AppMakers USA

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Doctors at Reach. We’re a nonprofit organization that provides health education services to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

As we continued to host events, we realized the need to provide information to people on a larger scale. We searched for a development firm to build us a mobile app where people could access relevant information and learn how to get involved with our organization.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

App Makers LA is currently building our mobile app for iOS. We also plan to develop an Android version in the future. They described the app development process and continue to guide us through each stage. We collaborated to design the app’s wireframes and they work diligently to implement the best UI/UX possible.

Our nonprofit works with several universities, so the app is an excellent tool for students and community members to connect with our outreach events. For example, we started opening our events with information regarding the benefits of proper dieting and exercising. We make that information accessible through the app and also post new data from research publications to bring users accurate content.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with three project managers. They lead a team of 10–15 developers and designers.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I asked colleagues for references but had trouble finding a suitable vendor. I found App Makers LA on Skype and compared their customer reviews across multiple platforms. I got the opportunity to speak with them and everything seemed to align. It sounded like they could do a thorough job, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’re paced to spend roughly $60,000 for the total project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2017 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We appreciate the work App Makers LA has done so far. I've shared the beta version with friends, family, and acquaintances to gauge how intuitively everything functions and consider feedback regarding the app’s color scheme. Now’s the time to make changes if necessary, so we were open to that. However, everyone who used the app enjoyed it. They appreciated the user-friendly interface and attractive design.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

They've been extremely on top of the project since day one. Communication’s never been an issue; they respond quickly to messages and reliably meet deadlines. We interact with the project managers through email, phone, and in-person meetings. They help us discover ideas to improve the UX and make it more enjoyable. I’m not familiar with the technology being used for this project, but they’ve gone out of their way to suggest new integrations to advance the app.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They've been creative with everything from design to brainstorming ideas on how to make the app more appealing.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’ve been flexible in creating an app both parties are happy with.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Be open and honest, and they’ll be receptive to your thoughts. Do this, and you’ll receive a product you really enjoy.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a dating app that focuses on the Middle Eastern community.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

I needed someone to design and develop my dating app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

App Makers built the app for both iOS and Android. They were also involved in a lot of marketing conversation about how to make money off of the app.

What is the team composition?

We worked with about 20-30 developers and designers.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I was referred by a friend who had had a large amount of success with them. They seemed really interested on the phone and I felt like they were invested in the company and our success as well. We met in person about a week after that call.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $50,000 total, with $30,000 for iOS and $20,000 for Android.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 2016 until June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have a couple thousand users globally. The app is in a good position and completely functional. I’ve also gotten feedback that the interface is simple and very straightforward.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

We were in constant communication and I could text them any time of day, even late at night. My project manager was extremely friendly and really held my hand through everything. They continue to follow-up with me, even though we launched back in 2016.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The main thing was that they were highly professional and were driven to help me create the most amazing application. They treated my project as if it were truly one of theirs. They assisted me was everything and were able to tell me what was right and what wasn’t.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I really can’t think of anything. They were just amazing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They should definitely keep communications open and be open with suggestions on how to make the app better. That’s where App Makers really came in – helping me with how to make money off the app.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a recently-started clothing company. I do everything, from design to manufacturing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

When I first started, I used Wix for my website. They had a mobile dev tool, but I wanted an app, so I began looking for a firm that could build one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I told App Makers LA to base the app off the existing mobile site. I then pointed out a few specific changes and features I wanted for the iOS and Android apps. I wanted all the functionalities, like pop up promotions, that were on the site to be on the app.

App Makers LA built in a notifications feature so that users will get push notifications instead of emails when a new sale starts or similar things like that. The app also has a chat feature that sends me an email that I can respond to directly.

What is the team composition?

I work mainly with two project managers. They each have a team of 10–15 designers and 10-15 developers.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

A few friends recommended App Makers LA, and I also saw they had some of the better reviews on Yelp. I talked to them over the phone and liked the way they approached my project, so I decided to go with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since February 2018. I plan to launch the app in July.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is still in progress, but I have shown it to a couple of close friends. Compared to what we had before, they enjoy the app a lot more.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

App Makers LA is incredibly accommodating. Anytime I need help, they reach out right away. When you spend so much money with someone, that kind of service is important.

We mainly communicate via email and phone. We met in person to finalize the project details and get started.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They do quality work, and their customer service is excellent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I haven’t had any problems. I'm very happy with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Know what you want. As long as you have a clear set of instructions, they’ll be able to do whatever you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a social media specialist at a home improvement company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

We had difficulty reaching all of our customers since our lines were busy all day and we couldn’t always get in touch with our technicians. We wanted to develop a mobile application that would help us decrease the number of people who call us on the phone, so that we could focus on getting more customers to join our company. We were looking for a vendor to help us develop this application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They took our idea and got down to work, handling both the design and the development. We're building an iOS app that will allow us to check where our technicians are at a particular time, so that we can estimate how close they're to our customers and make an appointment in that area.

What is the team composition?

We mainly work with two project managers, but there are about 15 designers and 10 developers who also work on our project.

How did you come to work with them?

We were referred to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent about $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in November 2017 and the relationship is ongoing. We plan to complete the project by May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our internal team is impressed with the product they're building. We had a small idea and they helped us develop it into something much bigger.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They're patient, understanding, nice, and easy to work with. They're available 24/7, so if I have a question at 10pm, they're ready to answer it. They're very helpful. We mostly communicate via email and text, but I've also met them in-person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very accommodating, knowledgeable, and talented.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They've been amazing throughout the whole process. Reach out to them and they'll become part of your team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a co-creator of a game app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

Everyone is on their phones, so we wanted to create a game that was fun and addicting. We came up with the logo, design, and the color scheme, but needed a team to help us develop something consumers would enjoy.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Based on our early interactions, knew right away they would be the right fit. We’re a small company and this is our first app, which they developed for iOS. They were very accommodating and answered all our questions. Customer service was extremely important to us and they delivered on that. Most of our work was over the phone. We were a little worried that the details wouldn’t be clear, but they made sure of everything.

Once we presented our vision, functionality, and design elements, they gave us a detailed proposal and a price quote. They were always considerate and we never felt like we were being overcharged.

What is the team composition?

We had two project managers that we spoke to directly. They had between 10–15 developers working under them.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I found them on Yelp. I’m very immersed in what’s happening on Yelp and I try to read as many reviews as possible. They were very well-rated and were nearby, in case I needed to meet with them in person. Everything I heard about them was appealing. We contacted a few other app makers, but App Makers LA was the best fit for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2015 and launched the app in February 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t had a dedicated marketing campaign yet. I’m currently studying, so will spend more time advertising when my schedule opens up. We have between 200–400 users and have seen some money come in through banner ads.

The app has really good reviews. We wanted to be sure we had good customer service and satisfied clients. Users find the app appealing, engaging, and super addictive, which is exactly what we wanted.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed wonderfully from a management standpoint. We met with them once in person, but most of our interaction was over the phone. They were thorough and checked in on us to make sure our needs were met. They continuously impressed us with their work ethic.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very patient. They work with lots of different apps and clients, and I’m sure it’s easy to get frustrated on their end. They never laid any of that on us. We began every phone call and meeting professionally, as if we were the first people they spoke to that day. They knew all the details of our plan and were always eager and ready to help us improve.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Honestly, no. I had a really positive experience and would love to work with them again.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open and honest with them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They’re there to help you and to clarify things.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a partner at a construction company that a friend and I started. We mostly handle the sales aspect of jobs for various customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Maker LA?

We were having an issue updating our customers, from showing them photos to figuring out the best ways to communicate to them based on individual preferences. We wanted to develop an app that put all of our communication in one place, so both our customers and subcontractors could be updated in real time in one place.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

App Maker developed an app for both iOS and Android, based on rough layouts we provided and iterated on together.

What is the team composition?

I primarily communicate with three project managers, but I think they have about 15–20 developers on their team.

How did you come to work with App Maker LA?

I met with a handful of developers I found through Yelp. Compared to others, App Makers offered reasonable prices and also brought some of their designers and developers to initial meetings, which made us feel like they'd be the most helpful partner to work with.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested $75,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together since January 2016 and the app went live that May. They continue to update and maintain it as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to the app, our jobs are going much smoother and customers are happier. The app has streamlined our entire workflow, improving productivity and customer satisfaction in the process.

How did App Maker LA perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very helpful throughout the process, despite the many changes we requested and opposing views my partner and I often had. Although we mostly communicated through email and phone, we spent a lot of time meeting with them in person as well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very professional and helped us accomplish our goals. I don't think we would've had as good of a result with another vendor. I want my company to strive to offer the level of customer service they were able to offer us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I hope they continue doing what they're doing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just sit down in a meeting with them and be open to their suggestions and feedback. Initially, we had a completely different view of what we wanted, but after hearing their input and implementing some of their ideas, we ended up walking away with a better product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a parking app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

I used to be a valet driver and often heard people complaining how difficult it was to find parking spots. I wanted to build an app that could make that process easier. Ideally, it would feature a map similar to that of Waze, where users could report available parking spaces, detailing prices and regulations for each one. With an idea in mind, I needed a development firm to build out the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When the engagement began, I had some requirements and wireframes in place but relied on App Makers to improve the mock-ups. We work collaboratively and they showed me efficient design approaches. They’re currently building the app for iOS and Android. The app includes a search functionality and features a map showing the user’s current location. It also allows people to post pictures of street signs.

What is the team composition?

Their lead product manager is my primary point of contact. I’ve been in touch with several members of their team, but can’t speak to the exact team size.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I searched for vendors on Yelp and asked colleagues for references. I met with several companies, but none of them inspired the confidence App Makers did. I knew from our first meeting that I could trust them.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of their work has been close to $80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2018 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m happy with the results I’ve seen so far. The few people who’ve seen the app say it runs smooth and it has a simple UX. I haven’t heard any negative feedback, but we’re not far into the process yet. There have been zero issues.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

The App Makers team thoroughly communicates. I have some knowledge about technology, so I was able to understand most of the items. They never make decisions without consulting me, but also voice their opinion. Their expertise and professionalism have certainly been a positive influence. We haven’t used any project management tools. Instead, we have an email thread for updates and I call them for explanations when necessary. They care about the customer and never got upset over my inquiries.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s hard for me to put all my trust in any one company, but I would be open to building another app with App Makers. I prefer working with someone who can deliver an excellent product at a premium price, rather than work with a cheap provider that will do a worse job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’re a professional group that’s always done their best.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Clients shouldn’t hesitate to explain issues and allow App Makers to help them. Building an app is a complicated process with many unknowns, but their people know what they’re doing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I co-own a car repair shop with my father. My responsibilities include payroll, advertising, graphic design, and customer satisfaction.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

Our appointment scheduling was done via an inefficient phone system, and we were unable to quickly share repair updates with our customers. As a result, we wanted an application to streamline our communications, scheduling system, and customer experience.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The engagement started only last month. Currently, we’re considering the iOS and Android platforms. We want customers to receive case numbers and view updates in the app. Additionally, scheduling requests should sync with my mobile calendar.

They expect beta tests in mid-May and to finish completely by June. We’ve also weighed asking for web development services to complement this project.

What is the team composition?

The lead project manager is my main point of contact. He has 25–30 designers and developers working behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I found reviews of them online, and reached out to past clients, who only had positive feedback. This distinguished App Makers from other vendors I was considering.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started in February 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don’t have metrics this early in the process, but I’m confident about the results given their past work.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

As a hiring manager, I appreciate their transparency and enthusiasm. They are responsive to phone calls and texts.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team values customer service; they keep us informed as the project evolves.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. Their work is professional and exceeds expectations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to ask multiple questions, request clarification, or provide a highly detailed scope. They’re patient, amenable, and ideal for app development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the social media specialist of Eaglestone Pacific. We market and sell tiles, marble, and granite for customers looking to redo floors, kitchens, fireplaces, and any other surfaces.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

We decided to build an app in order to further grow our company. There were no other applications on the market for our industry, so having one would definitely help our business expand. We had built our website using another agency, but we hadn’t worked with any app developers in the past.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an initial meeting with App Makers during which they clearly explained all the platforms, features, and functionalities that could be implemented within our app. They put together a proposal detailing the front- and backend of the application. We reviewed it and signed a contract a week later.

We were shown wireframes, screens, code, and revisions throughout the process based on the ideas we provided. We continued to test and revise the work after the coding part was over. Some of the features include FAQ, a like feed, a comment section, and a gallery of our past work.

We’ve only developed an iOS version so far, but after we get some positive feedback for it, we’ll build an Android version as well.

​​​​​​What is the team composition?

I worked with five people from their team, mainly interfacing with their executive director and lead project manager. They explained the team composition in simple terms so that we could understand what each person would be doing and what the process would be. I only met the coding team once; they worked behind the scenes after that.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

We found them through Yelp, where they had some phenomenal reviews. Plus, they were the most cost-effective option and only 15 minutes from our office.

They had good interpersonal skills, a professional attitude, and we could tell that they cared about their clients. They made us feel comfortable with reaching out whenever we had an idea. I’ve often texted them at 1 a.m., and they answer immediately.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their iOS work has been $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with App Makers in January 2018. We’re currently in the final stages of development. We’re deciding on whether to make it available for free or as a paid app and plan to launch it in April.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So far, we’ve decided to only show the app to a limited number of people. Our family and friends have commented on how user-friendly it is and how it matches the streamlined nature of iOS in general. It’s easy to set up and start looking through our offerings.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re in contact three or four times a week and they follow up by phone, text, and email. They’re a professional and organized group focused on doing the best work for their clients. They give each client their full attention and I know that they will always tell me what the best approach is.

What did you find most impressive about them?

As a social media expert, I understand the area quite well, but I didn't know how much detail goes into actually creating an app. App Makers explained this process very well. They’re an involved and professional group that doesn’t make any type of decision without consulting with us. They’ve become not only our business partners but our friends.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think that there are any areas for them to improve on. App Makers will go very far as long as they give each client the amount of attention they’ve given us.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Trust App Makers’ judgment and marketing skills. They know what is best for any project in terms of market growth. I believe that I have trusted the right team for creating my application.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Omid Mahkhatam, and I’m the CFO at Homework Buddy. Our business is based in Los Angeles, and it’s an app that allows students to share their class notes on a social media-style platform. Users can download files to use in the classroom, or for their personal study plans. They can also communicate on its chat forum.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Makers LA?

I started this business when I was in college, but it only operated within my own institution. After receiving positive feedback from clients, and hearing from others that it could be used on their own campuses, I developed a digital platform to expand my business model. To further extend my market online, I needed to develop a mobile application as well.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I first started talking to them December of 2016, by sharing my idea and projections for the services I wanted the app to provide. Within a week, they gave me a brief visual PowerPoint demo of what each page of the app would look like. We started working together in January 2017, and they began building the mobile app for us from scratch. They utilized all the tools at their disposal for app and logo design. Their design team helped me come up with the logo, and they executed all the coding for the app, which was developed for iOS and Android platforms.

The app enables students to create class groups where other classmates can be added by email. Users have usernames, which they can make anonymous. The various groups become electronic classrooms, where users are able to chat with each other just like a social media website. For example, if a student finds a resource for an upcoming test, he or she will able to share it on the main page for that class to open, download, and like. Alumni students can also be added to groups to share their perspectives on a class.

How did you come to work with App Makers LA?

I found them on Yelp, where I saw they not only had great reviews, but they were local. They were ranked first in 2016, which caught my eye. I called a couple other businesses, but they returned my call the fastest, and they were willing to give my idea a chance.

How much have you invested with them?

They cost about $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them from December 2016 to June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is fully developed, but I’m waiting until this coming year to launch it since certain schools want to review the app before allowing student use. I’ve tested the app, and introduced it to my business partners, who all agree that it fits our original business model.

How did App Makers LA perform from a project management standpoint?

They followed up with me every step of the way for this project, and they have an amazing team. Their communication was consistent and reliable, and they frequently updated me on their progress. They were proactive in the development process, and responsive to my questions. Their division of labor is structured interdependently, so their work process continues at a constant rate. This system of checks and balances ensures that one aspect of the team’s development process doesn't fall behind other aspects.

They were also transparent about aspects that were easy to add or those aspects that would cost more, and they left the addition of those features to my discretion. I’ve never been tech-savvy, but they made the entire development process easy for me to understand. They explained the programs and tools they used, and guided me in technological aspects of the project.

We mainly communicated through a Google Doc on a weekly basis, and every 2-3 weeks we would meet in person. They would also call me once a week to go over their progress. If they couldn’t reach me over the phone, they would utilize every available communication tool to get ahold of me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Compared to the other companies I had considered, App Makers LA went the extra mile. They came to understand exactly what I wanted, while grasping my own limitations with technology and helping me out throughout our collaboration. They helped me determine what I wanted the end product to be, and it was clear that they didn’t treat me as a means to an end. They way they treated us reflected their passion for making reliable apps beneficial to small businesses. It didn’t feel like we were simply doing business, but as if we made a friend. Their customer service was also impeccable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone else that needs help with digital platforms.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They were immaculate in all aspects from start to finish. I can’t think of anything they could improve on.