Choosing a software development partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your product. The right partner becomes an extension of your team, helping you build something that matters. The wrong one can waste time, money, and momentum.
Here are 10 questions to ask before committing to a development partner, plus what to look for in their answers.
1. How do you approach new projects?
A good partner will want to understand your business, not just your requirements. They should ask about your goals, constraints, and what success looks like. If they jump straight to technical solutions without understanding the problem, that’s a red flag.
Look for partners who listen first, then suggest a path that fits your situation. They should be comfortable saying “we need to understand this better” rather than promising solutions immediately.
2. What’s your process for handling changes?
Requirements change. That’s normal. What matters is how your partner handles it. Do they have a clear process? Do they communicate changes in scope and timeline? Or do they just say yes to everything and surprise you later?
A good partner will help you prioritize what’s essential versus what can wait. They’ll be honest about trade-offs and help you make informed decisions.
3. How do you communicate progress?
You shouldn’t have to chase your development partner for updates. Ask how often they’ll communicate, what format updates will take, and how they handle questions between updates.
Look for regular, clear communication. Weekly updates are common, but the frequency should match your needs. The format should be easy to understand, not just technical jargon.
4. What happens after launch?
Many development partners disappear after delivering the first version. But products need ongoing work: bug fixes, new features, performance improvements, security updates.
Ask about their approach to ongoing work. Do they offer maintenance? How do they handle urgent issues? What’s their process for adding new features?
A good partner thinks long-term. They’ll design systems that can evolve, not just work once.
5. How do you handle technical decisions?
Technical decisions affect your product’s future. Who makes them? Does your partner explain the reasoning? Do they consider your constraints and goals?
Look for partners who involve you in important decisions and explain their reasoning. They should consider factors beyond just what’s technically interesting, like maintainability, cost, and your team’s capabilities.
6. What’s your experience with similar projects?
Experience matters, but it’s not everything. Ask about similar projects they’ve worked on. What went well? What didn’t? What would they do differently?
More importantly, ask how they apply lessons learned. A partner who’s built similar products before can help you avoid common mistakes and move faster.
7. How do you ensure quality?
Quality isn’t just about bugs. It’s about code that’s maintainable, systems that perform well, and products that work reliably. Ask about their approach to testing, code reviews, and quality assurance.
Look for partners who care about quality beyond just “does it work?” They should care about how maintainable the code is, how well it performs, and how easy it is to extend.
8. What’s included in your estimate?
Estimates can be misleading if they don’t include everything. Ask what’s included: design, testing, deployment, documentation, training? What’s not included? What assumptions are they making?
A good partner will be transparent about what’s included and what might cost extra. They’ll explain their assumptions and help you understand what could change the estimate.
9. How do you handle problems?
Problems will come up. That’s normal. What matters is how your partner handles them. Do they communicate proactively? Do they take responsibility? Do they propose solutions?
Look for partners who are honest about problems and focused on solutions. Avoid partners who blame others or make excuses.
10. What makes you different?
This is a chance to see how well they understand their own strengths. Do they have a clear point of view? Do they know what they’re good at and what they’re not?
A good partner will be honest about their strengths and limitations. They won’t promise to be experts at everything.
What makes a good partnership
Beyond these questions, look for partners who:
- Take initiative: They don’t just execute. They suggest improvements and identify opportunities
- Think long-term: They design systems that can grow, not just work once
- Communicate clearly: They explain things in plain language, not just technical jargon
- Are honest: They tell you when something won’t work or when there’s a better way
- Care about your success: They’re invested in building something that helps you succeed
Red flags to watch for
- Promising everything immediately without understanding your needs
- Unclear communication or avoiding your questions
- No process for handling changes or problems
- Focusing only on technical solutions without understanding your business
- Disappearing after launch with no plan for ongoing work
- Making decisions without involving you or explaining reasoning
The bottom line
Choosing a development partner is about finding someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and cares about building something that helps you succeed. It’s not just about technical skills. It’s about partnership.
At Zofwe, we work as strategic partners, not just vendors. We take initiative to suggest improvements, propose solutions, and help accelerate your progress. If you’re looking for a development partner who cares about clarity, craft, and your success, we’d love to talk.