UPQODE

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a senior application engineer. Our company provides cloud migration, managed services, and managed security services. We deliver secure and compliance-oriented IT solutions to the highly regulated financial, automotive, and energy industries. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We hired UPQODE to develop a brand-new WordPress site with a great logo and visuals. 

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create a new website that could effectively communicate our organization's many services to customers. We also wanted to create an attractive visual identity for our business. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Another business recommended UPQODE to us as a team of creative web designers and reliable WordPress website developers.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

UPQODE designed, developed, optimized, configured, and then launched our WordPress website. Our project mainly focused on the UX/UI. Their web designers developed a new visual identity. They provided us with a complete backend solution. 

What was the team composition?

We worked with their business manager and a dedicated project manager who both communicated well. Regarding backend tasks, we interacted directly with the skilled developers on their team.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

UPQODE developed and launched our new website within the agreed-upon deadline. They created a unique and creative web design that was just what we were looking for.

After just a few months of web design and development, they delivered the exact results we were expecting. Our customers love the website's design and simple, intuitive navigation.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was very effective. We appreciated the workflow they facilitated via ActiveCollab. They suggested using an agile development approach.

Our project manager communicated well and responded very quickly. She kept us informed about the progress of development via the ActiveCollab tool.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

UPQODE delivered outstanding web designs and an impressive website. I was impressed with their excellent communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I honestly don't see any areas for improvement. We really enjoyed working with UPQODE. Everything about our engagement was great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own Sew Sketchy, an illustrated fashion icon that loves anything to do with fashion, travel, and luxury.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We hired UPQODE to create and develop our e-commerce site.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a beautiful and high-fashion online store that was fun, efficient, and user-friendly.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them online. We chose UPQODE because they seemed to understand our vision and have the same work ethic as our team. Plus, they were committed to meeting deadlines.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They developed and helped design our first ever e-commerce store.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager who managed about 10 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They drastically changed our business by developing the best website we could have asked for.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

UPQODE has the best team. They were incredibly efficient. Not only did they work quickly and professionally, but they also had the best problem-solving skills.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with how well they translated technical language so that we could understand our own website as well as they did. They were also super trustworthy and honest.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s no need for improvement. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the managing director of a trading firm that specializes in the cryptoasset sector. We use state-of-the-art security and strategies to manage our clients’ portfolios.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We needed to create a website from scratch.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our digital presence to reflect our real-world identity.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We read reviews and interviewed a few potential candidates, and UPQODE was the most impressive vendor by far.

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

UPQODE created a perfect website from scratch. The platform aligned with our business goals and reflected our company’s brand. They handled the entire process—from the initial designs to the final migrations.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and a few developers, all of whom played active parts in pushing the project forward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re about to launch, so there isn’t much to show right now. With that said, we’re very happy with the quality of their work.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

UPQODE is a true team. They work very well together. They strictly followed timelines but remained flexible with prices and budgets. If they ever ran into an issue, they’d alert us immediately and have someone take care of it as soon as possible. Overall, they were pleasant to work with. We plan to collaborate with them again in the future.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication skills standout among their competition.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

They could improve their ability to understand what the client wants from a visual perspective. It’s a difficult skill for any company to master.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Autotrip offers an automated mileage claim solution. We help U.K. businesses record and report their business mileage, allowing them to spend less time tracking it, and more time on their business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We needed to design and develop a WordPress website from scratch. We were entirely replacing our old site.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to design and develop a simple Wordpress website. We'd already redefined our brand and our app, which is why we felt the need to makeover our website as well.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them on Upwork.

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

They began with the web design, creating designs for each page based on mockups that we provided. They then moved onto the web development itself, working on all of the new pages and implementing their designs in WordPress.

What was the team composition?

They allocated a project manager, a designer, and a few developers to the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Not yet—we deployed the new website very recently, so we hadn't had the opportunity to measure bounce rates, or any metrics yet. Nonetheless, our investors and our wider team are happy with the website. That's been the most positive outcome so far.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project was managed well through Upwork and Active Collab. They ensured that the different areas of work were managed by people who had the right skills and experience.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It impressed me that they were able to alter their plans according to the feedback that we were giving to them. They also have other projects, but they are able to deploy all of the resources in time.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

The project was complicated, which meant it finished a few weeks after what we initially expected. However, we made a lot of requests for changes and that caused the delays. Maybe expectations could have been better aligned at the beginning, but it's easy to say these things in hindsight.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was updated on September 11, 2019, by the client. The original star ratings were: Overall - 5, Quality - 5, Schedule - 4.5, Cost -5, NPS - 5. New content is below: 

Please describe your company and your position there.

Autotrip is a startup that helps businesses and self employed to automate their mileage claim process.

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

Wordpress website. We're launching a mobile app very soon and we needed a new website to showcase the new product.

What were your goals for this project?

We had a few requirements, such as giving visitors the option to download the app for free from the website directly, and we also wanted to integrate Hubspot forms. We also wanted the website to mobile responsive. All of this was implemented as required.

What was the team composition?

From Upqode's part, we worked with a project manager, a designer and a front-end developer. At some point, some other people joined the process, such as another developer to do some QA, but the core team didn't change throughout the process. In general, I liked the fact that we were working with people with different skill sets as this makes them quite strong in all of the fields.

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

Not yet, because the website will be launched this week. However, the current website was also developed by Upqode and the integration with Hubspot helped us increase our conversion rates, and made the whole process of dealing with enquiries a lot easier. We were also able to automate email sequences thanks to this. Apart from that, we've received positive feedback on the website from designers and developers alike, and most of our visitors understand pretty quickly what Autotrip is about.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We used Active Collab to manage different tasks, and inVision to preview and give feedback on the designs. Skype was also often used to chat with the Upqode team. In terms of quickness and meeting deadlines, I didn't have any issue with that. The work was always done fairly quickly, and they were flexible enough to adjust things based on last-minute requests. Even if we are located in different countries and speak different native languages, we didn't have any communication issues. Our requirements were always well understood and things were implemented as we asked them to be done.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their expertise in Wordpress. It's incredible how they were able to put together a team of dozens of people that specialise in such a niche area of web development. That gives them an edge, and without a doubt, that's reflected in the work that they deliver.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There's nothing major to be improved, but since I have to write something here... I would say that a few times we probably went through too many QA rounds. So, a bit of too much back and forth, but in the end, things got fixed pretty quickly, so it's really a minor thing, in my view.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the leader of a team of creative designers and innovative coders. Our goal is to provide a memorable client experience based on honest communication. We offer platform development services, from design to implementation, for Wordpress, Drupal, Magento, and OpenCart.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

After a terrible experience with a former company, we looked for another development team to help with our platform development. 

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a fully customizable WordPress Theme with multi-purpose demos to sell on the marketplace.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched for developers on a freelance platform. We found UPQODE to be the best match for us. They were professional, knowledgeable, and offered us the best solution.

Describe the project in detail.

We provided UPQODE our five Wordpress Theme designs through PSDs. They helped develop the approved theme and assisted us through every change. Their work was exceptional and proved to us that they were one of the top developers on the market. We went through multiple revisions and complex customizations, but they were still extremely responsive throughout the process. They offered technical know-how whenever necessary.

What was the team composition?

We initially worked with their project manager. After the discovery phase, we worked with two coders, and two designers that helped us step-by-step.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our previous vendor was terrible, and our theme was rejected by the marketplace. UPQODE's developers were excellent, and they delivered a high-quality product. This time, we successfully posted our WordPress theme.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

UPQODE was extremely easy to communicate with. Their management was flawless. Their coders, designers, and project manager were responsive and gave us quick turnarounds. The team was efficient and eased our concerns through their expertise.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their knowledge, clear communication, responsiveness were exceptional. They respected all the deadlines we gave them and were a pleasure to work with. UPQODE really cared about our work and business. Our project was complex, but they were fantastic at working through the kinks. Because of all this, we decided to prolong our contract and continue our partnership.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the project lead at Hundredfold Studios. We are a boutique design consultancy based in California.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with UPQODE?

We were working on developing a music tuner iOS app for a client. Internally, we took care of the business consultation and design services, but needed to outsource the development process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We brought in UPQODE to deliver the final application. We had a preliminary phone call to properly conceptualize the vision and outline a technical scope. They found a template and some existing designs in Sketch and used that to inform the wireframe and necessary coding to meet our client’s explicit requirements for the timer and its pitches. We are in the process of preparing the app to launch in the App Store.

What is the team composition?

We work mainly with one project manager and a team of two developers.

How did you come to work with UPQODE?

This is the second time we have partnered with UPQODE for a project. We have experience working with many other agencies scattered over the globe, but UPQODE stands out for their level of responsibility.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $15,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2017 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have not fully launched the app, so we don’t have any data yet. Internally, the speed of UPQODE’s workflow cut down multiple task timeframes by days and sometimes weeks. Our client was happy with the accelerated development and the finished product. Initially, there was one noticeable error, but UPQODE corrected it immediately.

How did UPQODE perform from a project management standpoint?

Each member of the team is courteous and quick to answer questions or provide updates outside of the scheduled biweekly meetings. Communication happens mainly through Slack and a WP Project Manager channel for shared documentation and scheduling needs. They work quickly and provide updates once or twice a week, which we test before sending to our client.

There were a few issues with understanding the size of the scope, but we take responsibility for verbally describing expectations rather than providing written guidelines. In these instances, the UPQODE team actively sought clarification to prevent any future confusion.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a very modern and relaxed company culture, but still operate professionally, skillfully, and responsibly.

Their team is not afraid to ask questions or address topics that are traditionally uncomfortable in the professional industry (e.g., cost, cash flow, personal scheduling). They are comfortable questioning our expectations and letting us know if an element falls outside of their skill set.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was a sizable time difference due to our varied locations. Initially, it was hard for me to adjust my schedule, but we soon fell into a smooth communication flow.

Any advice for potential customers?

They understand how it feels to be on the client side of the engagement and are willing to work through common pain points.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the technical director at an IT firm called Hyperial Studio.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We approached them for various WordPress design and development projects both for our own site as well as our clients’.

What were your goals for this project?

For our site, we wanted a WordPress design that looked trustworthy. As for our other projects, we needed accessible sites that our clients could easily manage.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met them at a tech forum a few years ago and have been working with them ever since.

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

Over the years, they’ve completed numerous assignments, proving design work with layered PSDs; frontend development in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; backend development in PHP; and QA testing.

What was the team composition?

They have a flexible team and always assign the right people to the appropriate tasks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We always get repeat customers thanks to UPQODE’s great work. Our clients are extremely pleased with the final product and often come back to request extra work.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They use a customized project management system that allows us to organize the team and tasks. We also communicate through Skype via chats and calls.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciate that they share my desire to deliver outstanding results and amazing customer service. Furthermore, their quality of work usually exceeds my expectations.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

Initially, we had some issues with communication. However, now that they have new project managers, they’ve significantly improved in this area.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of CompareTransfer, a money transfer comparison startup. We compare the rates and fees of different service providers to let our users search for the cheapest tariff to remit money abroad.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

I was looking for a partner to outsource all our website related tasks.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a reliable partner with reasonable prices that could offer competitive quality results to grow our project.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

UPQODE applied to work on our beta website through a third-party service platform. After a discussion with them and a brief review of their company, I wanted to hire them.

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

UPQODE developed front- and backend and UX/UI for our the beta version of our website. They are currently still making significant improvements and smoothing out features.

What was the team composition?

The team consists of a project manager and a number of other employees. They assign tasks to the proper employees.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site has fully launched and is functional. As time goes by, they will keep making improvements.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We use Skype and Active Collab for project management and communication. I am always in touch with the experts in their company. UPQODE is very customer focused and always find solutions to issues. They always try to prevent any problems from arising in the first place and are honest with us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

UPQODE is definitely in the top 1% of WordPress developers and is an expert in their field.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

No, there's not much to improve. Perhaps, a few tasks could have been finished a little bit faster. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm CEO of a start-up that sells locally-sourced meat from small farmers on an online platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We had designers, but need the code itself. UPQODE was hired to manage the programming aspect of the site.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a smooth implementation of our designs and overall project.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them online.

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

They developed and launched the front- and backend of a business management solution. UPQODE first conducted a workshop to reach a mutual understanding of the business's challenges and goals. Then, they ran two-week sprints before production began—later approved by us. They developed multiple functional versions which were ready for user testing and feedback every two weeks. UPQODE's team used the feedback to create improvements and provided key suggestions throughout the process.

What was the team composition?

The project team consisted of four people, but certain individuals came and went depending on the skills needed. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project's completion was a major achievement for our executive leadership.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their project management was very impressive. Their team regularly complied with deadlines and there was never any unexpected turnovers that threatened our progress. We communicated exclusively through Skype and they were always available.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We had direct access to both project managers and their background team. UPQODE smoothed communication of technical jargon which could have been easily been lost in translation if there was only one middleman. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

No, there is very little they could improve. Perhaps, inexperienced clients should document as much as possible before brainstorming.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a project manager at FoxThemes, a WordPress web agency. We produce and sell items on ThemeForest Marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UPQODE?

We needed help designing and developing a WordPress theme around architecture and interior design.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted an architecture and interior design focused WordPress design, with 14 demos, that we could sell on ThemeForest.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were looking for a vendor that had vast WordPress experience, as well as experience creating WordPress themes for ThemeForest, which has very strict design and coding requirements. UPQODE had WordPress Themes done for other authors in their portfolio, and we were very impressed with their designs and quality. We also contacted their previous clients and received excellent feedback.

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

UPQODE divided the project into three phases: design, development, QA and bug fixes. They developed the front- and backends, and handled QA.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager, in addition to front- and backend developers and two QA resources.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve sold this WordPress Theme 546 times, and we expect to reach 1,000 sales. From the business perspective, we recovered our investment in two months, and from then, we’ve been making a profit.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We used ActiveCollab to manage the project and split it into one-week sprints, and we used InVision to create demos and collaborate. We got access to their code repository from day one, which built trust between us. I’m still impressed by their workflow.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their transparency and work process was just amazing. They had good communication and a very good response time. They also had great-quality code.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

I haven’t noticed anything, but of course, there is always space to improve.