Code Brew Labs

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of an education firm that helps students prepare for various competitive exams.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs, and what were your goals?

We wanted to develop an app that had advanced features such as tracking, 2FA for account verification and so on. Since these required technical expertise we wanted a company proficient in it, to take care of the project for us.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We were in touch with a few app development agencies. We selected code brew labs as they had developed several apps similar to ours and their pricing was affordable, too! They understood the kind of app that we were looking for and produced a proposal that catered to those needs.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Once the project was assigned to them, they immediately set to work on it. Within two weeks they had a prototype ready for our approval. Once we reviewed the prototype and notified them of the changes that needed to be made, they started to develop the app.

They notified us of some valued additions that they can make that will be useful for us. These feedback helped us a lot and we added a lot of features they suggested. They were prompt in making changes and delivered the completed project on time. They also made sure they can finish the project within the budget they quoted.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A total of 7-8 people worked on our project but we were mostly in contact with the project manager and the QA engineer. We were in contact with the other members of the team as per requirement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The app worked without any glitches from the time of its launch. Every time they add a new update we can see the app performing better visibly. Not to mention the pleasing user-interface of the app. A lot of our users complimented the aesthetic interface of the app. It was easily navigable and worked without any crashes.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We were in touch with the project members via email. In addition they had set up an individual Whatsapp group where we could post any queries that arose. They were prompt in answering us and always made sure to keep us posted on the latest developments of the project.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their punctuality and trustworthiness were unparalleled. They reached their milestones before the deadline. Since we were always kept informed, we were confident that they would complete the job in time. They valued trustworthiness more than anything.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Everything was perfect from the start to the end.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work as a Sr. Marketing Manager at a leading digital agency offering end-to-end marketing and branding services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs, and what were your goals?

We wanted to develop an app for one of our clients but due to lack of manpower, we decided to outsource the project to Code Brew Labs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We shared the list of features with a few firms specializing in mobile app development and also Code brew labs. We asked them to contact us with a plan and a budget in mind. The Code Brew Labs team came up with a clear plan for an affordable rate therefore we decided to go with them.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We conducted a call with them where we described in detail the project to the team. They had valuable inputs at every stage of development which they conveyed to us during our weekly meetings. A lot of that technical feedback was very useful and insightful for us. They also asked feedback from us and completed the project while keeping us in the loop.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A total of four members contributed to the project consisting of the project manager and designers and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The working was seamless as far as we were concerned. Few technical glitches too were rectified by them during the early stages of the project testing. The app was aesthetically pleasing and the interface was user-friendly.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We had a meeting once a week where we discussed the development of the project. In addition, we were constantly in contact with the project manager via email. They also made time for us when we had to set up an urgent meeting. Overall, they were highly communicative and efficient.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are extremely professional, prompt, technically wise and take deadlines seriously. The quality of work was also excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None as far as we were concerned. Their professionalism impressed us massively.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a digital agency based in NYC. We offer a full range of services from marketing to development and everything in between.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs, and what were your goals?

One of our clients wanted to create a mobile app for their business. Because we didn’t have enough expertise in app development, we decided to collaborate with an agency that had hands-on experience with app development. The goal was to create a mobile app from the client’s website. They wanted to create both an iOS and Android app for their business.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We discovered Code Brew Labs via search engine and decided to get in touch with them. The vendor team was confident with the kind of service we were looking for, since they had worked on similar projects previously. Their pricing was affordable, too. So we collaborated.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Code Brew Labs first took the time to study our client’s business to have an understanding about their products and services. They began to work towards creating a native Android and iOS versions from their website. The team ensured to continually update both the apps with the latest features and functionalities.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Our project was assigned a project manager, who proved to be effective with respect to helping us make decisions for the betterment of our project. There was a sales team who took ample time to work in favor of what our expectations were, before laying down the initial offer. The work commenced after a formal statement of the work for the project was laid out.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We received a lot of positive feedback for several features that we incorporated into the application. Not only does the app run seamlessly but also delivers an engaging user experience all round. What’s more, it’s fast, snappy and very well designed. We’re happy with the overall work done by them.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The project was managed as per our needs and they continued to do it in a smooth and professional manner. It was easy to communicate with the vendor team because they were willing to adapt to our way of working so that we would feel comfortable with their team and they also made sure to give suggestions and opinions so that our application would be highly successful. The communication tools included Google Meet for lengthy discussions and mainly sent emails to convey brief messages.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Code Brew Labs has a team that’s motivated and highly driven to work towards the success of the project and we’re impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm. They always had something to add to our ideas and their insights contributed significantly to the project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a company that operates parking lots and distribute products related to that industry

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs, and what were your goals?

We wanted to offer our customers an app that operates parking lots, where the user can find an easy solution and nice experience using the parking premises. At the same time, the administrator of the site will have the tools to offer solutions to the user and control of the revenue.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We searched online app developers to end with two candidates. One candidate was a developer from the same country and the other was Code Brew Labs from India. The proposal from Code Brew was nicely done, stating timelines, develop concepts, hour investment, solutions to tech problems, and a platform and support plan very convenient to our project. The Mexican company which was on the other end were a kind of a rookie with a plan that has no timelines and a very high support cost.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Well, one month after we give the down payment, the company representative of Code Brew was fired and all the proposal was lost. I mean, there were no key deliverables, no milestones accomplish and no technology used. In fact, they only ask me to get technical information so they can continue the development of the project.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

They started with a representative of the company named Diego Alba which was kind of a salesman, but with tech knowledge that understood the product, we were supposed to get. Then, when this guy was fired, the company assigned a developer guy from India named Mohandeep Singh, after this guy lost almost 8 months of the project, I demand the attention of the company´s CEO, where two guys assist me if you can say so: Gagandeep and Pargat. This guy named a delivery manager of the company to manage my account, this guy´s name is Sukhchain where finally it all returned to Gagandeep which I never understood his position at the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Unfortunately, there is no measurable outcome related as a result of the development since today and after 13 months and counting, we don´t have any app launched or so. What we can measure is how we are losing market share in our city and how our accounts are in risk since we can´t offer a solution that our customers demand. This situation hit us on a -7% market share from a yearly income of 24 Mill just in our city and jeopardizing the future of 3 sites that our company operates, 250k per year

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

One important situation that had our decision for Code Brew was that they had a representative who speaks the same language. Well since that representative was fired, I only had contact with India´s team and we have a lot, I mean, a lot of language and communication problems. The company stated a platform (basecamp) where we were supposed to communicate each other issues and deliver the meeting´s resume but the company didn´t give a follow up to that platform and I had to state by writing via a platform, email and WhatsApp about the bad situation that our company was dealing regarding the bad service Code Brew provide.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The impressive thing was at the very beginning since the project proposal was so much interesting and detailed, but that was that. No one at Code Brew honored that business proposal they delivered in February 2020 and I really never find a greater value from that company.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

They have to install some real administration tools at their company, the attention to the customer is so poor. Once I started to complain about the situation, the monthly survey emails I use to receive, stopped. There is no structure at their organization, they changed their responsible of Mexico´s office twice in 12 months, they don´t believe they have to answer questions. I had to color in red the part where they should answer the questions I stated to them and finally get an answer after three attempts. Why they don´t answer? because it seems that they don´t care about your opinion and they only validate theirs, be careful with this one, the service you get because of this company´s philosophy is way out to understand.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO - Traditional Products Store

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs?

App Development

What were your goals for this project?

I was looking for a competent team that would develop a marketplace for my applications

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Brew Labs?

I came across Code Brew on Facebook and the sales rep hooked me up just to the right man, Mr. Abhimanyu. After reviewing a few companies, i selected Code Brew Labs because of their promise, reviews and pricing

Describe the project in detail.

Online marketplace

What was the team composition?

I spoke to a total of five people, Mr. Abhimanyu was the leader of this awesome team. Mr. Alpna and Chirag who were also exceptional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our project was completed in record time. The application they developed for us is very fast and so interactive. It does everything for our business. We just love it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Code brew was very committed to my project. They were very communicative and always answered our calls promptly. They also had a solution for every problem we ran into.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team was very devoted and went above and beyond to ensure nothing stood in the way of our project. They developed a very fast and accurate marketplace app for my online business and in record time. Very easy for my clients to use yet simple to manage vendors.

Like any other preliminary builds, the app had a few modifications that i requested and they sure fixed it before our deadline. Abhi and his team,

Mr. Chirag and Alpna are very responsive and just by what they do you can tell they are the masters of app development. If you are out there looking for a developer to bring your ideas into reality, this is the company to go to, and preferably, ask for Mr. Vij. I highly recommend them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would almost say none, however, in future i would like to see them expand their offices to the USA, that way communication timezones would be much easier. I used to wake up at 2am just to speak to them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder & CEO of Grintafy, which is a platform for amateur athletes looking to be discovered.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Brew Labs?

I needed some full-stack development done.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Brew Labs developed the whole product, including two apps and a webpage. They made an app for carriers in Android and iOS, and an app for service providers in Android. The team also created the landing page for the site, as well as the admin to manage both apps.

What is the team composition?

There were 5-6 people initially, but the project has grown, and the team has increased to about 15 people. 

How did you come to work with Code Brew Labs?

I met with the founders, and I liked how confident they seemed about doing the project. From the start, I had a good feeling about working together.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in June 2017, and it is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The resources working on my projects are highly skilled. There were some issues with things not being done properly, but they fixed it. That’s normal in development projects. 

How did Code Brew Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Code Brew Labs does very well. They quickly addressed issues I brought to their attention, and got the project back on track. We used Basecamp at first, but now we use Slack and Sheets for communication and project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We have developed a strong working relationship, like partners. The thing that sets them apart from others and makes me continue working with them so long is the supportiveness of their management team. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There isn’t anything specific. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be involved, staying in close contact with the managers. Speak up immediately if something isn’t going the way you want it. They’ll listen and adjust.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a scooter rental platform. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Brew Labs?

I needed a mobile application built.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built two apps: one for iOS and one for Android. It’s a micro-mobility shared application that activates the scooter. The user can also open a map to see where the scooters are in relation to them. The app is linked to an admin panel with a dashboard that allows us to manage the subscribers. We have customer reviews, problems, feedback, and more documented there. 

There are two backup servers to monitor the users, to ensure no delays in downloading the app, and to minimize crashes. They currently monitor and maintain the application. 

What is the team composition?

There are 7-8 people who work on the team: an Android developer, an iOS developer, two backend supports, a QA tester, a designer, and someone in charge of monitoring the servers.

How did you come to work with Code Brew Labs?

I had worked with a few companies unsatisfactorily. When I found Code Brew Labs, I spent a few days visiting them, talking with the CEO, and seeing their workspace. I liked the way they worked and decided to test their skill before deciding to work on the project with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested between $140,000 - $160,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in September 2019, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is live for both iOS and Android, in the app stores. They continue to add and tweak features for us. We went into operation a week prior to COVID-19, so we are waiting for the government to allow us to reopen.

How did Code Brew Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They do very well. They update me every couple of days, as well as send weekly reports for documentation. We use Basecamp and WhatsApp. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team is very good and works quickly. I like that they come to ask questions when they need to instead of just pushing forward without clarification. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be nice if they assigned a team from the local office for easier interaction.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you want to develop a clean, professional application, this is a good team to work with. They cost more than some others, but are worth it. They deliver what they promise.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a local transportation provider specializing in less-than-truckload freight. We’re expanding nationally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Brew Labs?

I hired them to build a functionality for our mobile app that would allow us to track and tender shipments to drivers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The functionality that I wanted was an admin panel that would allow us to assign shipments that are grouped together — instead of individual shipments — to specific drivers, based on either location or preference.

The app is compatible with standard mobile devices. It’s available on Android and iOS.

What is the team composition?

Mukesh (Business Development Manager, Code Brew Labs) was on the sales side. There were two other individuals involved: a salesperson and some kind of project manager.

How did you come to work with Code Brew Labs?

I did some research online and found their website. There was information about a delivery app they’d built. It’s a working app that can be purchased outright or licensed from them.

How much have you invested with them?

They wanted $5,000. Luckily, I was weary and only sent them $1,500. I told them I’d continue to pay based on some milestones, but this thing never got started. Initially, they said everything, including the functionalities I asked for, was included.

It was really a bait and switch. I sent them a deposit, and, two days later, they told me they looked at my project and it would cost more money. That was an immediate turnoff. Their initial request was $5,000, which was reasonable, but the app ended up costing $15,000. At that point, I said I wasn’t interested. It started to spiral downward from that point forward. They haven’t done any work. I told them to return my funds due to the fact that we hadn’t gone anywhere, and they said no. 

It would be disappointing to see someone else lose $5,000, and that’s why I want the review to be public. Their Google reviews are 100% fake. I see the same names of people I’ve communicated with from Code Brew Labs who have written Google reviews. I want to let the public know about the disappointing experience.

What is the status of this engagement?

I gave them a deposit at the end of December 2019. I’m not working with them now. They’re scammers. They took my money and are not responding to me anymore. We cut things off last week.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

There was no opportunity to work with them. They wanted more money, and I said I wasn’t interested in spending more money; the point was that the application already had what I needed. I spoke to the salesperson on numerous occasions, explaining to him what I needed. He told me to send the money. I came to find out that they wanted another $3,000, and I wasn’t interested in that. I wanted to work with someone who could give me a straight shot and tell me what it cost, what it had, and what it didn’t have. I’m in the process of working with a new partner.

How was project management handled?

We had a WhatsApp group available for communication. As soon as things spiraled out of control, they stopped responding. It was also very difficult to understand them. I think there was a significant language barrier. However, it was fine through texts and WhatsApp messages.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

They didn’t do anything. I wish they had, but there was nothing done over an almost two-month period.  

In what specific areas can they improve?

The problem was their trustworthiness. We weren’t necessarily spending a huge dollar amount, but the problem came down to them holding us hostage over the cost. That automatically led me to believe that I was going to have problems with them. 

They make a very bold statement, namely that people can buy the app from them. That’s also a very slippery slope. I checked the Apple and Android stores, and, in order for us to put the app on a store, the code would have to be very individual and specific. There’s a very high chance that, if it’s a generic app used by multiple people and we end up buying the code, we wouldn’t be able to put it up on the stores. Their statement of buying their app is maybe accurate, but whether we’d be able to house it on the stores is questionable. I didn’t even know this until I contacted a new provider, and they asked me background questions. I told them I was working with a company that promised to sell me the code because they had a more general code build. The company told me I wouldn’t be able to house the app on the stores due to these technical issues.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Anyone interested in buying the code from them should understand that it’s code they’ve sold to others, and it may not be publishable on the app stores.

Company Responses

The vendor responded on April 17, 2020.

The client bought our Pre-Built Shipping Logistics solution. The client was given a demo of this solution before he decided to continue. Later, he asked for Custom Dispatching Solution as per his business process and Users. That solution had to be custom developed and was quoted at $2800 USD.

The client decided he did not want to pay and asked for a refund. He panicked and posted this review. We refunded the client a week before his review showed up on Clutch as it takes time. 

The client approached Clutch saying that he wants to remove the review, but Clutch has not been able to do that because of their policies.

[Clutch has reached out to the client to update their review.]

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founding partner of a marketing firm that helps authors generate buzz around their books. Through our comprehensive bouquet of unique services, we help authors catch the attention of their target audience and promote their books.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Brew Labs?

We started this business in 2016 and have over 250 clients from around the world. Managing them become a challenge. We tried to manage activities with Google Sheets, but the workflow became confusing. Our clients were frustrated with the delays and missed deadlines. We needed help fast, so we were in the market for a technology solution that managed and tracked activities. 

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a mobile app where clients could see everything that we had planned for the next 30 days.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We shared our wishlist with four different vendors, including Code Brew, and asked them to submit their technical and financial proposal within seven days. They came up with a great execution schedule, but their pricing was 20% higher than the others. We were interested in their understanding of our needs and their plan to execute its minute details. Their recommendations added a lot of value to our system and proved beneficial both ourselves and our clients. They made almost 50 recommendations in their proposal, which won them the contract.

Describe the project in detail.

Code Brew placed a lot of details into their proposal and added a few more things along the way. We had a few sessions with their project manager, in which we shared more details about the activities and roles that needed to be configured within the system. They managed development while keeping us in the loop. We got an Android app and plan to create an iOS app next year. 

Using the app, our clients can see when activities will conclude and when results will be achieved. They can ask about any activity, which our helpdesk answers within a specified period. On the backend, we see all clients, plan and schedule their activities, assign responsibilities to executives, track our team's progress and performance, prepare reports, raise the alarm on deadlines, push messages to clients, or interact with them individually. Every executive also has a login so they can see activities and update their progress.

What was the team composition?

We met their project manager almost every week. We also met the whole team working on the project at their office. Including our project manager, four team members contributed to our project. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app performs extremely well, apart from some minor glitches and oversights that don't hamper our main objectives. Since deployment, Code Brew has already fixed most issues in the minor updates that we roll out every other month.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We received and answered their queries through email, then followed up with a telephone conversation to ensure that they received our input. We had weekly meetings to discuss work progress and specific features.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Code Brew is remarkably professional. Their team understands the value of time, takes instructions well, and delivers according to our requirements.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything. They're more than perfect. I appreciate their work and the contribution it has made to our process improvement and customer satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and CEO of a non-profit focusing on sexual violence in public spaces.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Brew Labs?

We had a crowd-mapping web app for sexual violence in public spaces and wanted to create a mobile version to provide the information in an easy-to-access format to anyone around the world, as well as add new features.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Brew provided Android and iOS app design and development, as well as a backend dashboard. We gave them our requirements, from which they created wireframes and documentation. We wanted to keep it simple and clean so users wouldn’t be intimidated with the design. They also helped with the app store launch process.

The app's key feature is a crowd map, which clusters information together based on geotagging. It also has simple forms for reporting. Features include building communities, posting safety tips, uploading blogs, and creating events. We also have language requirements—English, Hindi, and Spanish—to which we will be adding three more languages shortly.

What is the team dynamic?

It helps that our project manager is a woman; the project has been taken a level further, in a sense, with Code Brew becoming tied into my vision and mission. They’ve been open and flexible to creating the midway features we added. We have a project team, including a design person and development resources.

How did you come to work with Code Brew Labs?

My technical team put out a request for proposal and shortlisted three vendors for me to select. I chose Code Brew because they were the best in terms of visualization.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Code Brew in April 2017. The app was launched on September 21, 2017. We have a 5-year contract, during which Code Brew will continue to maintain our app and provide any new development. We are also in talks with them about our marketing strategy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s still early, but many people have complimented us on the design of the app. It meets my requirements of being simple and user-friendly. There have been no crashes, and their code has been strong thus far.

How did Code Brew Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They use Basecamp as a project management tool and WhatsApp for communication. We have calls every week and get daily updates on Basecamp. The technical team prepared the list of deliverables and set up a project timeline. They are communicative and responsive, and the work is delivered on schedule and budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like their whole approach. They feel like a part of our team and deliver exactly what they say they will. They've been open to new changes as well, so I feel comfortable having them as our partner for the next five years.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not currently, but there’s always room for improvement. They've provided consultation as well.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I would confidently refer people to use their services, as I’ve had a good experience with them.