Kulkul Technology

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of product for a startup that's building a web extension for shoppers. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Kulkul Technology?

We engaged Kulkul Technology to build out our product. It's a Chrome extension for shoppers. 

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Kulkul Technology developed our web browser tool, which allows users to create an account and shop through specific retailer sites. Once a user makes a purchase, the tool logs their purchase history and notes any price changes within a certain period.

Originally, we’d explored the idea of creating an app. But, after a while, we realized it would take a lot of effort to maintain the app in Google Play, so we needed to switch our strategy.

That’s when Kulkul Technology’s team came up with an alternative solution through a Chrome extension. Together, we designed how the tool would look. We then did user testing while they built the product. 

The project is partially completed, but we’re going to pivot a bit. We’re still working on a function that emails the user if there’s a price change.

What is the team composition? 

As far as I know, Puji (Founder) led most of the project. There was also another developer who helped from time to time, but I didn’t work with that person directly.

How did you come to work with Kulkul Technology?

I joined after we decided to go with them, so I don’t have a lot of insights. I know they were a friend of our founder.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, the cost is between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in May 2020 and are still working with them.

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

Their work quality is great — you just have to be clear about what your scope is. If you give the team an idea, they’re able to come up with multiple options. But, it’s harder to execute if you’re still trying to figure out what you want.

How did Kulkul Technology perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great at coming up with ways to work around any unexpected issues that might come up. We’re a startup, so there are times when we inevitably have to make a few adjustments. After a round of user testing, we might come back with additional features to consider or need to change an existing functionality. We use Slack to coordinate the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Besides his well-rounded knowledge base, I definitely appreciate Puji’s energy. He’s excited to work on projects and help his customers visualize a finished product, which feels very engaging. That positive attitude helps make the project successful. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve been trying to move as fast as we can but realize that we haven’t asked them to do QA. It would be helpful if they could bring up QA proactively, regardless of whether or not the client asks for it.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’ve got a clear vision of what you want, then you should absolutely consider them and find out their suggestions. But, if you’re still thinking through your product, you’ll need to come up with a solid plan first. It’s harder to keep everything on time without discussing those decision points upfront.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a tech freelancer.

What challenge were you trying to address with Kulkul Technology?

I was building out a simple JavaScript software product for a client and needed assistance.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started out with a simple script. However, the client’s requirements soon changed to include building a full-fledged mechanism to show complex AR models through user devices.

Kulkul is providing JavaScript and ARCore coding. ARCore is Google’s framework for AR models, and it’s a new and innovative technology. As such, Kulkul had to start from the very beginning to grasp the concept. We’re only in the middle of development now, so there’s lots more to come. They’re currently working on a microservice for the client.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with 3–4 people from Kulkul. I’m acting as a project manager.

How did you come to work with Kulkul Technology?

I found them on a platform where they were listed as a vendor, and we started with a small JavaScript project.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost so far has been $1,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Kulkul in October 2019, and I plan to continue the collaboration as long as there are challenges to meet.

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

They spent a considerable amount of time understanding the issue at hand and its solution. They think ahead about how to make a solution scalable and applicable to various use cases, instead of just opting for the easiest solution.

They were very quick to shift their structure to my needs, so the feedback I have for them is very positive.

How did Kulkul Technology perform from a project management standpoint?

It took some time to get into rhythm, given my style of project management and the requirements my client was looking for. However, Kulkul was open in communication and always considerate. We’ve found a very good approach that reduces the amount of discussion needed, which worked for all of us. I’ve gotten to know them quite well over time.

They always respond within hours and are accurate in describing their progress against our timelines. I never feel I’m overspending, and that’s something I value.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’d worked with another developer before Kulkul, and they were able to do in two weeks what he did in almost a year. They came in with good technical knowledge and were fast in understanding the scope.

Are there any areas they could improve?

All issues were addressed in the first few months, and I have nothing for them to improve on at the moment.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

It’s important to be patient and to communicate clearly, especially when coming from a different cultural background. The clearer you are, the easier it is for the provider to understand what the deliverables are.