I got five quotes for the same project, all different — what should I look for if I'm not a developer?

we got a flutter app done for 40k, then asked another agency for 80k then like were not devs we asked 'whats the difference' they said 'were better'

Native = more expensive, faster. Hybrid = cheaper, slower. Flutter = cheap, fast, new tech.

Shortlist three agencies (eliminate the 30k and 120k ones). Have detailed talks with the three in the middle.

'Unlimited' revision rights doesn't mean rewriting the app every time, it means small changes.

When getting quotes: 1) Why was this tech stack chosen? 2) Deployment process 3) Bug fix pricing 4) Reference projects. Get the answers in writing.

quick summary for newcomers: If you get three different anwsers on a topic the question was asked wrong.

i'm also curious if anyone does it differently.

let me speak from the other side; Im on the supplier side and weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

of course, it variies if your situation is different.

I'll try it.

if I understood correctly you're saying: If you don't write this down from the start it leads to arguments later.

everyone rushing into software quote comarison gets stuck at the same point.

i agree, and I'd like to emphasize that then mistakes made on the software quote comparison side are usually reversbile but expensive.

There's a part I don't understand. Everything goes well for the first three months; problems arise in the fourth.

Of course, it varies if your situation is different.

Could you elaborate on that? Weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

Three different views emerged, they all complement each other. If acceptance criteria aren't written when the work is done is open to debate.

Proven by experience.

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. Weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

Most time waste accumulates in tasks waiting for approval.

I have an objection here. Any unwritten clause becomes a point of disagreement later, as both sides remember it differently.

Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

Let me speak from the other side; I'm on the supplier side. Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.

Of course, it varies if your situation is different.

i went through the same thing two years ago. the real isue isnt the number but what its based on.

when making a decision, first look at what data you have on hand but good luck with that.

I don't think this advice fits everyone. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

If I were you, I'd go this route.