App-Scoop

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and CMO of iPOLPO. We’re an app that sells photos by time and location worldwide. This kind of photo market is a completely new concept that doesn’t use albums or hashtags.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App-Scoop?

We had an iOS app but needed to find a reliable developer in our area to create the Android version.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our internal team developed a basic website for the app and we worked with another development firm to complete the iOS version. App-Scoop is developing the Android app by improving on the iOS model instead of just replicating it. They’re enhancing the UX by developing multiple design pages and suggesting we eliminate nonessential features like the Facebook login.

As a privately funded startup, we don’t have the obscenely large budgets of many of our competitors. As a result, we have to be selective in the types of app features we develop and are moving forward in stages. We’re in discussions with App-Scoop to have them revamp our website and iOS app once the Android project is complete.

What is the team composition?

Their CEO is our sole contact for the engagement.

How did you come to work with App-Scoop?

We started interviewing people, but it was difficult to find someone who could guarantee quality work. I went to a tech meetup and exchanged information with their CEO. Later, a colleague of mine recommended them completely independent of that experience. We reached out, got a quote, and discussed the scope of work. We found App-Scoop to be professional and decided to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $20,000–$25,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

This version hasn’t launched yet, but we have 10 professional photographers who’ve been testing it throughout development. They're incredibly excited about its functionalities and flexibility. It can be used by professional photographers with big cameras or more amateur enthusiasts who use their phones to take pictures. Each approach allows users to instantly sell time-sensitive photos based on location without having to negotiate through emails or type lengthy hashtags. App-Scoop is doing a great job melding the details together and creating an intuitive product. We’re incredibly satisfied with design and functionality.

How did App-Scoop perform from a project management standpoint?

Our lead contact is very thorough and responds to emails almost right away. He’s very involved in the process. They do development in India, but the CEO communicates and delivers the product to us. As a customer, we couldn’t be happier with the process, ease, and responsiveness of App-Scoop. We've had glitches along the way because the technology is unique and can’t just be lifted from another program and dropped into our development code. It's a lengthy process that requires more than just copy-and-pasting. They thoughtfully consider what’s been done on our website and translate it to Android.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m tremendously impressed with their professionalism. Based on my limited experience in the tech world, a lot of vendors loosely approach projects to a fault. We feared a developer would deplete our funds and ask for more with only half the project complete. That is not the case with App-Scoop. They’re professional and deliver according to schedules and budget. Additionally, they stand behind their word, which is invaluable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We noticed a few typos in the latest version, but they were easily catchable. Overall, they've done an excellent job for us and we're excited about the Android launch.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I founded Tnight, a mobile app solution for nightlife and venue managements. Users can: reserve a table, add themselves to the guest list, purchase bottles, and notify friends.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Scoop?

We had unreliable developers who consistently missed deadlines and raised prices erratically.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided wireframes and UI recommendations. They took those to restructure the backend and make it scalable for ongoing development. Although we suggest certain modifications, we ultimately follow their lead.

The team finished Phase 1 deliveries. We just started Phase 2, for which they’re developing new features as our sole content creators.

The app is live on iOS and Android. We also have an iPad venue management system that operates as a POS system.

What is the team composition?

We speak directly with the two founders.

How did you come to work with App Scoop?

We found them on Clutch. We wanted to work with a smaller team that would invest more time and effort with us as a boutique company.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $100,000 to date. The final budget is $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started October 2017 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Development has been nothing but bliss. They’ve exceeded expectations while erasing all previous issues; the team goes above and beyond.

Although we don’t have real metrics this early out of beta, increased capabilities are noticeable. The app is very reliable and has upgraded speed. Comments we previously received about crashes are now gone in user feedback. The first test event reported flawless functionality.

How did App Scoop perform from a project management standpoint?

They're lovely guys who are dedicated and hardworking. It’s exactly what we needed. They hit every target with minimal guidance. We speak weekly and chat daily via phone, email, and text. We’ve discusses other platforms, but these communication tools work well for our familiar relationship.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They usually deliver early and are able to make small adjustments within 30 minutes. It’s a huge relief to not worry about the development side anymore. We had lost all hope before hiring them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We’re completely thrilled with everything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Meet in person because they’re very passionate, which doesn’t always come through over the phone. They’re genuinely excited to achieve your goals and build a relationship.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I am a business and life coach and I also work in the real estate industry. My life coaching company is called AIM Coaching.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App-Scoop? 

I wanted to take a program that I had in the paper world and make it digital. People loved the program but didn’t like the big book they had to carry around. We decided it would be best to have the program available on the phone. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

App-Scoop created a real estate application and a life and vision board app that I created for my life coaching business. They were great and they had a very fast response and turnaround time. Whenever there were things that were being developed they were always in communication.

For the vision board application, I sat with them and talked about what I wanted. They set up the project files and they created the outline for me to show me what they were doing. The follow up went extremely well. The Android application was done first.

What is the team dynamic?

I never met the developers but did meet with two consultants that handled the project.

How did you come to work with App-Scoop?

We were referred to me by someone who was working with them.

How much have you invested with them?

Somewhere around $35,000 to $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in March 2016 and ended March 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We haven’t started promoting the application yet. We have hired a marketing company to promote the real estate platform. I am a broker-owner of three RE/MAX franchisees and all the clients and brokerages that are using the application are loving it. It is effective and simple to use.

The vision board has been launched and we have gotten 4,000 downloads and the reviews have been four out of five stars. The vision board even has the capability to download video and audio.

How did App-Scoop perform from a project management standpoint?

Whenever I would request a physical meeting, App-Scoop would meet with me. The meetings were set up to make sure that everything was on track. They would even meet me on Sundays. There was no miscommunication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I found their ability to listen to my specifications and delivering products that I wanted most impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Asking for more details, in the beginning, would have avoided a whole bunch of meetings after the initial discussion.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and CEO of Ambitionary. It’s a marketing network for people to find each other for collaboration on projects and ventures. For example, if you’re looking to open an ice cream truck business but don’t know the ins and outs of the business, you can go to my website and make a posting. You can share your idea and what you’re trying to accomplish. Then you find people you need for it. You can find somebody who has an ice cream truck, somebody who makes ice cream, and maybe a lawyer, accountant, advisor, or intern. You find the people you need to help you make it happen.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App-Scoop?

I am not a developer and so I needed someone to build my web app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I wanted basic functionalities. The app needed simple features like messaging, posting, and log-in capabilities. It was very basic. 

What is the team dynamic? 

I don’t know how many developers are working on the project, but the two founders are managing the project, Pav and Paul [Co-Founders, App-Scoop].

How did you come to work with App-Scoop?

I was introduced to them by a mutual friend. I’ve never worked with any other developers.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $10,000 and $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2017. The work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The project is taking longer than expected. We haven’t launched yet and so we don’t have any users yet. I gave App-Scoop feedback on their services and they are working on making appropriate changes.

How did App-Scoop perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very responsive. We communicate a few times every week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are really out there and present in the Vancouver startup community. They show up everywhere. Every time I go to an event, these guys are there. They really work hard.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re a young company. There are things they can improve, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of an it services company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Blockchain company to help brand launch their asset tokens and nfts's

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire App-Scoop to accomplish?

• Ability for brands to launch Asset Tokens

SOLUTION

How did you find App-Scoop?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select App-Scoop over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from App-Scoop were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Custom development to develop a Blockchain platform to help brands issue asset tokens and NFT's. Key Deliverables: 

1. Custom Smart Contracts 
2. System to manage metadata 
3. Ability to integrate web3 into the products 
4. Configure and setup royalties 
5. Ability to choose a Blockchain network

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Ability to hit the milestones in the given tight timelines

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project was delivered on time and within the budget provided. We had constant communication with the Project Manager assigned via slack and daily standups. Confluence and JIRA were used to document the tasks assigned.

What was your primary form of communication with App-Scoop?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Constant communication and documentation for all requirements. Ability to breakdown high level requirements into low level and using Agile methodology.

Are there any areas for improvement or something App-Scoop could have done differently?

Be clear about your expectations and requirements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Brand Manager of a supply chain, logistics, and transport company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Sustainable courier services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire App-Scoop to accomplish?

• Create mobile app for Novex delivery services

SOLUTION

How did you find App-Scoop?

• linkedin

Why did you select App-Scoop over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from App-Scoop were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Development of delivery app that includes a user portal and guest portal. Step by step ordering process which integrates with our custom courier software and includes secure payment through the app.

User Features: 

1. Account Management
2. Order Creation
3. Order Status
4. Payment
5. Get Invoice
6. Order Tracking
7. Order details
8. Address book Guest

Features:

1. Order creation
2. Local Device storage—order number
3. Email the invoice
4. Local device address book
5. Order Status/Tracking—Entering order number

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We're satisfied with the turn around time for tasks to be completed.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project Slack channel was created and App Scoop responded to messages in a timely manner. Periodic video calls were conducted at certain stages of the development.

What was your primary form of communication with App-Scoop?

• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Reasonable rates

Are there any areas for improvement or something App-Scoop could have done differently?

Not sure how it could be improved, but sometimes had trouble communicating with their lead developer due to a slight language barrier.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Product Manager at a tech startup

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App-Scoop, and what were your goals?

Appscoop staff supplemented our app development team by working closely with us as part of our scrum.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We interviewed a range of development companies and found Appscoop provided the services we needed at a reasonable rate.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

React Native, Expo

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A full stack developer and a UI designer assisted us as an on-demand part of our team during that period.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Appscoop personnel were knowledgeable and helped us complete a range of deliverables and tasks.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Management was responsive to feedback that we provided and tried to resolve issues raised.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are very flexible to provide the services in the way we needed at a reasonable price.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

The code quality is generally good, communication from some of the overseas dev could be better. My project needed firebase expertise, and at the time it wasn't an area they had alot of resources in.