Toptal

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of The American Turmeric Company. We grow turmeric in the US in the southern part of Georgia, where turmeric is a popular food supplement product. We sell it nationwide through both online and physical stores.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

Since we relied on customers who came to our website, we wanted to engage them better. For context, the usual reason they’d buy turmeric was because they had some health problems. Given that, we wanted to give them something more than just our FAQs. I didn’t want to only ask for their email and send them our newsletter. I wanted to do something to give them more meaningful information. As a result, we sought Toptal’s help to develop a platform where we could do that. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We turned to Toptal to see if they had a developer who could help us with our project. They found one based in Argentina and who was also a data scientist. I described what I wanted to do, which was to create a piece of software similar to ChatGPT. We’d like to train the software using peer-reviewed scientific articles. 

The platform should tell people information about how much turmeric they should take and how often they should do it based on their condition. Our goal was to give customers that information but not take 30–45 minutes with each person. 

Meanwhile, the developer said he’d had a similar experience to our project. From there, he did all the heavy lifting and built our own private version of ChatGPT. It was an encapsulated turmeric knowledge base. We continued feeding ChatGPT with scientific studies and statistical charts. It translated the information into layman’s terms, and we took the information and fed it into our own product. The more information we input, the more our product learned. 

Apart from scientific studies, we also fed the software with information about our own products. This way, customers could ask specific questions about our products in terms of the amount they should take and the frequency of intake. We also fed the program with turmeric recipes alongside the other things that customers usually asked us through email or phone. Users could follow up and ask more questions and clarifications to the program if necessary. The key technology we used was Python. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with one developer. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from May–July 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received the system that we dreamed about. I’d been in the programming and software business for a good part of my life, so I knew what developers could do — to deliver a product that was almost perfect right out of the box was amazing. Moreover, Toptal's developer did things that I didn’t think about from a technical standpoint since this concept was new. He truly made the program work. 

I was even worried about the potential problems related to large language models such as ChatGPT. For one, these models tended to “hallucinate,” which would happen if users kept asking the same thing over and over again. Since its job was to satisfy the user’s query, it would sometimes make things up. I had no idea how to solve that, but the developer knew exactly what to do. He used a tool called GuardRails. 

Overall, the quality of Toptal’s work was exactly what we wanted. This project was a leading-edge one, so it was hard to visualize it until we actually saw it. Fortunately, the developer did a truly great job. 

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

The Toptal developer met our deadline 20 minutes early, and the technical delivery was great. We did go back and made some changes, but they were only on the frontend. We only needed to put on a pretty face on a highly technical backend. To communicate, we used emails, phone calls, and Zoom meetings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Since this was a highly technical and leading-edge project and I hadn’t worked with Toptal before, I had some concerns about the entire engagement. However, the Toptal team made me comfortable from the start. They went out of their way to explain the entire process, including how the engagement worked, how payments were given, and how they found their talent pool. 

Overall, I was truly comfortable with them before, during, and after the project. I didn’t run into any situation where they didn’t tell me about something. Everything was structured, and everyone was professional but friendly. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Provide as much information as possible about what you need. The better Toptal understands your project, the better they can respond. Part of their job is to take what you tell them and search for individuals or organizations that can do what you want. 

Misinterpretation or miscommunication can happen along the way. Given that, the more upfront you can be about your needs, the better the engagement will be. Make sure you understand how everything is going to work so you can avoid experiencing any surprises. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and CTO of Uplink. I oversee everything technical about the company, including our internal processes and some external partnerships. Our company operates in the connectivity space; we’ve created a decentralized approach to connectivity in which we address problems related to operational efficiency. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

We use Toptal’s services mainly for discovery and software development. Our team has a huge deficit in terms of manpower and capacity to address technical challenges at the product level. Given that, Toptal helps us find good talent and work on our development and product discovery efforts. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve done several projects with Toptal, and they’ve helped us build the documentation of those projects. They’ve performed product discovery tasks and worked on our many specifications. Depending on our needs, they adjust their processes and methods of finding the most suitable talent or program for us. For one project, they’ve designed an entire product and technological architecture for us. They’ve also designed an app that we’ve been working on with our internal designer.

What is the team composition?

The team composition varies depending on the project. We’ve had as many as 10 people working on a project consisting of developers, technical managers, project managers, scrum masters, and others. They’ve also provided us with resources ranging from networkers to web developers and designers. In other words, they’ve contributed to the entire spectrum of our talent needs. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $150,000–$250,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership started in July 2022, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Working with Toptal is the only reason we’ve met so many timelines. We have many strict deadlines that we need to meet and technological challenges to overcome. That’s where Toptal makes a huge difference. They’ve had a positive impact on pretty much everything we do from conceptualization to deployment. 

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

Toptal has delivered everything on time and within budget. They’ve even delivered projects under budget several times. There’s one project where we’ve failed to meet our budget, but that’s our fault. 

Moreover, each resource they provide us can be highlighted in different areas. For instance, one of them is highly informative and makes sure we get what we need. He understands priorities well and addresses any emergency steps we need to take. Meanwhile, one of their project managers is one of the best managers that have worked with us. A network engineer has even traveled with us to a country where we have deployment tasks. 

In other words, we’ve developed a great relationship not only with Toptal’s management but also their resources. Many of them are truly great at what they do. They’re also transparent in terms of communication. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The best thing about Toptal’s approach is their versatility and the manner in which they listen to our problems and find the right way to help us. Moreover, they’re great at every stage of a project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The price is the only thing that makes us reconsider using their services because they’re more expensive than using our internal talent. However, they have excellent processes, communication, and resources, and these are all that we need. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Establish a relationship with Toptal’s account manager. That person will help you immensely and guide you through what they do and how they operate. Once you accomplish that, they’ll ensure you find the right people and processes to meet your deadlines. As soon as you understand how to navigate things with them and your account manager, they’re good to go. The manager will be the number one person to solve your problems and find what you need. 

Moreover, before you reach out to Toptal, prepare your project’s specifications in terms of what’s important. Since they’re an external team, they won’t understand your project at first. However, they’ll understand it after you onboard them. That necessitates some documentation from your side. 

For context, one project didn’t go so well because we lacked documentation. Even then, Toptal was brilliant. They helped us create the documentation and ran interviews with us to understand our requirements. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder, CEO, and president of a small business, Tailgator Technologies, Inc., that develops, manufactures, and markets bicycle safety products. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

I handled our finances for a few years, but once we started growing, I needed some rigor applied to our finances. Investors want to see our financials in a certain format, but I’m only familiar with QuickBooks and profit and loss statements. I knew I needed a more sophisticated approach until I hire more employees full-time.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we brought on a Toptal teammate to look at the last 2–3 years of our finances and put them into an easily understandable format. Toptal had me interview 2–4 candidates from around the world, and I selected one individual. Within the first couple weeks of the engagement, he provided me with recommendations.

The scope of the project has expanded to include marketing and business strategy consultation. I see Toptal’s teammate as my fractional CFO. He’s organized our finances and also helped me prepare for additional financing; he’s done financial analysis and forecasting and put together extensive spreadsheets to show what direction the company’s going. I bounce ideas off of him. He’s also helped me prepare an investment package, including pitch decks and other presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint, that I can present to angel investors and venture capital groups that Toptal’s identified. When I’ve written letters to funders, Toptal’s teammate has edited them.

Additionally, for bookkeeping services, such as putting together profit and loss statements, I’ve spoken to Toptal teammates; however, I haven’t decided if now is the right time to hire them. I’m also looking for digital marketing support. I’ve talked with a Toptal teammate who’s helping me find candidates.

What is the team composition?

I’ve dealt with one of their consultants, 2–3 customer service teammates, and another teammate that finds and recommends candidates.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $8,000 in total. The rate of their financial consultant is $230 per hour. Toptal has offered me other teammates whose rates are between $90–$150 per hour.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since June 2023.

How did you come to work with Toptal?

I came across Toptal through an ad on the internet and called them. I told them I was looking for an accountant, CFO, or similar position that could look at our books, put them together, and give us guidance. Everyone I talked to was smart, and they encouraged me to speak for a long time with the candidates they recommended. Their candidates seemed to have the knowledge and skills I needed and looked at business in the same way I did. We got along.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Toptal’s financial consultant has helped me come up with a top-notch pitch deck and financial forecast. Thanks to him, I have the strategy, materials, and contact information to speak with individual investors and venture capital groups that Toptal has identified. It’ll take a couple of months to nail down financing, but I feel confident and proud of the investment package.

The financial consultant I selected from Toptal has become a true partner who’s taken me beyond my original goals. If I wanted to hire a digital marketer based in San Francisco, it might cost $150,000 per year. Through Toptal, I could find a digital marketer that charges $100 per hour for 10 hours per week. The cash flow is much better with Toptal, and I get a high level of expertise. Everyone at Toptal is smart and sharp; they’re not cutting corners. I’d work with Toptal more if I had more money.

How did the company perform from a project management standpoint?

Toptal’s teammate gets things done when I tell him I need them by tomorrow or a certain day of the week. If anything, he’s had to make sure I complete my tasks on time. I talk with Toptal’s consultant teammate once or twice a week via phone calls, Zoom, or email. I have a 15–20-minute conversation with Maci (Account Specialist) once a week that doesn’t cost me anything. During the first month of the engagement, we had a more formal meeting schedule with project deadlines. Now, we’re moving through different stages more organically. Toptal has offered project management tools, but my style is more fluid.

I pay Toptal every two weeks when they bill me and summarize hours spent. I initially planned for the engagement to last 10–15 hours, and it’s gone on for multiple months because the scope has expanded. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Maci is great. She’s sharp and reassuring and keeps me on top of everything. She asks if there are any other services I need or any feedback I have for Toptal’s teammate that I work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Toptal provides great value, and they’re a good company. Some agencies don’t communicate with you, but Toptal is touching base with me all the time, and they care for me with kid gloves to make sure I’m getting exactly what I need. They’re also not afraid to disagree with me. I can always get in touch with them, and they stay on top of things. Toptal is a well-oiled machine.

All the teammates I’ve spoken with are skilled, talented, and personable. Toptal’s financial consultant is bright and extremely helpful, and his knowledge is so broad that I can consult with him about anything, and I don’t need to seek out other support. His extensive qualifications and competencies in finances, funding, and marketing channels are impressive. He has the expertise and background I need; he’s worked with companies engaged in what I’m doing. Working with him is great. It’s nice that he’s in the same time zone as I am.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we talk through everything.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Be precise in defining the nature of the work you need, including your budget, what you want accomplished, and your timeframe. You should also specify if you want a teammate based in the US or overseas and if you need a teammate at the CFO level or someone to prepare for venture capital meetings. That way, the candidates Toptal identifies will be close to your precise needs. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a portfolio manager for Bootstrap Europe. We're a venture debt fund focusing on investing in European ventures.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

We needed to hire an interim CFO who would be responsible for the finances, the cash management, and the treasury function. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Toptal aided us in our search for a CFO. Our company required a CFO to provide credibility and oversight of our finances. The ideal candidate would oversee the entire finance function, build a strong team, and ensure financial control. In addition, we were seeking someone who could supervise the creation of monthly and historical financial statements and guide the board on financial matters. They also needed to take a leading role in attracting investments. Toptal presented us with numerous candidates for our team to interview.

What is the team composition?

The account manager was my primary contact. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

We came across Toptal through a Google search.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged with Toptal between February–July 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Toptal was fantastic to work with. Finding someone was effortless, and having an account manager oversee the entire process was beneficial. Additionally, it was easy for me to see who they sourced and they set up interviews on a concise timeline. All of the candidates were excellent.  

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly communicated through email and phone calls. The billing and admin side of Toptal was straightforward.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team was highly professional. The process was swift and seamless, and collaborating with Toptal was easy. I won't hesitate to contact them if we have another need in the future.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish the rates were lower, but we prioritized quality and were willing to pay for it. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Although I have limited experience with other talent-sourcing agencies, I highly recommend Toptal for finding a CFO. My engagement with them was both straightforward and fruitful.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Melon, a cosmetic surgery marketplace. I help people learn about cosmetic surgeries and connect them with a surgeon.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

I enlisted the services of Toptal to assist me with adding a custom feature to my website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

For my project, I wanted to implement a function that allowed users to search for certain listings on my website. 

At first, I shared a specifications document with Toptal. They went through it with me, asked relevant questions to ensure clarity, and then delved into the technology stack and specific expertise I required for the contractor. The contractor needed experience with the Google Maps API because it was a geolocation search. Additionally, they needed experience with Webflow, the Webflow CMS, and standard web development technology like JavaScript and CSS.

Afterward, Toptal conducted a hiring process in which they sourced multiple candidates, pre-screened them, and arranged an interview between me and the potential hires. After conducting the interview, I gave my feedback on the candidates and ultimately selected a qualified developer for the position. I had a kickoff call with the developer, and they initiated work on my project. 

What is the team composition?

From the Toptal team, there were three people; Howard (SMB Sales Account Representative), Rafael (Director of Engineering), and Jinsu (SMB Account Manager). 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

I found them at the top of my Google search and recalled reading positive reviews about them on Reddit.

How much have you invested in them?

I spent $5,000 AUD (approximately $3,300 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them in June 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was very pleased with the contractor they recommended to me. He had excellent communication skills and patiently guided me through the code, which I found incredibly beneficial. He thoroughly explained how the function operated, and being tech-savvy, I could grasp his explanations entirely.

During testing, I noticed that they conducted most of the testing on their end, resulting in minimal communication before finishing the project.

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

I was impressed with how quickly the Toptal team finished the job. Since I'd already provided the specifications document and completed user acceptance testing, it was easy for the contractor to understand what was needed.

Throughout the entire project, the team was exceptionally helpful and friendly. They were easily accessible. Most of our communication took place via Google Meet and messaging through the Toptal platform.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Toptal stands out for its impressive pre-screening process that ensures the recruitment of top-tier talent. They gave me three candidates to interview, and all three were outstanding. The developer I chose got the job done the first time. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Toptal is quite expensive. My contractor was $110 USD per hour, but I was happy to pay that based on the quality of the work. 

There is room for improvement in their billing system. It's pretty inflexible, as one must commit to 20 or 40 hours a week or per hour. For specific projects, I only required between 20-40 hours per week, which they can accommodate, but it involves a lot of backend administrative work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It's beneficial to know precisely what you want to build with them. Having specifications beforehand makes the project more straightforward, and you'll save money because you'll have less back and forth with the contractor. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder and CEO of an AI consulting firm. We focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by harnessing AI and machine learning in the accounting, finance, education, and government sectors for sustainable growth and success. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

I sought the expertise of Toptal to help me find engineers that could develop a comprehensive business model and plan, consolidating my ideas into a coherent solution that would resonate with potential customers, investors, and other stakeholders.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

The members of the Toptal team integrated smoothly into the business operations while working remotely.

We began using LivePlan to develop the business plan framework and GPT technology to write the business plan. 

What is the team composition?

I have two main points of contact. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

I found Toptal through a Google search. I was looking for someone with digital transformation and strategy skills. 

How much have you invested in them?

I've invested over $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement began in March 2023, and it's ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to the support from the Toptal team, I was able to develop a solid business plan and successfully generate new business.

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

The team consistently meets set deadlines. We typically communicate via the Toptal meeting platform. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm impressed with their high quality. The team exhibits trust, honesty, and professionalism. I appreciate how the Toptal team values their work and the simplicity of utilizing their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There are no areas for improvement. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend meeting with the onboarding team because it's a hassle-free process. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of performance marketing for a healthcare company. My primary focus is to track activities across all our websites and manage various media-type activations along with their tracking. Additionally, I implement and manage customer data platforms, ensuring smooth platform operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

We needed staff augmentation for both ongoing and project-based work. I couldn't hire a permanent internal team, and our company allowed me to have a freelancer. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Our primary focus was a migration project in which we transferred all of our Google Analytics universal properties, tags, and custom events to GA4, the new product from Google. 

I initially provided Toptal with a document that would guide someone on our current setup with Google Analytics, helping them understand what needed to be migrated.

Lav's skill set is broader than what we were looking for initially. We have since been working together to build multiple dashboards showing conversion points throughout the user journey on our website. Lav keeps these dashboards up, and we constantly iterate on them based on website changes.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Lav. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to give a shout-out to Lav. Working with him has been a fantastic experience. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

Someone recommended Toptal to us. We initially met with them to discuss the open role and the type of person we sought. They sourced Lav within 24 hours. He was the first person I interviewed, and I knew he was the one. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Toptal in July 2022, and the partnership is ongoing. We continuously renew the contract and aim to make it last as long as possible.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I'm extremely satisfied with my experience working with Toptal and Lav, which is why I wanted to leave this review. We successfully completed the GA4 migration ahead of schedule, finishing it a year earlier than expected. This was a significant accomplishment, as many other companies waited until the last minute to tackle this challenge. The early completion had a substantial impact.

Our business has advanced significantly as a result of Toptal's efforts. I now have more time to concentrate on the larger goals. I divided the tasks with Lav, who assisted me with tagging and the migration process, which used to keep me working late into the night. 

Lav's help is highly beneficial. Due to us being in opposite time zones, we can do continuous work. I am pleased with the outcome of our partnership, which has proven to be invaluable.

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

Toptal sticks to the budget, and we use the time allotted well. Lav is always on time and very responsive despite working remotely in another country and time zone. He's great at letting me know when he has extra time or if something is taking a little bit longer, which is rare. 

I have complete faith in Lav's sincerity and dependability. He is a trustworthy individual that I can always rely on. Our professional rapport is exceptional, unlike any freelancer I have worked with in the past.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I've had the pleasure of working with Lav for a year now, and I can confidently say that he's a dependable member of our team rather than just an external freelancer. His strategic suggestions and extensive platform knowledge have significantly strengthened our approach and overall performance. Working with him is always a delight and I feel fortunate to have him as a colleague.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The team consistently checks in before each contract ends to ensure everything is going smoothly. Additionally, they provided a complimentary two-week trial period to gauge our satisfaction with their services. This gesture was greatly appreciated, as it demonstrated their confidence in their abilities. Overall, I have not encountered any areas for improvement and am pleased with the level of professionalism and care that Toptal and Lav have shown thus far.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

To ensure a successful meeting with them, come prepared and organized with all necessary details and requirements. This will enable them to source the ideal candidate for you effectively. Being unprepared may hinder their ability to find the right person for the job.

Going into it with an open mind is very important. I was weary of using offshore talent before this engagement as I've had a handful of bad experiences in the past. I went into this being a little hesitant, but this experience has changed my perspective. It's on a person-by-person basis. It's helpful to interview and speak with them, so you know who you're getting instead of someone choosing for you. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a freelance UX designer focused on ethical and sustainable design. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

I needed to redesign my portfolio website. I didn't have expertise in UI, so I hired Toptal. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I went through an interview process with two designers from Toptal, and after an interview process, I ended up working with the second person. After this, we went through a discovery phase where we talked about my requirements, and Toptal provided wireframes. The team developed a unique design and customized navigation system. Key technologies included Figma and Webflow; we customized a Webflow template to fit my needs. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with Yusuf (Software Engineer), Fabiana (SMB Account Specialist), a freelance director, and a UI designer. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

I’d hired multiple other companies, but they didn’t work out, so I looked elsewhere. I knew of Toptal because I had been in contact with them previously for a different project. I found them on Google and knew their services would be worth it, so I decided to move forward with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

I've invested around $4,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between May 2023–June 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don’t have any concrete metrics, but I've been thrilled with their quality of work. Their UI designer has been fantastic and has brought my vision to life. Toptal understood what I needed and was able to deliver. 

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really great about communication and provided excellent project management. We communicated via Zoom, Slack, and emails. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team took the time to get to know my work and what I was looking for in a way I’ve never experienced with other companies. The team was personable and made the experience very pleasant. I was impressed with their company and can’t wait to work with them again. 

The personal touch that they have for their customers is what sets them apart. Every person I worked with cared about my success, which is extremely difficult to find. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish their site was a little bit more intuitive to navigate. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear idea of why you are doing the work. If you know the reason why behind your work, then it is much easier to explain your vision. Talk to Toptal like you’re pitching your design to a client so they can better serve you. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the IT manager for Twin Termite, a home inspection and pest control company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

We use software internally and need additional developers at various times. We consulted with Toptal to find a developer. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

We had a full-stack developer take over an existing project, which took about a month to figure out. However, he performed better than any previous attempts to take over projects. Throughout the process, Toptal provided us with helpful support. The developer primarily worked with PHP, some Java, and Laravel.

What is the team composition?

My primary contact was the developer. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

I found Toptal through a Google search. I previously worked with many talent agencies, and Toptal was much more hands-on. Although that wasn't something I necessarily wanted, I saw the benefits of it. 

I initially met with someone and explained the type of assistance I needed. Toptal recommended a few individuals for me to speak with. 

I conversed with one developer who was knowledgeable about everything I needed. Their company has an excellent program that allows clients to work with a developer for a trial period of one week. If you aren't completely satisfied, you don't have to pay. I worked with the developer for a week, and he was excellent. 

How much have you invested in them?

We invested around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged with Toptal from September 2022–June 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The only reason we stopped working with Toptal was because the budget expired. 

The work produced by our developer was of exceptional quality. We experienced a total system crash which was my fault. Fortunately, our developer worked tirelessly with me throughout the night to restore everything, even though an ice storm prevented us from accessing the server. We had to relocate to a new server, which took 36 hours. Still, our developer went the extra mile to ensure our company and customers could continue business without interruption. It was truly remarkable, and I'm a big fan of Toptal. 

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

Although they offered it, I took care of the project management from my side. The developer consistently delivered on time. There weren't any issues.

We initially communicated through Zoom for the first couple of weeks. Following that, it was almost exclusively through Slack. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I've worked with many individuals but connected with our developer from the beginning. Not only did we get along personally, but I also watched him work through screen sharing, and he completed tasks effectively and efficiently. I trusted him implicitly from day one; he knew exactly what he was doing. The cost of the work was also reasonable and well-matched with the output. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I've nothing but good things to say about my relationship with Toptal and the developer they assigned to me. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take them up on their offer to work with someone for a week. They stand behind that and will find someone who will work well with you. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of an education technology product company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Toptal?

We had a couple of patents filed and were prototyping different elements of the systems to receive feedback from our testers. We’ve hired Toptal to create assets for our learning management system (LMS) and validate the likeability of our assets because it plays a pivotal part in our patent strategy. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve provided them with some parameters and have been collaborating to work things out. Toptal has been producing products that we’ve been happy with and that we’ve been able to use for our prototypes. 

Our customers can utilize the apps on iOS and Android and interact with the system we’re designing to explore different concepts being taught in school in an immersive way. Toptal mainly supports us through modeling and some interactions and animations. The software is being developed in a physics engine to simulate interactions, and we’re utilizing 3D and gaming technology to create immersive experiences. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with two individuals for onboarding, and we work with a developer. 

How did you come to work with Toptal?

We found them through a Google search; we were looking at different sites, and we appreciated Toptal’s slogan of only hiring the most talented developers. We appreciated their method of recruiting their pool of developers and thought that it was an interesting value proposition. We decided to interview them and move forward with the trial period they offer. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $1,100. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2023, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve been fairly successful with them so far, and they are reliable. We’re very content with their work and plan on continuing with Toptal. 

How did Toptal perform from a project management standpoint?

We collaborate very well, and they stay on time with everything. Toptal communicates clearly, and we use email, Google Slides, and Discord. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They hire high-quality candidates, and that’s a significant factor because having great talent is important. They consistently deliver with their skill, which is extremely valuable. Toptal is accommodating and has been flexible throughout the engagement. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we can come up with. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know the outcomes you want to accomplish and determine the most effective way to create a collaboration that will yield those outcomes.