Code Brew Labs

BACKGROUND

Naseeb is an app developed by Seven Islands Holding Company Inc. that addresses the needs of South Asian singles who want the convenience of swipe dating with the comprehensiveness of full profiles and backgrounds. Seven Islands has also developed the social discovery app PingMe, which is currently available for iOS. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Chicago.

As the Chief Executive Officer, I am responsible for the business development of the company and designing and envisioning the apps that they wish to build and distribute. As Chief Technology Officer, David is responsible for the technical backend maintenance of the apps, ensuring they run smoothly with no hiccups in the user experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

We came up with the idea for Naseeb after seeing the success of apps like Tinder and Bumble, but realizing there wasn't much for the South Asian dating scene. While a niche, it is still a huge industry that generates millions of dollars in revenue every year. While there is one other app currently out there, we differentiated ourselves properly and Code Brew helped us build exactly what we wanted.

SOLUTION

We found Code Brew on Upwork.com, and after a thorough interview, we decided they would be the best to help us meet our goals on budget and on time. We considered a couple others but Code Brew was able to talk to us, not just by answering our questions, but offering a thorough strategy through and through. We asked them to help us with design through building the apps for iOS and Android, along with building out the backend. All of this was achieved in about 3 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Overall Code Brew gave us what we wanted, albeit slightly over budget. They stayed on schedule most of the time, and were thorough in their responses. We asked for a bit on the marketing end, and while they helped generate reviews for our Android app, they weren't able to help out much in terms of getting us press as we had initially talked about. Most of the responses were prompt but from time to time, there would be a drop off in communication. Overall the work was well done and I would potentially use them again and refer them.

BACKGROUND

We are a mobile app management company of four that had developed an idea for a mobile application that is geared towards adolescents and young adults. We are based out of New York with the intentions of expanding our idea internationally.

I am a Co-Chief Executive Officer. I work together with the other three founders in managing our marketing, idea generation, interns and communication with third parties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

We had an idea for a mobile application. It was a photo sharing application that combined messaging with timed delivery and collaboration. We had planned to target young adults that were heavily involved in photo taking/sharing and social media.

In order to create this app we needed professionals with experience in mobile app development. That is when we went searching for coders and stumbled upon Code Brew Labs. We were in need of a development team that did both design and back end coding.

SOLUTION

We found Code Brew Labs using an online platform that matched service providers with clients looking for assistance with specific types of projects. In our case the project consisted of developing and designing a mobile application. When looking through different providers we noticed that some only offered solutions in design, and others in coding. What was great about Code Brew Labs was that they offered both under one roof. Also, what set them apart from other options was their portfolio of previous work. Having looked at their completed projects, we were very impressed with their quality of work and potential.

The project took approximately 3-4 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

We were extremely pleased with the services provided by Code Brew Labs. They worked diligently through our project and allowed for quick turnaround on deliverables. Whenever we needed something changed, or even changed our own minds throughout the project, their coders/designers quickly adapted to our needs. Having the coders and designers work together under one roof allowed for the most efficient collaboration. Communication is key between those creating the code and those working on wireframes because a change on one side will always result in a change on the other. Having everyone on the same page allows for smooth transitions.

Despite having the luxury of working with quality coders and designers, and receiving quick turnaround, costs were extremely reasonable and we did not feel as if we were over or underpaying by any means. No aspects of the scope were left unfinished and we were very pleased with the results.

Also, the individuals at code brew made themselves available at all times to discuss new project initiatives and ideas. They also offered consulting when it came to some decision making, which was a great resource to have throughout the project.

BACKGROUND

My company is in the startup phase. We are located in Montreal, Canada and are currently a 3-person team. We are building a new schedule-based social network across 3 different platforms, iOS, Android and web app. Our target market currently includes native english speaking college and university level students world-wide.

I am the co-founder and CEO. I am responsible for many tasks, such as the strategy, organization/delegation, hiring, human resources, finances, fund-raising, marketing and even some quality assurance testing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

The challenge we were trying to address included building a top-quality, native iOS application using the latest technology in order to give our target market with iOS-based smartphones access to our social network in their preferred app format.

We decided that there was a high importance in building an iOS application to complement our apps on other platforms due to the expected increase in user experience and the increase of access for our target market.

The iOS app we wanted was somewhat complicated to develop in terms of the sheer amount of functionality and different ways of performing key functions. Our requirements document was dozens of pages long, to serve as an indicator of the complexity of our sought-after app.

SOLUTION

We discovered Code Brew Labs through an online services marketplace. I personally am usually skeptical of online reviews, whether it be for a personal product, service, or a big business service. I took it upon myself to conduct self-verified reference checks based on the company's past clients (which were communicated to me through their page and by the representative). After conducting my complete reference checks with past clients (by contacting the company's team) I was excitedly able to say that each of those apps and relevant companies are verified past/current clients, but also each and every one of the firms I spoke with gave a helpful positive review of Code Brew. This was unlike other companies or individuals I reference checked who offered similar services and lied about past clients and achievements. This made it clear for me that Code Brew was the best choice.

Not only did I reference check with the past clients, I also made sure to test the apps which were supposedly developed by Code Brew, and they worked very well.

Also setting them apart from other firms which we considered, their high-level English language skills and their very fast communication speeds were great.

For our project, the iOS app was built with native functionality in mind, using Objective-C. It initially revolved completely around development of an iOS app. They contributed some design elements which were well-received. Now that the app has been completed, the project has changed to more of a support role until further development is assigned.

The service provider managed their resources (employees) in order to find the most suitable team members for the project and assigned them to us, which we then gave access to our project management program. From there, we used the inherent organizational capabilities of issue management features as well as chat, email and the occasional Skype call to sort out the work. The project lasted 5 months, and is on an ongoing basis due to their great work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

We can assume an improved customer satisfaction due to our initiatives with Code Brew, which will give iOS smartphone users access to a high-quality app. We have not yet launched publically, which makes this an assumption. This will also allow us to capture some of the iOS-based market share once launched.

The project was fixed price, but we still allocated some bonuses for the firm and individual team members due to dedication.

The schedule was not met due to a miscalculation in the estimated time to complete the project, on our part. We are most likely to be blamed for the project running over the deadline. Despite the schedule, the scope was definitely covered and beyond.

Code Brew is unique in that despite there being a negative sterotype about software development performed in India, their company does not adhere to this stereotype, at all. They did great work for us at very competitive prices. Their communication was great.

Code Brew Labs is the real deal; a true 5-star service provider and they truly deserve the praise.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We're a tech company creating mobile apps.

What is your position?

Founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Code Brew Labs?

We were trying to improve the way we create and develop mobile apps – we wanted something a little more technical yet still on a budget. The specific app we wanted to develop in this case is a lock-screen app for mobile devices.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

They were responsible for a website, web portal, and the Android app. They did both the front end and the back-end for that.

How did you come to work with Code Brew Labs?

There were a few other companies we looked at. We tested the market to see who responds back. You could tell the engagement level right away by how they respond to questions. Code Brew Labs was very responsible and knowledgeable. When we were discussing the project, they were bouncing ideas back to me about how to improve it – giving me warnings of what we should and shouldn't do. I could tell they were thinking long term about the project. They brought up questions that made us realize they didn't just want to build something and potentially run into problems later. We did a test version with them, and they did a good job so we gave them bigger projects.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

Just one project is in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.

What is the status of this engagement?

It's been two years since we started with them. It's ongoing work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What distinguishes Code Brew Labs from other providers?

What impressed me was that Code Brew Labs was able to do stuff that a lot of other companies couldn't do. We recruited in the States, too, and some of the apps we were creating, they weren't able to do that. I was thinking maybe this app wasn't possible to build, but when I brought it to Code Brew Labs, they knew how to do it, and they did a good job. They're really timely, have very good communication, [and give me] updates every day. They are available to chat when we need them to. They're pretty good all around. They could build everything but I'm a little picky on certain things. I outsource certain parts of the design to my friends. Overall, they did the project and did it well.

In hindsight, are there areas in which they could improve, or things you might do differently?

The only frustrations we've had is if they have a holiday or something like that. They did great working with our time zone. I know sometimes it's 3 a.m. for them, and they're trying to finish because there's a bug out and they need to fix it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We build private social networks for large entities.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am the founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Code Brew Labs?

We worked with them in the past on building custom app development. Now they're supporting us in some of the strategic initiatives.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

It's all custom app development work on major long-term projects.

What was your process for selecting Code Brew Labs?

We looked at multiple providers and went through an extensive process. It was a fundamentally different type of project that we wanted them for. We used Code Brew because we felt they understood the vision as well as the complexity needed to lift it.

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative?

It was from $10,000 to $50,000.

When was the work completed?

It's ongoing. We've been working with them for one and a half years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics on the project?

I'll use statistics for our events vertical. Three out of five people use Scoop over Twitter at South by Southwest this year.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

Yes. We've really worked on some of our communications to the point where they're very well optimized today.

What differentiates Code Brew Labs from other partners?

I think it's their passion. I think Code Brew is passionate enough about what we're doing and really wants to help grow and support that. I think that's why our relationship has lasted as long as it has and continues to do so. Beyond the monetary benefits, I think it's the passion that drives this team forward.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

I would be very clear and articulate on what is expected on what the outlines or wireframes of the project are and where you see this evolving. If you wish to sign onto Code Brew just for a time-based job, then that's fine but I believe their secret to success really lies in long-term relationships with their clients. I think you need a level set where you want this to evolve to where they can really help you.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

We really worked on our communications with them. In the beginning, it was a little slow and the lines of communication were not clearly identified but I think it's a process on both sides to get to that optimum place.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are a startup that has invented two new products. We got into the technology business four years ago. We are registered in Brooklyn, New York. It's a safety app. It alerts users within footage of emergencies, such as gunshots, fire, and carbon monoxide alerts. It also tells you when you are within footage of a sex offender. The application alerts users where offenders reside and a picture of them pops up in the app. This offers users awareness of their surroundings.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I'm the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Code Brew Labs?

We wanted to make a mobile app.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

I came up with ideas, and they told me what is possible and what is not. They came up with unique ideas of what we can do. I always say there's nothing impossible. You just need to try. They put a lot of time and effort into this product, and their top managers helped execute this application. It's for iOS and Android.

What was your process for selecting Code Brew Labs with which to work?

I had someone working on this about three years ago, and I was cheated by them. I started searching on oDesk, and I came across Code Brew Labs. I started the project and everything worked out great. We're on our way.

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative in dollar terms or a personnel work hour figure?

It started at $10,000, and it's more than $50,000 at this time. The next phase is going to be something like $105,000

When was the work completed?

The first phase is complete, and I continue to add different phases. We're entering a different phase now, and we'll go into another phase in a week or two that is a completely different product that is associated with security as well. They started a game for me, and that is in production now.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

I don't have real stats yet because the app just launched, but we need to market it and get it reviewed to attract users.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

The results are great. About 90 percent of the time, they were on time or delivered before the deadline. There was only one instance when we had problems with part of the system, so we had to go back and change some things, and they did that in a couple of days. 

I was very satisfied with their performance and their work, and the respect that they gave me as a client was very appreciated. I've been in business for 45 years and very seldom do I come across people like them who actually do what they say they're going to do. Most people try to take advantage of you. They're on top of the game, and they did business the right way. I wish I had met them when I first started this project.

Is there anything unique or special about Code Brew Labs that really makes them stand out compared to other business partners?

When you call them, they would respond within seconds. They almost always answer the phone at all hours. If I said something that they couldn't understand, they politely asked to have it explained a different way. We were endorsed by the government of New York. The product is doing great.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

I would tell them to hire the right crew. Usually when you hire overseas, you deal with one person, and they would pretend to have a fleet of people. I know there's 10 to 20 employees working with Code Brew. There is nothing negative that I can say about them.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

I wish they were close to me then I could sit down with them. Communication is a lot better. Sometimes, a typo is made or a misunderstanding. However, it's corrected right away at no additional cost. I like that. That was very professional of them. I wouldn't change anything. I would prefer to be there with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager of MH Connect

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Delivery Service

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Brew Labs to accomplish?

• Apps

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Brew Labs?

Online Search

Why did you select Code Brew Labs over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Code Brew Labs were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

1. Development and ongoing support for our mobile app and website
2. Backend improvements to streamline order tracking, dispatch and driver management
3. Troubleshooting and fixing technical issues as they came up
4. General technical consulting to help us scale our operations more efficiently

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

met all project milestones on time 

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

Their project management was excellent from start to finish. They consistently delivered on time, kept us updated at every stage, and were always quick to respond whenever we had questions or needed something adjusted. Anytime an issue came up, they addressed it promptly without us having to follow up repeatedly. Communication was clear and professional throughout, which made the whole process smooth and stress free. 

What was your primary form of communication with Code Brew Labs?

Virtual Meeting

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

What stands out most is how genuinely invested they are in our success, not just delivering tasks. They take the time to understand our business and think ahead about what we will actually need, rather than just executing requests. Their responsiveness and reliabiliy are hard to find - they treat our business like it matters to them too

Are there any areas for improvement or something Code Brew Labs could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Sigmaintel

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Medgula is in the business of selling medical devices globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Brew Labs to accomplish?

• Developing a Marketplace application

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Brew Labs?

Online Search

Why did you select Code Brew Labs over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Code Brew Labs were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Goal of the project is to develop a global marketplace for medical devices. 

A platform for buyers and sellers to add devices and search for devices. Also platform enables communication between users of the marketplace. 

The marketplace is designed to add devices from various categories of medical field. Buyers and Sellers have a good platform to search, add and manage medical devices.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Able to reach all the goals of the marketplace.

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

Team is very effective in planning, communicating and executing the projects.

They are always ready hold virtual meetings and gather the requirements.

Very responsive and talented.

What was your primary form of communication with Code Brew Labs?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We had easy interactions, and they always met the goals.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Code Brew Labs could have done differently?

Time Zones posed a problem sometimes.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Tranzit

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Tranzit is an eHailing service based in South Africa.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Brew Labs to accomplish?

•  On demand taxi service.

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Brew Labs?

Online Search

Why did you select Code Brew Labs over others?

Pricing fit our budget

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

Full-Stack tech development.
What was the team composition?
 6 Developers and a Project Manager.
 How did you come to work with this vendor?
Recommended to me.

How much have you invested in them?

 $10,000

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our relationship started as good, then there was a break in communication and now we are in a good space. Our project is functioning now.
How did their team perform from a project management standpoint?

Very accommodating.

What was your primary form of communication with Code Brew Labs?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication is key.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Code Brew Labs could have done differently?

Timeline management.
What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?
 Manage communication and delivery timelines.

UPDATED REVIEW

Arnold Mhlamvu
Director, TranzitInformation technology

South Africa

1-10

Apr 2021 - Jun 2021

Less than $10,000

Verified

Project summary
Code Brew Labs was hired by a technology company to provide a white-label solution for e-hailing. The team was responsible for developing a website and mobile app in 6-8 weeks.

Feedback summary
After four years of engagement with the client, Code Brew Labs failed to deliver a functional website and mobile applications. The team refused to refund the client's payment and offered ready-made solutions. Code Brew Labs communicated via email and virtual meetings.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Tranzit

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Technology 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Brew Labs to accomplish?

• Whitelabel Solution

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Brew Labs?

Online Search

Why did you select Code Brew Labs over others?

Pricing fit our budget

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

Code Brew Labs was to deliver a Whitelabel solution for eHailing in 6-8 weeks, it's been 4 years with no working product and refusing to refund me the $8000 I paid them instead they want me to buy another product from them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team delivered non-functioning websites and mobile apps.

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

It's been 4 years and never delivered a working solution when they had initially stated they word deliver in 6-8 weeks.

What was your primary form of communication with Code Brew Labs?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Ready Made Solutions UI Design.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Code Brew Labs could have done differently?

Delivered on their promise or refund me in full.
Overall rating:    0.5
Worse experience ever.

Quality:    0.5
Never delivered what was promised.

Cost:    0.5
Totally wasted our funds with Code Brew.

Schedule:  0.5   
It’s been 4 years and never delivered a working solution.

Willing to refer:    1.0
I’ll never make that mistake.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project Manager of corenet technology

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

CoreNet Technologies is a technology company providing digital and fintech solutions. For this project, we are developing ShifaCare, a telemedicine platform designed to connect patients with doctors and provide digital healthcare services, including online consultations, appointment booking, video consultations, prescriptions, payments, and other healthcare-related services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Brew Labs to accomplish?

• We hired Code Brew Labs to design and develop ShifaCare, a complete telemedicine platform. Our main objective was to create a user-friendly and scalable solution for patients and doctors, including appointment booking, doctor management, video consultations, online payments, prescriptions, notifications, and administrative management. We also required both English and Arabic support and a smooth experience across the platform.

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Brew Labs?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Code Brew Labs over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Code Brew Labs were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The scope of work covered the end-to-end design and development of the ShifaCare telemedicine platform, including patient and doctor applications, an admin panel, and backend development. Key deliverables included user registration and profile management, doctor onboarding and management, appointment scheduling, video consultations and chat, prescription management, online payments, notifications, support features, reports, and role-based administration. The project also included English and Arabic support, UI/UX design, third-party integrations, testing, deployment assistance, and ongoing improvements based on our feedback and requirements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has shown strong progress, with the major patient, doctor, admin, appointment, consultation, payment, and communication modules successfully developed and integrated*. Key features such as video consultations, chat, social login, notifications, and administrative workflows have also been implemented. Regular testing and review cycles have helped us track progress, identify improvements, and refine the platform based on our feedback. Overall, the project has progressed well toward a complete and launch-ready telemedicine solution. 

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

Their project management has been well organized and professional. The team maintained regular communication, shared progress updates, and was responsive to our feedback and changing requirements. Deliverables were generally handled according to the agreed timelines, and whenever we raised issues or requested improvements, the team responded positively and worked with us to address them. Our project manager, Shivam, has been supportive in coordinating between our team and the development team throughout the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Code Brew Labs?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed us most was their responsiveness and flexibility throughout the project. The team has been open to our feedback, quick to understand our requirements, and willing to make improvements whenever needed. Their ability to coordinate across design, development, integrations, and testing while maintaining clear communication has made the collaboration smooth and productive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Code Brew Labs could have done differently?

Overall, our experience has been positive. One area for improvement could be providing more proactive updates on timelines and upcoming dependencies, especially when third-party integrations or approvals are involved. This would help both teams plan ahead more effectively. However, the team has always been responsive and supportive whenever we raised any concerns.