapest headline often excludes things the others included. A fixed price for a defined scope is easier to manage than an open-ended estimate.
Also look at the payment schedule. Staged payments tied to delivered, working milestones protect both sides. Be wary of a large upfront payment with nothing to show for months, and equally of a supplier with no deposit at all on a substantial project, which can signal cash-flow pressure. Ask what the warranty covers, how long it lasts, and what support costs once it ends, so the whole-life cost is clear before you sign.
Checking a company before you sign
A little due diligence goes a long way, and most of it is free:
- Companies House. Check the company is active, how long it has traded, who the directors are and whether accounts are filed on time.
- References. Ask to speak to a client whose system has been live for a year or more. Ask them how changes, bugs and support have been handled since launch, not just how the build went.
- A look at real work. Ask for a walkthrough of a live system similar to yours, or an anonymised example of a scope document and a status report.
- Insurance. Professional indemnity and cyber insurance are sensible for suppliers handling business-critical systems and data.
- Data protection. Ask how they handle your personal data during development and support, and whether they will sign a processor agreement. See our UK GDPR guide.
- A small first step. A paid discovery or scoping stage is a low-risk way to test how a company thinks and communicates before committing to the full build.
Pay attention to how they behave during the sales process. Do they ask about your business before talking about technology? Do they explain trade-offs in plain English? Do they put things in writing? Those habits tend to carry through the whole project.
When to talk to dijitul
dijitul is a Mansfield, Nottinghamshire company (DIJITUL LTD) trading since 2006, and it has built bespoke software and integrations since about 2011, from automated billing systems to KashFlow and OpenCart integrations. We work with businesses across the UK from Mansfield. We start with a free chat, scope the work, give a fixed-price quote, and you own the code and data. Read how we work or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a software development company?
Relevant experience, plain explanations, a written scope and fixed price or clear budget control, mainstream technology, code ownership for you, a testing and security process, and a plan for support after launch. References from current clients are worth more than portfolios.
Should I choose a local software company?
Local helps for workshops and relationships, but most development works well remotely. Prioritise relevant experience, communication and support. dijitul is based in Mansfield and works with businesses across the UK.
Is a freelancer or an agency better?
A freelancer can suit small, well-defined jobs. An agency or company gives continuity if someone is ill or leaves, broader skills and usually a support arrangement. For business-critical systems, continuity matters most.
What should a software development contract include?
Scope, price and payment schedule, the change process, acceptance testing, intellectual property assignment, confidentiality, data protection terms, warranty for defects, support terms, and what happens to code and data if the relationship ends.
How does dijitul price projects?
dijitul does not use day rates or price lists. Every project begins with a free chat and a short scoping stage, then a fixed-price quote for a defined scope, or a phased plan for bigger builds. You own the code.
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Tell us what you need to build
Free chat, clear scope, fixed-price quote. You own everything we build.