F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a business developer and the manager of CarefulRemovals.co.uk.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with F5 Buddy?

I wanted to find a competent company for WordPress and PHP development in order to create a booking system and price calculator. This would serve as a resource for customers to review our prices in a more transparent system, and allow users to plan ahead. They could work out the cost of certain decisions before even deciding to use our services, or where they are moving to, within the U.K.

The biggest challenge was the form itself. It needed to be creative, short, simple, intuitive, and attractive to use.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

F5 Buddy developed my tool. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I also wanted the system to evolve. For any full-spec details, there might be a need to change something along the way, based on user response. Turning an idea into reality required doing things step by step, and changing frequently. This wasn’t so easy to do on a shoestring budget, but we got there in the end.

The form which I asked for started off as a system for integrating my business with those of partners. It was made to work in a similar way to a chain network. We initially thought it would be a call-to-action button, but, when I asked the opinion of one of F5 Buddy’s resources, they recommended making an all-page form, which made it easier for users. This changed our goals, and the cost of actually making it work properly was affected as well.

They seem to have a strong alliance with a graphic designer, who was able to deliver work which I could not say no to, and which was very close to what I wanted.

I spoke to their representative mainly through email and Skype. It was a good collaboration, and we got the job done.

How did you come to work with F5 Buddy?

In 2007, I was looking for reliable website programmers and designers to work with and found their CEO. Not only was the quality of the work produced by him quite good, it was much better than average for my budget. I was inclined to use him repeatedly since that time.

How much have you invested with F5 Buddy?

I haven’t been tracking expenses over time. I’ve simply paid F5 Buddy for the tasks I assigned them.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project was started in 2007 or 2008. It has not completely ended. I’ve given F5 Buddy more work to do.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The platform has made life easier for people, and I’ve found that customers are happier knowing that they can book our services themselves. It’s reassuring to receive a price based on the information entered, and sign on at their own convenience.

F5 Buddy has fulfilled my goal of making pricing transparent, and of making life easy for customers.

Because I got involved myself, although I’m not a programmer, I am inclined to blame myself for any bugs or issues which may have arisen. I will not be attempting to edit the code myself anymore, so I’m crossing my fingers that there won’t be any other issues.

How did F5 Buddy perform from a project management standpoint?

They promised that they would get the on-page form working over the weekend, and delivered. I’ve tested it, and it’s functional. In terms of deadlines, they’ve done a good job.

I like things to be more informal, casual. We typically start conversations over Skype, where I present tasks and give the go-ahead. If they wanted to formalize the work, they could send me a summary of the discussion over email. This would be a point of improvement, and I’m sure that F5 Buddy will pick it up.

What did you find most impressive about F5 Buddy?

Their CEO is a very experienced and competent programmer, so I’ve always preferred to have him involved in our work. He can make things happen, and I’ve always noticed the difference between him and the rest of the team.

Are there any areas F5 Buddy could improve?

I would encourage their principal to remain involved and maintain phone and online communication. Apart from this, they’ve understood my needs well and delivered excellent results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a full-service web design, web coding, programming, e-commerce, and affiliate marketing business. I started it 10 years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with F5 Buddy?

I was getting more clients than I could handle on my own and needed help. At the time, I couldn’t afford to hire somebody with a lot of experience within the state. F5 Buddy proved to me that they knew what they were doing, so I stayed with them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I started out as a designer and found out that I was better at coding than I was at designing, so I searched for a company that was better at design. I had too many projects and couldn’t handle it all on my own. F5 Buddy provided coding and programming expertise. They have experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

One of my favorite projects was a website that I built to sell an e-Book. I created a custom design and F5 Buddy helped tweak the design to make it look more professional. Then, they took my custom design and put it onto a WordPress framework, which is very difficult, all the while being very affordable as well. This was very impressive.

The e-commerce platform they did was a while ago, and I’m not using the site anymore because the product turned out to not be very long lasting. They built out a shopping cart style WordPress site; I believe it was with Magento. I acquired the traffic and the visitors, and once they made it through my sales funnel, they would add the product to the shopping cart that F5 built. They were able to connect all the merchanting and get everything set up with Magento on the backend.

We’ve worked on 35–40 projects together. I work with 2 resources from F5 but I know they have 3–4 people that help them.

How did you come to work with F5 Buddy?

I hired 5–10 different individual programmers and companies on oDesk to work on separate projects. F5 Buddy was one that stuck out amongst all of the ones that I worked with on other projects. I never contacted the other ones again and just stayed with F5 Buddy. Their speed, quality, and affordability are what sets them apart. They weren’t the cheapest, but they were definitely worth the price.

I asked for projects that they had worked on before and was impressed with the professional themes, layouts, design functionality, and the speed at which their web pages would load. They are always agreeable to any goals that I set for them, and if there’s an issue with a client, they’re flexible with any unforeseen costs that can arise. I can’t remember any time that I’ve told them something I want that they aren’t able to deliver.

We have found a good niche in building affiliate marketing websites for beginners and individuals looking to get into that field. I am tasking them with turning around multiple websites at a time, which they’ve been able to finish in under a week. The bigger projects are ongoing. Those are the ones that have a customer login and profile and a database attached to it, but we’re not currently developing a new system like that right now although we are maintaining current past websites.

How much have you invested with F5 Buddy?

I have invested between $15,000–$20,000 per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in 2011, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I’ve never felt like they overcharged me nor like I wasn’t getting value for my dollar. I get great value with them. There’s definitely no question in my mind that they have increased my profitability.

How did F5 Buddy perform from a project management standpoint?

They do a great job and have been agreeable to any goals that I’ve set. There have been a few times where they weren’t able to meet the exact deadline, but it was never for a project that was urgent. In these cases, they always let me know that it’s going to take more time and when it will be completed. My 2 contacts take my project briefs, ask any questions that they need clarification on, and they return the project to me. It’s pretty rare that they don’t meet the deadline. We communicate through Skype and we use Google Docs and Google Sheets to track progress on certain projects.

What did you find most impressive about F5 Buddy?

They’re very fast. Despite being overseas, they’re very available. I’m impressed with the lack of errors the projects have once I receive the project back from them. There are only a few tweaks that need to be made and they’re mostly cosmetic as far as alignment or design elements that I would like to change. As far as the programming and coding, though, it’s always been really clean and really fast. If something’s wrong because I didn’t communicate it clearly on the first run, I’ll explain a little bit more and then they’ll return exactly what I was looking for.

Are there any areas F5 Buddy could improve?

Sometimes, there’s miscommunication. We’re only texting, Skyping, or emailing. We don’t normally talk on the phone. If I don’t communicate clearly enough and they take me literally instead of maybe expanding on it or clarifying before they do the work, it can cause a problem. It’s always a quick fix though.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with F5 Buddy?

I would recommend being very clear and state the whole scope of the project from the start — be very detailed on exactly what’s needed. Send examples of other projects that you’ve been impressed with that you want to emulate or expand upon. That initial project brief is probably the most important part to get the project moving in the right direction the first time instead of going back and correcting things.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Content Strategist of theopenartproject

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

creative, collaborative strategy for kickass digital and offline experiences. we work as your in-house marketing team, which means understanding your product, designing it better to suit your target audience and making everything cost effective.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. to accomplish?

• To develop a User-Friendly E-Commerce Platform
• To Implement Advanced Features
• To develop a User-Friendly E-Commerce Platform

SOLUTION

How did you find F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd.?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. over others?

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

How many teammates from F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

The project with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. involved developing a user-friendly e-commerce platform, including wireframing, UI design, and core functionalities like product listings and payment processing. Key deliverables included a project plan, prototypes, a functional platform, integration documentation, a quality assurance report, and training materials for our team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The measurable outcomes from the project included:

• Increased User Engagement: Higher average session duration and pages per session.
• Improved Conversion Rates: Notable rise in user sign-ups and purchases.
• Faster Loading Times: Enhanced site performance and reduced bounce rates.
• High User Satisfaction: Positive feedback from user surveys regarding design and usability.
• Mobile Traffic Growth: Significant increase in mobile users post-launch.
• On-Time Delivery: All project milestones met as scheduled.
• Effective Training: High confidence levels among the team in managing the platform.

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

F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. showcased exceptional project management throughout our collaboration. They consistently delivered items on time, adhering to the agreed timelines and milestones.

• Their team maintained open communication, providing regular updates and seeking feedback at every stage. T
• hey were highly responsive to our needs, quickly addressing any questions or concerns that arose.
• This proactive approach fostered a collaborative environment, ensuring that adjustments could be made efficiently.

Overall, their professionalism and commitment to meeting our objectives greatly contributed to the project's success.

What was your primary form of communication with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Overall, their dedication to client satisfaction and attention to detail set them apart from other service providers.

Are there any areas for improvement or something F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. could have done differently?

While our experience with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. was largely positive.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and CEO of Nayya

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Nayya is on a mission to connect people's most important information, so they can thrive in their health and wealth.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. to accomplish?

• Ensure that the website design aligns with Nayya's vision and brand identity
• Develop features that allow users to easily access and manage important information related to health and wealth.
• Create an intuitive and engaging interface that enhances user experience

SOLUTION

How did you find F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd.?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The collaboration with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. involved several key components aimed at delivering a comprehensive web development solution for Nayya. Below is the detailed scope of work along with a summary of key deliverables

• Conduct initial meetings to understand business goals, target audience, and specific needs.
• Developed a project plan outlining timelines, milestones, and key deliverables.
• Create user personas based on target audience research.
• Developed wireframes and prototypes to visualize the layout and functionality of the website.
• Conduct usability testing to gather feedback and refine designs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The collaboration with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. yielded several measurable outcomes that demonstrated progress and success:

• User engagement increased significantly within the first three months after launch, as indicated by higher average session duration and pages per session.
• The website experienced a notable improvement in loading speed, which enhanced user experience and reduced bounce rates.
• Conversion rates for user sign-ups rose, indicating that the new design and functionalities effectively encouraged users to engage with the platform.
• User satisfaction surveys reflected a high satisfaction rate regarding the design and usability of the website.
• The mobile version of the website saw a substantial increase in mobile traffic, demonstrating the effectiveness of the responsive design.
• The website was launched on schedule, with no major issues reported during the launch week, showcasing effective project management and quality assurance.
• Post-training assessments revealed that most of the Nayya team felt confident in using the CMS, indicating successful knowledge transfer.

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

F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated effective project management throughout the collaboration, ensuring a smooth and organized process.

• Timely Delivery: They consistently delivered items on schedule, adhering to the established timelines. Key milestones were met without delays, which contributed to a successful project launch.
• Responsive Communication: The team maintained open lines of communication, promptly addressing any questions or concerns that arose. They were proactive in providing updates on progress, which kept all stakeholders informed.
• Adaptability to Needs: F5 Buddy showed flexibility in responding to our evolving needs. They welcomed feedback and made adjustments based on our insights, ensuring that the final product aligned with our vision.

What was your primary form of communication with F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed me most about F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. was their commitment to understanding our needs deeply. Their seamless communication, timely delivery, and flexibility in adapting to feedback set them apart. The team’s professionalism and ability to deliver a user-friendly, engaging design truly made them a standout partner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something F5 Buddy Pvt. Ltd. could have done differently?

They have done well.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of an SEO consultancy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

I am consultant

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire F5 Buddy to accomplish?

• Design website
• SEO projects

SOLUTION

How did you find F5 Buddy?

Referral

Why did you select F5 Buddy over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from F5 Buddy were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

I hired them to build out new designs for clients and develop websites. Once the website was live, they would work on search engine optimization.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered on time alt in organic ranking on Google.l website redesigns, and all clients saw improvement

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

Yes, all work was on time and were very responsive.

What was your primary form of communication with F5 Buddy?

Virtual Meeting

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

How fast and efficient they worked.

Are there any areas for improvement or something F5 Buddy could have done differently?

None. They are very affordable and professional.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for an online marketing agency as the project manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire F5 Buddy?

We hired F5 Buddy for web design projects.

What were your goals for this project?

To meet our client's requirements, which were around web design and development.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were referred by one of our contractors.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They handled multiple web projects, working on both the design and development in a timely manner.

What was the team composition?

They had over 10 members of their team working on our project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

This project saved a lot of time for our developers, allowing them to work on other projects.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

All the work was properly managed in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their excellent skills impressed me, as well as their ability to deliver on time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Frequent communication and updates on a regular basis would make them even better.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO and president of International DSM Group. We are authorized dealers of media and broadcast film equipment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire F5 Buddy?

We hired them to build an e-commerce website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were referred by a good friend and colleague.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They built and designed our e-commerce website, Shoplafa. They migrated product information from different websites to a single platform.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a designer, a frontend developer, a backend developer, a tester, and a data entry operator.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We’ve successfully accomplished our goal for this project.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was very smooth.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication skills were impressive. They listened closely to our problems and issues.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

Before a project starts, they should write and send a detailed action plan. This way, both parties could see the entire workflow and follow each step more smoothly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital Marketing Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire F5 Buddy?

All related to web dev for corp clients and e-commerce related websites

What were your goals for this project?

Quality & cost Effectiveness

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Did due diligence

Describe the project in detail.

Corp & e-commerce Website Development for various clients

What was the team composition?

5-7 Associates working on my projects

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

All websites are functional and working great

How effective was the project management?

Highly involved and kept the communication going to report the status

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are flexible, talented, and cost-effective. 

What tips or recommendations do you have?

I refer them all the time to my clients, friends, and family.