Questions

How do I choose a software agency?

Short answer

Pick on evidence, not pitches: similar work they can show, the actual people who will build yours, how they handle scope changes, and a contract that gives you the code and accounts. Then start with a small, paid first step, such as a prototype, before you commit to the full build.

Last updated 2026-10-25

What to check

1Relevant case studies, ideally in your industry and at your scale, and references you can call.
2The named team: who designs, who builds, who leads, and how much of their time you get.
3Process: how often you see working software, how changes are priced, how quality is tested.
4Ownership: code, IP and accounts assigned to you.
5Security and compliance experience if your data is regulated.
6Overlap with your working hours and how communication works day to day.
7Pricing model and what is not included.

Run a small first step

A paid clickable prototype or a short discovery shows you how the agency thinks, communicates and delivers before the big contract. You keep the output either way.

At OceanLab the clickable prototype is the first step of every build. Our case studies show the product builds we have done for clients, by industry.

Tools

Check it for your case.

Frequently asked

Common follow-up questions.

Agency, freelancer or in-house?

An agency gives you a ready team and process, a freelancer suits a small well-defined job, and an in-house team suits long-term core work. Many companies mix them.

Does the cheapest quote win?

Compare what each quote includes and the team behind it. A low quote with vague scope often costs more by the end.

Should I send an RFP?

For larger or public-sector projects, yes. For smaller ones, a clear brief and a short call with each candidate is usually enough.

Keep reading

Planning a build? Talk it through.

OceanLab designs and builds production software. Tell us what you are planning and we will reply with how we would approach it.