# How to choose a software development company

*By Mohammed Hesham, Founder · Planning & cost · published 20 October 2026*

## The short answer

Choose a software development company by the products it has actually shipped, how clearly it explains its process and pricing, and what happens after launch. Look for a discovery phase, a fixed scope and quote, working software shown regularly, full ownership of the code for you, and a plan for maintenance — not just a low hourly rate.

## Key takeaways

- Judge by shipped, working products — not slides.
- Insist on discovery, a written scope and a fixed quote.
- See working software every week or two, not a big reveal at the end.
- Make sure you own the code, the accounts and the data.
- Ask who fixes and maintains it after launch.

## Look at what they have shipped

Ask for products that are live today and, if possible, try them. Screenshots and case studies should show real interfaces and explain the problem, the solution and the result. A team that has run its own products understands maintenance, not just launch day.

## Ask how they work

- Is there a discovery phase before the quote?
- Do you get a written scope, milestones and a fixed price?
- How often will you see working software?
- Who will you talk to — the people building it, or an account manager?
- How are changes to the scope handled and priced?

## Check ownership and access

You should own the source code, the domain, the hosting and app-store accounts and the data. Ask for the code in a repository you control from the first week, and documentation for deploying it.

## Plan for after launch

Software needs maintenance from the day it goes live: fixes, updates, security patches and small improvements. A good partner offers a care plan and can also take over software another team built.

## Red flags

- A price before anyone has asked about your users and goals.
- No examples of live, working products.
- Vague answers about who owns the code.
- No mention of testing, monitoring or backups.
- Nothing to show until the very end.

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