Apptunix

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of Where’s The Foodtruck, a mobile food vendor locator and marketing application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix?

We brought in Apptunix to build our apps and website.

What were your goals for this project?

Since our core business is based on their functionality, we wanted a high-quality, well-built website and set of apps.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for mobile app developers and found Apptunix. Their reviews and our initial conversations spoke well of them, so we decided to try their team for this project.

Describe the project in detail.

Over 30 days, Apptunix helped us scope out the project and conceptualize the final product, including logo design. They provided feedback, input, and suggestions for UI/UX and other aspects. The team then built the apps and site, making modifications and additions over the past 18 months.

What was the team composition?

We work primarily with a project manager. On occasion, Apptunix puts us in direct contact with a particular developer or team member to address specific aspects of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The platform has been live for almost a year now; we’ve never had significant issues with functionality. Apptunix provides upgrades phases and maintenance services.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Apptunix’s communication is excellent, and their response times are quick despite time zone differences.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team walked us through our first app development project from start to finish. They provide valuable input and direction regularly.   

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder of Oh, a mobile application that connects students and tutors at various universities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix?

We hired Apptunix to develop our tutoring application.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted Apptunix to complete our application with design, implementing the backend, and integrating features such as video chat, payment transfers, and APNs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We talked to around 15 companies over the phone and felt that Apptunix had the expertise to complete our goals after revealing their thorough proposal. We also stressed how vital communication and our involvement was in the process. They assured us that we would have a crucial role in the development.

Describe the project in detail.

Oh is an office hours management platform that connects students who need help with their coursework with qualified tutors. Through the iOS application, tutors can earn money and assist students with their work, while college students can find guidance in courses offered at their institution.

What was the team composition?

We worked closely with the CEO, a backend developer, and a UX/UI designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When we started working with Apptunix, we had an incomplete application. Apptunix transformed the app into a product ready for the app store. Working with Apptunix was a huge success.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Apptunix and our team had a productive partnership. During the design stages, we received frequent updates through the CEO. When development began, we had regular meetings to go over implementation, current bugs, and future paths. We communicated via Slack when we had any updates or questions to go over. We also used email and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with Apptunix’s ability to advise on the full architecture of the app. Their team did an exceptional and seamless job working on the front and backend. When it comes to design and development, Apptunix is the whole package.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s nothing that comes to mind. Apptunix did an excellent job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Powercore 360. We sell sports training products and provide training services for athletes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

They’ve done numerous things for us including web, app development, and revisioning.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We built our first app for Android and iOS with Apptunix. I specked it out, and Apptunix built it for us. We went back and forth, fine-tuning the details. The initial app was built to support a tangible sports training product that we manufacture and sell. Part of the effort was to show users what an ideal baseball swing looks like at the pro level and how our product could be used to learn how to perform that swing or at least some of it. We did promotions to sell our product, and we attempted to upsell fee-based conditioning programs for baseball hitting.

The major revision 2–3 years ago came from our desire to expand. We came from baseball, and we expanded into other sports verticals. We have apps for improvement in general fitness, baseball, softball, mixed martial arts, golf, and volleyball. The apps are instruction and video-based.

We’ve done some edits and updates. We’ve changed copy, images, and video. This is an easy process now; I send them an email or drop the content into Dropbox for them to update.

More recently, Apptunix helped us with a tech question. I was trying to figure out a quick and simple way of creating data in a database and tracking it. We were providing a program for our users, and I wanted to track their usage. Were they doing the program? Were they doing what they were supposed to be doing? I was holding them accountable. I didn’t want to build a mobile app for this purpose, but Apptunix told me that I could use a Google form, saving us a lot of time and money with development. The solution was quick and free.

What is the team composition?

Nikhil (Entrepreneur, Apptunix) acted as our project manager, who is the owner of the company. He’s my main contact, and he hands the work off.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I found them five years ago through oDesk, which is now Upwork. The cost was a driving force initially. We received numerous bids to build a mobile app which were tens of thousands of dollars beyond our budget. As a small company building its first app, we were looking for cost-effective, affordable solutions.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $5,000–$10,000 on their work overall.

What is the status of this engagement?

The first version of the app was built in 2014, and it was revised in 2016 or 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They successfully made the app, and we promote it with a piece of paper that comes with our product, which tells customers to download it from iTunes or the Google Play store. It supports the use of our product.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good in terms of project management. We initially used oDesk for tracking the work, followed by the Upwork platform. I communicate with him via Skype. I get up early morning and catch him during his evening. He’s good about connecting by either phone or Skype and resolving what we’re working on at the time.

I can talk to Nikhil about any issues or challenges. This is one of the strongest things that Nikhil and Apptunix do: I can reach him Monday through Friday, even if it’s not a scheduled call, and get something resolved, get a bid, or get something scheduled right away. Having the ability to get a hold of someone and talk to them in real-time is invaluable to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate the ability to get in touch and talk with someone on the phone or through an internet call. I know what I have to get done functionally so it’s nice to be able to explain what I’m trying to get done. We talk and I give him specific details. Then, he’ll look at it and come back to me with his response. Their communication is the most valuable asset they provide.

Are there any areas they could improve?

None of us are perfect. They’ve been good. Since I first started working with them, the quality of the work continually improved with fewer errors and more accuracy. That’s hard since I provide requirements, which are transcribed. I would love to see them get even more accurate so that there would be less for me to check. I check every detail, every word and every period of the written instructions in the app. I’d like to know that it’s done right the first time.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Think through and define your specifications and communicate and document them clearly. Have discussions with Nikhil or the project manager to make sure what you want and what you get are the same thing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner/founder of AMZ Analyzer. We market a software product to e-commerce sellers for analysis and data mining.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed to redesign our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They redeveloped and redesigned our entire site from scratch using WordPress. They wrote all the front- and backend code before delivering the new design to us. They also help with our marketing efforts, SEO, and social media work. They developed a background video and some of the art we use for banners.

The biggest feature was a digital download integration for the licensing management software we use to sell our product. It takes up a large portion of the backend and they made sure the new elements they added didn’t disrupt its functionality.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We found them on Upwork. They had good reviews and we liked their portfolio. We interviewed them and were satisfied with our interactions. We had several companies to choose from but felt they’d be the best choice.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $10,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began in April 2018. The bulk of the project was completed within about three weeks, but they’re still assisting with our marketing and SEO.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our conversion rates have increased by about 30% and traffic us up by 20%. Everything about the new site and SEO exceeds our prior results and we’re very satisfied.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They did very well. We communicated almost daily.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very fast and competent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything they should improve. We had a good experience and are really satisfied with the quality of their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared. I wasn’t ready for how quickly they could deliver finished products and ended up slowing down the process. If you hope to keep up with them, make sure to plan ahead.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an IT service provider. We offer software and hardware services to our clients, including custom web and mobile app development. I’m the general manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We usually outsource development for projects, either in part or in full. We had a concept and designs ready for an iOS and Android app and were looking for a company to build it from the ground up.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a marketing app for a real estate developer. We provided a lot of information about the properties and projects within the scope of big real estate development. The app includes a login feature and customer dashboards. Users can view details about the properties they’ve purchased or access properties available for sale.

We wanted the app to be feature-rich. There is also an interactive map that shows the locations of different developments and an augmented reality model that lets users view locations throughout the construction stage. It allows the viewer to find objects of interest on construction sites.

What is the team composition?

I interacted with one project manager. He handled all the daily functionality and oversaw their development team.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We posted the job and completed a search. We interviewed multiple developers and reviewed their past work. Based on our analysis, we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November or December 2017. The app was delivered two weeks ago, but we haven’t launched yet.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Some of our staff completed internal testing of the app. We went through about 20 phases of revisions to fix bugs and add features. We are planning a marketing campaign ahead of the official release.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

We were very happy with them. They were communicative about upcoming deadlines and milestones. We spoke through messaging services and email. Everything was delivered as planned and we never had any surprises.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We enjoyed their professionalism and trustworthiness. They delivered everything they promised.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did well. This project was fairly straightforward.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have clear requirements. We provided exact designs and flowcharts to help them build to our specifications. You will have an easier time if you provide the specs right at the start.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Texas ToGo is a restaurant delivery service. We partner with local restaurants to provide delivery logistics and online ordering solutions for our customers so they can see restaurants' menus and order. It’s kind of like Grubhub.

We have a team of delivery drivers on the ground who provide delivery for the restaurants. We use the technology to facilitate those orders. As of late, we’ve been focused in on the tech side of things and how all of that is progressing.

I’m the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We license our software currently from another company. We would like to have our own proprietary software to operate our business.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

They were a referral. I work with a graphic designer who I found of Fiverr. We worked with him for years as just a graphic designer for our website. He said if I ever had development needs, I should reach out to his friend. I did some research on the company and started working with them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired Apptunix to build a full functioning turnkey solution for our business. We have broken it down into separate projects and have been working on one at a time. The main project we started is just a white label online ordering website and app combination that a restaurant would own so they can control their menu and receive orders via the Internet. We have a central website and we want each of our member restaurants to have their own website and app.

What is the team dynamic?

We have a lot going on. Nikhil [Bansal, Founder] acts as our project manager. We also work with another person and speak with them often.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $40,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Nikhil came down to meet with us in May 2017 and we formulated detailed plans at that point. I’ve been in contact with Nikhil since the end of 2016. We started working with them in June 2017 on the development work. At the end of September, we completed one piece of the project which is the app and website combination for our restaurant partners. We’re going to continue to add features and develop that according to our clients’ needs. We also have other projects that we want to work on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything is beautiful. We don’t have any metrics, yet. We have a few restaurants who love it. We just started getting all the implementation logistics ironed out.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very personable. Nikhil speaks with me daily if I need it. We’ve got great communication. He makes sure to be available whenever I need him. They’ve conformed to the tools we use including Slack and Google Drive. I don’t know what they prefer but they’ve adapted to what we do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I went to them because of their user interface and design and how their apps look. I’ve been really happy with the look and feel of how we wanted it to be. Aesthetics were important to us in this particular project. That’s been what I’ve been impressed with the most. Their personal communication is impressive as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything now.

BACKGROUND

Describe your company and what you do there.

I work in the entertainment industry as a freelance stunt performer/coordinator.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

I wanted a mobile application directory to archive different stunt performers according to ethnicity, height, weight, and set skills. This way, when I need to search in the database, I could just punch in “I’m looking for X person with a certain look and skills,” and then come up with options, according to their locale or proximity to where they live.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Stunt performers create profiles. They have options on how to list their skills. Because of the way the information is categorized, I have a search function tool to immediately pull up information according to height, weight, skill set, gender, and local area working out of. From the same app, I can get that information and forward it via email to people who may need to have access to that, whether it be for casting or wardrobe reasons. I can do everything through my phone very quickly.

This is an app to be used as a resource within the industry itself. It’s an app that I’m sharing with other stunt coordinators. My idea is that I want to create a general database so that if I pull in other stunt coordinators, they pull in people that they hire and add their information onto the database, which makes it more complete, cohesive, and functional for people like myself that are always in search of different people with different skills.

They developed the app natively on both iOS and Android. What I’m looking for them to do is, as I go on and add more features or figure out what works and doesn’t work, provide the support that I need in future updates and versions of the app that fit what my current needs might be at that time.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I went online looking for app designers and developers and interviewed a couple that I came up with. When I came across Apptunix, I found them to be the most equal in personality. They seemed very easygoing. I don’t want a yes-person exactly. I know what I want and how I want it designed, but I don’t want anybody to just “yes” me all the way into a corner. I want someone who can, at the same time, work with my concept and throw an idea at me that might be even better. Or if they’re running into a road block, according to the limitations of what I’m asking them to do, I need them sometimes to think outside of the box for me and come up with a different solution to give me a similar result of what I’m looking for. I found them to have those qualities.

When I Skyped with them online, they had the right responses. There were other people that seemed overqualified and eager, but I felt like I was being yessed. I’m not a yes-person. I work in an industry where you’re blunt and upfront—you can do something or you can’t do something, or you don’t know. I’d rather have somebody tell me they don’t know if they can do something than blatantly lie to me and tell me that they can do it, and on the day, things don’t show up the way they say they would. And they gave me that feel.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

It was $10,000-$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in January 2016 and finished in December 2016. The app is released. Currently, I’m working on a new update with them. I’m very happy with their performance. The app is a fluid tool. I have a bunch of things I want to add to it, but I want to do it slowly. I want to get feedback from people using the app and incorporate those with my feelings on the app and continue working along. I’m doing this as a service and not as a profit for business because it also benefits me. The more resources I have as far as knowing who’s out there who can get a job done, the better it is for me as a stunt coordinator. It makes me more valuable because I know what resources are at local areas where I might be working.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve gotten feedback from people, and it’s usually pretty good. I have a Facebook page for people who are on the app to leave comments, whether it be good or bad, along with ideas. It’s a living, breathing page, and feedback has been pretty good. I think I have 600-700 users at this time, and this is just locally. It’s a work in progress, but it’s been a very practical and functional tool for me.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

I think they were pretty spot-on. We’re in two way different time zones, so sometimes it’s just a matter of me sending details and breakdowns of my notes, and they get back to me immediately with their notes on my notes to make sure that they understood everything correctly. After that, they would issue me an updated test version of the app just to see how I felt it would perform. If I had any further notes, it would go back and forth. It was a very fluid, mutual running back and forth. I would come up with an idea or a note on how the app was performing, and they would come back and tell me, “Is this what you want? Here is the test of that.” They were pretty agile as far as getting back to me and coming up with quick updates or corrections to whatever notes I had during the development process of the app.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

What I like is they could understand my need for clean, efficient-appearing elements in the app. I don’t want it to be very busy. I want it to be simple and straightforward. Most of the older generation of people that I’m trying to get involved in the app, they’re like tech dinosaurs—they’re scared dealing with the tool. I call myself a “stunt geek”: when new technology comes in, I’ll try to find out if there’s a way that I can use it to my advantage, as far as my business goes. It’s very important for me to have something that’s very practical for somebody that’s more tech-savvy, but at the same time, something simple enough so that someone who’s not comfortable working with tech can fully comprehend and use it. Apptunix has done that for me.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

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

If you’re looking for someone to help you design something from scratch or if you have a good premise to what your idea is, they could provide the framework for it. As far as my experience goes, they’ve helped create a concept that I have into a functioning idea. I speak totally as a novice because I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m very content and happy with their ability to help me out.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Tantiv4 Technologies is based in India and specializes in IoT products, which is an upcoming technology in the IT world. We focus on both the hardware and software development of products which can ease people's lives. Our startup was founded two years ago, and we have a four or five-person team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed to develop a mobile application that could help us interact with IoT devices, and configure them. Our partner needed to have both application and server-side knowledge, and design an iOS app which met our requirements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Apptunix developed our iOS configuration app using a couple of resources.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We needed an iOS developer who could code an application which interacted with our IoT product, and looked at a few options found through references. Our CEO is based in the US, and met Apptunix's principal. We started a formal conversation and looked at the products they'd executed.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

The cost of Apptunix's work was between $15,000 and $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Apptunix in December 2015. The work was wrapped up in February 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The product has been launched only recently, after a Kickstarter campaign, and we're still improving it. We saw a very good response and were able to attract around 600 backers for it. We plan to ship in June 2017, and have reached the commercial stage of the project.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was very good, and able to understand our requirements clearly. One resource in particular was extremely good, and allowed us to not have to babysit the Apptunix team. We were able to share some documents in the beginning and bring them up-to-speed quickly.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

Apptunix was able to quickly understand certain key functionalities of our product, especially mechanism-related ones, which were critical. They did so with minimal support from our end, which was important. Their technical abilities for understanding issues and providing solutions impressed me a lot.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

Apptunix surpassed our initial time and budget estimations at times. One area for improvement would be giving customers advance notices of areas which could drag-on. We didn't have any major issues in this area, but have had to allocate an additional three weeks of development. We have also changed our requirements, since we lacked experience in the iOS field. This is a normal occurrence in product development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a secondhand marketplace portal for individuals and vendors. Users rent or sell their used items through our platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed help structuring our idea for our web and mobile application. The app would arrange meetings with the buyer and the seller through the e-commerce portal. There is a small subscription for each membership, along with free and paid listings, so we needed a payment gateway for the subscription.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We are not technically sound regarding the frameworks and programming languages they used. They mentioned what technology they were going to use in their proposal. All the expertise came from their side; we just had an idea. We do not have any expertise in the coding part. There was a project manager for the designing and another manager once the development started.

The designing part was the first thing we did. Apptunix helped us design the structure, programming, and layout flow of the app. We first did the app for iOS, then Android, and finally for the web. The project was finished all together.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I found them through a portal where they were referred. I shortlisted four or five companies, and Apptunix was one of them. I had a conversation with them and then had a physical meeting. They sent us a proposal. Then there were negotiations, and finally, they were given the project.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

It was around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2016. The first meeting where I met Nikhil [Bansal], the owner of Apptunix, was in December 2016. They finished the project in January 2017. Then we made some changes to the app—we enhanced the features—and finally launched it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have feedback from people who have tested out the app. Some are positive; others have some ideas for improving it. This is usual for testing. We are getting more ideas and are developing on that. We are going to launch our advertising campaign next month, so we are hoping to get 100,000 users.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

The project started off smoothly. There was a delay because we made some changes in the app. They kept on giving us ideas for enhancing the app, so that added a bit of time; otherwise, it was okay. There was a time management system. They gave us this portal—we logged in and got all the details from that.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

The best part was the enhancements they suggested to us. We gave them a small idea, and they created a huge one out of that. They helped us refine our vision and make improvements.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

No. I am pretty happy with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of EZ Leads, a software development company that builds apps for real estate agents in Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We wanted to automate the lead generation process for real estate agents.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve worked on three apps for us. Two of them are basically identical; one is for Android and one is for iOS. The third is a web app, which was built using the PHP framework Laravel. I laid out the specification and design and they did the work.

The apps allow real estate agents to share referrals with one another. Agents typically service one area, and they can share leads they get outside their area. When a lead comes in, agents in that area get a push notification, and they can accept or reject it. We allow up to three agents to accept each lead. If one of them gets a sale, they share the commission with the person who put the lead in.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

They had good reviews on Upwork. They had the necessary skills and the price was right, so we just hired them.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

$200,000 AUD [approx. $150,000 USD].

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in late 2015, and the project was complete in December of 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The code they delivered worked reasonably well. We found occasional bugs, but they were fixed. They were well-priced, reasonably competent developers and excellent communicators.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication skills are excellent. They were available on Skype every day, and they responded quickly. They asked smart questions and they got things done within the deadline for the most part.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

The communication was always awesome and first-rate. I’ve never had better with overseas developers. I can’t imagine it being better; they were really on top of it. They were pretty proactive. Whenever they had a question, they wouldn’t try guessing at the answer, they just asked me directly. There were minimal errors because of that.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

I think their design could improve a little, and their coding is a bit messy and hard to read in some bits. That might have been because we were in a rush, as we’re building an MVP, not a final product. Getting it out quickly was more important than producing beautiful code.