Briefly, what should you know?
The right software company doesn't just deliver code; manages uncertainty, explains technical decisions and ensures product sustainability.
Who is this guide for?
- Businesses looking to automate their manual processes
- Teams deciding between CRM and custom development
- Software company or managers evaluating offers
- Institutions that secure source code, SLA and data ownership
We prepared this guide based on Codeexia's project experience, official sources and real questions that are repeated in bid negotiations. It states the variable fees and technical conditions with its sources; We do not present project estimates as a final offer.
What criteria should I look for when choosing a software company? The right company; not only producing software, managing the process is the company. There are many companies that know how to code; However, the difference between project management, transparent communication, change management and quality of care is decisive in terms of both the duration, cost and outcome of the project.
The list of 15 items below is an evaluation framework that allows you to conduct your agency interviews in a single language.
1. Similar business portfolio
Has he done a project in your industry and with your complexity? Do they have products that can be seen live? Visibility of the portfolio and traces of maintenance (that it has been recently updated) are important.
2. Discovery and brief process
How many hours does he spend understanding the process before bidding? Is there a discovery workshop, brief form, workflow analysis study? The company that makes a bid without asking any questions is filling the scope with guesswork.
3. Contract and SLA
- Having the scope written down
- Excessive time schedule
- Right of revision
- Support and response times
- Source code and access rights
- Penal terms and obligations
4. Source code and access policy
Will your source code belong to you in the repo, or will it be on a server where you cannot see it? Request the access policy in writing. This clause ensures work with another company in the future.
5. Process transparency
Is there visibility through sprints, demo days, progress reports, project management tool (Jira, Asana, ClickUp, etc.)? Companies that avoid the "wait, we're doing it" answer generally operate healthily.
6. Team structure
Who will work on the project: project manager, backend/frontend/mobile developer, designer, QA, DevOps? A named team and the “we will collect from freelancer” approach are very different.
7. QA and testing process
What tests will be done before publication? Manual or automatic? What is the scope of browser matrix, load testing, security testing?
8. Safety standards
- HTTPS, token-based authentication
- KVKK/GDPR compliance
- Data encryption and backup policy
- OWASP Top 10 controls
9. Integration experience
Has it already integrated with the accounting, ERP, payment or third-party systems you use? The company that bids without looking at the API documentation may be underestimating the integration hours.
10. Maintenance and operation model
How will you work after the broadcast? Monthly hour package, ticket based or fixed SLA? What are the communication channels and response times?
11. Scalability plan
Can the company grow with you as the practice grows? Team capacity, architectural choice, and is it easy to add modules in the future? Don't make a choice without asking questions about three years from now.
12. Communication quality
The quality of questions, level of interest and signs of expertise in the first meeting are important for long-term communication. The clarity of the answers you receive during interviews will remain in the same pattern throughout the project.
13. Reference speech
Can you talk to one of their current customers? Even if the reference is positive, learning about the challenges encountered during the project gives the true picture.
14. Price–scope relationship
Don't assume the cheapest offer is the worst; However, if there is more than 50% difference between two offers within the same scope, the scopes are different. Special Software Prices 2026 And Website Prices 2026 Compare the offers item by item with our articles.
15. Red flags
- Scope is not written into the contract
- Source code delivery is unclear
- No demo/live project reference
- There is communication with only one person
- Vague answers like "It can be done, don't worry"
- Extremely low price + extremely short time
Practical advice
The cost of accepting the cheapest bid is often the total cost of having the project done a second time. Consider the 3–5 year cost of ownership when making your selection.
Frequently asked questions
What to look for in a portfolio?
Has it done similar work, is there a live product, are there signs of maintenance and development?
Which clauses in the contract are critical?
Scope, schedule, revision, source code, delivery, support and access rights.
Why is it risky to choose only the cheapest?
Process, quality, maintenance and rebuild costs cost more overall.
Sources and verification method
The following official sources were used for pricing, policies and technical requirements, which may vary. Project ranges are not proposals, but rather an editorial framework that facilitates comparison.
- OWASP — Application Security Verification Standard (access: 31 July 2026)
- KVKK - Personal Data Protection Authority (access: 31 July 2026)
- Google SRE — Service Level Objectives (access: 31 July 2026)
What does this information mean in your project?
Explain your need; Let's break down the required scope, the work that can be postponed, and the most logical next step.
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