Building our first app: which mobile app development software should we choose before collecting quotes?

The critical distinction here is the depth of access to the operating system layer. Writing in separate native languages provides direct CPU and memory optimization, but you don't need that for an order tracking app. Single-codebase hybrid setups invoke native UI components directly via a bridge architecture. That keeps any performance drop completely imperceptible to the eye.

We had a similar B2B wholesale ordering app built in Texas last year. We went cross-platform and paid 22,500 dollars total. We push a single update to both platforms at the same time. Our monthly server and routine library maintenance costs sit at just around 210 dollars right now.

Steer clear of agencies offering 'we already have an enterprise app template, we'll just reskin it.' Most of the time they're just trying to offload locked-down code left over from their past projects. The day you part ways with that agency, the system turns into junk—no independent engineer will want to touch that code.

There are three binding clauses you should include in your RFP: 1) Full transfer of all source code to your company via standard Git repositories. 2) Developer accounts on the OS app stores must belong directly to your corporate entity. 3) Delivery of a technical dependency manifest showing that all libraries are up to date.

were about to head down a similar path soon but does using a single codebase cause any delays or rejecton risks during the Apple or Google app store review processes? do their guidelines prohibit it?

App store reviews inspect functionality not the programming language. The stores evaluate user agreements, data privacy, authentication flows, and UI design guidelines. As long as you comply with those rules, the framework used to compile the app is never grounds for rejection; store approval follows the exact same procedure across both ecosystems.

Don't lay your 30,000 dollar ceiling budget on the table right away during vendor meetings. Only walk them through the screen flows and API integrations in the first call. Require every bidding agency to provide written justification for their tooling choices and disqualify quotes that don't explain their reasoning upfront.

id say keep the initial feature set simple. let the customer add items to the cart place the order, and download their invoice thats enough. honestly more features just mean more bugs across both platforms and bigger invoices from the agency.

Great work.

I went through the same thing. When making decisions, write down the worst-case scenario too, not just the best.

I have a question, don't want to go off-topic though. Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

When we decide without measuring we always end up in the same place. This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

I agree, and I'd like to emphasize that. The answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.

the most overlooked point about mobile app development software is this: If it's your first time start small; scaling comes later.

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

Here's how it went for us. anyway the cheapest quote is usually the least thought-out one.

This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

It's rare to find an explanation this clear.

I'll try it. Mistakes made on the mobile app development software side are usually reversible but expensive.

The cheapest quote is usually the least thought-out one. That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

Thanks, this was very helpful.

You're right, I've been down that road too. If you don't write this down from the start, it leads to arguments later.

Just leaving this note, it might be useful.