BACKGROUND
Can you please provide a brief description of your company and the role that you play there?
The app is for my cosmetics company called HS Cosmetics, and I’m the CEO.
What is the name of your application and what is its main purpose?
The app is also named HS Cosmetics, and the purpose of the app is to help display important information about my company. The second main purpose is to complete purchases and checkout. We’ve been able to integrate options to help our users process payments directly from the app.
Please describe your role in the initial app development process and your current engagement with app development or content updates?
I founded HS Cosmetics, and I knew exactly what kind of app I wanted to develop. I was looking for software that could help me to implement my ideas easily with drag-and-drop functionality. I served more of an app architect role and utilized Appy Pie’s programmers when needed. I was involved in the whole development process from head to toe.
How would you describe your app development skill level, such as beginner, some coding experience, expert, …?
I have coding experience, but for this particular app I took more of an architect role and utilized Appy Pie’s programmers for any detailed development I needed for my app.
OPPORTUNITY/CHALLENGE
What was the business challenge your company was facing that incited the need for a mobile application, and what was the business goal that you were hoping to accomplish?
Today, everything is about mobile, more specifically about mobile apps and mobile commerce. I wanted my app to display information about my cosmetics, but also needed to process payments. People can now order products and pay for them directly through the app. Our last goal was to access all of the social media platforms through our app. We have been able to integrate features to reach Facebook and Twitter.
What app platforms did you want to build an app for? Did it matter to your business whether the app was a hybrid or native app?
I had a very clear vision with this app. My goal was to have the app available for every smartphone in the U.S. market, and Appy Pie delivered that. For each platform, we were able to develop a hybrid app that adhered to each platform’s guidelines and specific coding requirements.
SOLUTION
Did your company have a formal selection process for deciding on a mobile app development software? Was your company considering other software or possibly a mobile app development service provider?
I did thorough research and looked through a list of top app development software. I had a clear goal of what I wanted accomplished, so it was easier for me to go through the selection process. I compared their strengths and weaknesses. I thought Appy Pie’s software was best tailored to what I needed.
Did you initially begin with the software’s free version or trial period? What pricing plan does your company currently utilize? Are there any plans to change?
I tried the free version but never launched the app that I built there. I utilized the free version to see what features Appy Pie had available. I played around with the software, and I liked it. The free version allows access to the database and the features they provide for their customers. I called to ask questions of the support team, and I was happy with the answers. Through the combination of the free trial and answers from the support team, I decided to go with the premium version. I’m a very technically savvy person, so I felt confident about my decision to go with Appy Pie.
When was the application published? Is the app still available in app stores?
The app has been published to Google Play and Amazon. It is currently under review by Apple.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any success, metrics, or results of your application since publication?
We just launched not too long ago so I really can’t give you numbers. I am going to be working with a company who publishes app reviews, to get more exposure. I haven’t done that yet because the iPhone version isn’t ready yet.
Overall, how satisfied are you with the usability of the app development software. Is there any general user feedback that you can share?
The responses I’m getting back from the people that have used it is that they really like the app and the idea.
Can you speak to the available development tools, such as templates and drag and drop? Were they intuitive and easy to use?
Yes. They were great. The drag-and-drop tool is great. You don’t need any coding experience or instructions. It explains itself.
Does your app utilize any of the location-based services? Are you satisfied with their functionality?
Yes. It has GPS functionality, I’ve tested it on Android and iPad, but I don’t want it to collect too much personal information as per our privacy policy. For people that like to use GPS functionality, it’s great.
Can you please speak to the content management system, how do you upload new data or make changes? Have you found the process simple and accessible?
Yes. It is very accessible.
Are you satisfied with the social media, push notifications, and gamification integration options available?
Yes. The social media part is great. I didn’t use any gamification integration options, so I can’t speak to that functionality.
Does your app utilize any monetization features? Are you satisfied with the options available?
Yes. Very much. Appy Pie helped me to develop a secure method for our mobile shopping cart. Users are able to process payments whether they have a strong or weak signal.
Were there any specific features related to your industry vertical that were a necessity to your finished mobile application?
For this app there were three key things that I wanted for my app. First is the shopping cart, second a coupon code, and the third thing is having access to all of the social media platforms. They gave me exactly what I was looking for.
Have you found it necessary to consult any of the company’s available support resources? If so, which ones? Was the support useful and accessible?
If I had any questions I could use the Appy Pie website to chat with their customer service team. If they couldn’t answer my question directly, they would send me to the developers who were more technically savvy and would easily answer my question.
Looking back on the development process, were there any software features and tools that you were really impressed by that potential buyers should be aware of?
One of the things that really matters, and that separates Appy Pie apart from the rest of the technology companies, is its customer service. It shows in their attitude and effort. Appy Pie works very hard to make sure there are no technical errors present in the final product. Appy Pie helped me accomplish my goal. Their customer service and technical support are phenomenal.
Were there any areas of the software that you felt were not intuitive or that you feel could be improved upon?
I would suggest Appy Pie develop another version with a larger focus on mobile commerce. The resolution for product images could be better and the design overall should be more editable.
We have a few quick questions and, for each question, we ask you to rate the software on a scale of one to five, with five being the best. What would you give the software for ease of use in the development process?
Five.
What would you give the software for quality of features available?
Five.
For support, as in responsiveness, communication, and resources available?
Five.
For cost, as in value for your money and the time dedicated to development?
Five.
For overall usability and satisfaction with the software?
Five.
How likely are you to recommend the software to a colleague?
Five. Highly recommended.