We're a small manufacturing firm and we want to get a simple program made for inventory tracking. The quotes I got from agencies are way over our budget, so I started looking for freelancers.
But I don't know how to pick one. Everyone shows a portfolio, and they all look great. Since I don't have a technical background, I can't ask the right questions.
My budget is tight, and I don't want to work with the wrong person and waste money. What should I ask?
I'm writing as a freelancer, and I'll tell you things that aren't in my own interest.
First, ask this: who will maintain this after it's done? The real risk of working with a freelancer isn't that the job won't get done, it's that you won't be able to reach that person a year later. If the answer is "I'll handle it," ask for a separate maintenance agreement. If there's no answer, make sure the code is transferable.
Second: give them a small paid trial task. A two-day, real but non-critical piece. You'll learn much more than from a portfolio. Pay for it, don't ask for free trials.
Third: don't ask "how many days will it take," ask "in what parts will you deliver it?" Someone who can't deliver in parts often ends up delivering nothing at all.
i'm a freelancer too. i agree with batuhan's suggestion about the trial task but let me add a warning.
the trial task should really be small. some clients try to get half the project done under the guise of a "trial." if it takes more than two days, it's not a trial, it's work.
Let me take a step back from a consultant's perspective. Before getting a program made for inventory tracking, answer this question: how are you currently tracking inventory and exactly where are you getting stuck?
For most SMEs, the problem isn't a lack of software, it's undefined processes. If you turn an undefined process into software, you're just speeding up the chaos. Write down the current workflow step by step for a week; often, that paper is more valuable than getting quotes.
Also check out support programs. Digitalization supports for SMEs open up periodically, and small-scale software projects can sometimes be covered.
Conditions change frequently, so for definitive info, you need to check the relevant institution's current call for applications. But it's worth looking into when the budget is tight.
I went through the same thing two years ago. Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.
Proven by experience.
We need to take it step by step. Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later.
If you don't write this down from the start, it leads to arguments later.
The discussion got scattered let me summarize. Valuation methods for exits must be defined by formula; "market value" isn't enough.
When listing put proof that the product actually works at the very top. Of course, it varies if your situation is different.
Let me summarize the topic, since several different answers were given. Processes without records never improve, because you don't know what to fix.
three different views emerged, they all complement each other. if you get three different answers on a topic, the question was asked wrong.
good luck with that.
Its rare to find an explanation this clear. Valuation methods for exits must be defined by formula; "market value" isnt enough.
Thats all, sorry if I went on too long.
The cheap-looking path usually ends up costing more later. The biggest time-waster for us was not knowing who had the final say.
Mistakes made on the freelance side are usually reversible but expensive.
Sorry, but this doesn't apply in every case. The harder it is to reverse a decision, the slower you should make it.
Proven by experience.
Doki · Penetration test · 2025
Let's separate the concepts, they're getting mixed up. Everyone rushing into freelance gets stuck at the same point.
Everyone rushing into freelance gets stuck at the same point. If I were you, I'd go this route.
I disagree with you on this point. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.
If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.
i'm curious too... when you try to change everything at once nothing settles.
just leaving this note, it might be useful.