Merlino Software Agency

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of Trees Engineering, an engineering freelance marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Merlino Software Agency?

We needed a software company to develop a platform for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Merlino Software Agency developed our marketplace platform to connect engineering freelancers and clients. They added features that allow freelancers to create profiles and clients to input project requirements. 

Both types of users can find each other and chat within the platform. This interaction needs to be monitored by us, so we asked Merlino Software Agency for an admin side to modify and update our user interface and moderate interactions within the platform. 

They also helped us implement a matching system. When the client submits their requirements, an algorithm can match them with freelancers’ profiles. They integrated this functionality using Algolia. 

Another feature they included is CV autocompletion. When freelancers upload their CV as a file, the system automatically fills their online CV, and users have to review their information. Merlino Software Agency used AWS and MongoDB for the platform and incorporated payment functionalities using Fivestars. 

They've completed the MVP and provided support since then. Currently, we have a customer service solution with them.

What is the team composition?

We’re in touch with Romeo (Founder).

How did you come to work with Merlino Software Agency?

We met with many software companies, and someone introduced us to Romeo. I liked his approach because he was up to date with the latest technologies. He also knew what a marketplace was; he’d even used a marketplace before. The Merlino Software Agency team also seemed easygoing, professional, and open-minded.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent almost 50,000 Malaysian ringgit (approximately $11,900 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re very happy with the platform Merlino Software Agency built. Their solution works, and when we use it, we see what we envisioned when we set out to create it. Our customers are also happy with how fast and convenient the platform is. 

Before working with Merlino Software Agency, we’d hired a previous company to develop a quick website, and it was a mess. Now, we really see an improvement in Merlino Software Agency’s high-quality product. This platform is our first project, so we still have a lot to implement and add; their team is always super open when we come to them with ideas, and they also propose their own. 

How did Merlino Software Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is excellent. We use WhatsApp for day-to-day communication, which is very convenient because we’re in different countries. Every week we organize one or two video call meetings, as well. They’re always available when we have a problem, and they respond fast.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They know what they’re talking about and show genuine interest in our project. Merlino Software Agency implemented many great features just as we imagined them. They always bring good ideas to the table — they’re proactive and open-minded. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there isn’t anything I can think of. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be confident and do not hesitate to tell Merlino Software Agency exactly what you’re looking for. Also, inform them of your knowledge level regarding software development. You can’t think of good ideas if you don’t know what’s possible. If you’re completely honest with Merlino Software Agency about your background, they can help you learn.

At the beginning of our project, I told them I knew nothing about digital and needed their help. We had ideas back then, but we were never sure if they were possible or not. Now, their team explains everything they do, helping me improve my platform.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-founder of a B2B marketplace based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We operate in Southeast Asian countries, which include the Philippines and Singapore. We connect companies with providers, especially food providers so that companies can easily order food in big quantities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Merlino Software Agency?

We needed a platform that could allow customers to connect with merchants, see the reviews for a specific merchant’s product or services, and place orders for that product. We also wanted this platform to enable merchants to see their product orders along with statistics and reports. For this, we hired Merlino Software.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Merlino Software was tasked with building everything from scratch. The development was two-fold in that they created one side of the platform for customers only. There, users could browse through all of the available merchants and products. On the other side of that is a merchant-only platform where vendors could see orders and change their menus or product listings. The team also developed a database where we, as administrators, could look after the number of sign-ups and manage customer data.

Merlino Software used JavaScript, Angular, and Node.js. We typically start every phase of development with a discussion, after which they will build out a mock-up. They took care of the UI/UX of the platform as well.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the founder of Merlino Software and a developer. There were other developers on the project, but they worked remotely so I never met all of them.

How did you come to work with Merlino Software Agency?

We found them through a referral. We decided to go with them because they were always available. Other agencies were a bit slow to respond. We also felt that Merlino Software’s pricing was good value for our money, so we set out from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $150,000–$200,000 per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in April 2018, and we finished the project in April 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to the platform, we managed to work with more merchants, and customers were able to order by themselves. In two years’ time, we grew 10 times, and I would partly attribute this growth to the technology developed by Merlino Software.

How did Merlino Software Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

Melino Software was good at meeting deadlines. We had some issues at the beginning regarding their speed as we were going back and forth quite a bit, but we eventually fixed everything. We used Slack to communicate, and their team used tools like Jira to manage the project internally.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They work like a proper agency, and they are very fast. There isn’t a lot of politics either because they are a young company. It was a good decision to engage them for a new project because they are very flexible. Their services provide a good middle ground between building your own team and hiring an expensive massive company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could suggest more ideas to the client, but this is just my personal preference. I think they would benefit from having a business consultant in their team. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them and be very clear about what you want. Do some market research beforehand because Merlino Software will execute everything very quickly and efficiently. It is a bit like building a house; you need to have everything set before you can engage with the team. You can’t just change things every hour.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of OneFood, a food delivery company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Merlino Software Agency?

We were using Shopify to host our services, but we got to a point where we needed a tailor-made solution. We needed some IT experts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Merlino developed our iOS and Android app, as well as our e-commerce site. We did a proof of concept together at the beginning of the project, which was terrific to have. They also built the admin platform to manage all the orders, customers, payments, and invoices. Additionally, they did the UI/UX for mobile and website, and they continually help us improve our platforms.

What is the team composition?

We’re in contact with the project manager.

How did you come to work with Merlino Software Agency?

We found them online. Their website was super cool, so we contacted them and told them we needed a website like theirs. They spoke Italian, which was good for me because my English isn’t that good.

Merlino made a proposal where everything was super clear and straightforward. The thing that convinced us to go with them was that they thoroughly described what they’d make every hour and were super clear about the prices.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent €100,000 (approximately $112,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2020, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since the mobile app launch, we’ve had more than 1,000 subscribers, and it continues to grow. It’s a great product, and the users are satisfied. We’ve had bugs, but they’ve been quick to resolve that.

Also, they’re great at design — the website and apps are beautiful. They’ve done an excellent job, and they’ve been highly professional. Our website is super fast because they use the latest technologies available in the market.

How did Merlino Software Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication is excellent. They stick to the schedule and send us reports every day. Moreover, they’re very supportive. If we want something, we just write to the person in charge of the project, and she answers every day — even on the weekends.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Merlino uses the latest technologies in the market, and they’re able to deliver whatever their customer needs. They’re flexible, and the team is young, so they’re brilliant.

Moreover, my major problem with IT companies has always been the price and that they weren’t clear with me. However, this hasn’t been the case with Merlino. They always deliver on time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with them; you won’t lose money and you’ll save time.