RAZUR

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of brand communications at Focus Pointe Global. We have 20 locations and we conduct focus groups across the United States.

What challenge were you trying to address with RAZUR?

We have a large panel of respondents that we use for our focus groups. We wanted to build an app that we could use instead of email to get in touch with our panel members and conduct surveys. We have a very small development team that was not able to take on this project, so we were looking for a vendor to help us.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted to have an app that would interface with our proprietary internal system. RAZUR evaluated our situation and went through a discovery process. Then, they designed and built a mobile application for both iOS and Android devices. We worked together on the graphic design and usability and RAZUR brought a lot of expertise to the table. They continue to add new features to the app and help us maintain it.

What is the team composition?

I mostly work with Chris (Owner, RAZUR), who has a team underneath him.

How did you come to work with RAZUR?

They were recommended to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent about $75,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with RAZUR in September 2017, and the relationship is ongoing.

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

We launched the app to our respondents about six months ago, and right now we have more than 100,000 people on the app. We've definitely seen an increase in the number of people who take our surveys. The respondents say the app is helpful to them because they like taking surveys on the go. We stay in regular communication with our respondents and let them know when there is a new feature.

How did RAZUR perform from a project management standpoint?

Chris is extremely responsive, and we can always reach out to him by email or phone. He keeps very detailed notes, so he always knows where the project is going.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a very skilled team, and they're easy to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I've been happy with everything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Define the scope of work before you begin the project and stay in close communication with them. Regular contact is definitely the key.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder and VP of Barcade, a combination bar and arcade with a focus on classic video games and American craft beer. We have multiple locations in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Connecticut. I oversee our advertising and marketing as well as our website maintenance.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

We had an old mobile app that hadn’t been updated in four years. As such, we needed resources to update its software for iOS and Android.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our app to the best of its potential within our current technical parameters. This would extend its lifespan while we prepared for a total redesign in the future. That way, we wouldn’t have to rush the creative development for the new version of the app.

How did you select this vendor?

We found them online. We also considered their geographic location.

Describe the project in detail.

We reviewed the app with them, discussing our immediate needs and potential improvements. They then updated the app according to our requirements. We wanted to add two additional Barcade locations to the app at a later date, so they set that up for us. They also refined some of the functionalities. Because the backend needed more work than we had anticipated, we decided to set aside some of our bigger ideas for future development.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and a developer.

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

The app runs faster, now, and I believe we’ve regained a few users that we’d previously lost due to a lack of updates to the app.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They communicated well, and I had access to their notes through Trello.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re professional and current.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Tundra Electronics INC is dedicated to improving quality and use time of Electronics in cold weather environments.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR, and what were your goals?

We struggled to find quality engineers and web design. Along with business management. RAZUR went above and beyond all expectations. Chris and RAZUR took Tundra from a $500K evaluation to a 5 million dollar company in 2yrs. We have working prototypes, website, market, business plan and excellent financial statements ALL because of RAZUR.

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

We where introduced to RAZUR thru a mutual friend. We flew Chris M to Alaska and our TEAM interviewed Chris. We all where very impressed with the knowledge and experience as well as the drive to make our company a successful one. He has been a great leader.

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

RAZUR provided introduction to engineering firms, accounting software and management of business systems. RAZUR worked diligently to reach all our goals..building working prototypes for testing. Designed test parameters. Built App and Bluetooth for our prototype. Guided Tundra in building a Pitch for Alaska Angel Conference 2019 & 2020 where we where finalists. Raised our evaluation over 4.5 million dollars.

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

Chris Merkle worked personally with Tundra. He was able to handle all our requirements as well as unforseen issues. Was able to save us money and time. Shared personally from.his knowledge and experience.

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

Our prototypes RAZUR built went far above and beyond our expectations, gave us a bar to push forward and make .ajor improvements to our design and patent

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

RAZUR was always reachable. Always responded the same day, usually hiur or less. Very easy to work with. This was my 1st business experience as a start up. Their patient and easy communication style was very helpful for rookies like us. RAZUR had no problem holding my had or walking me thru many situations that where new to me. Paramount to my success.

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

Personal interest and interaction. The easy communication. Helpful always. Spent time and energy on my project the proved sincere interest in my success.

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

None that I can think of.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We’re a custom cake studio servicing New York City. We’ve been in business for two years and I'm the owner.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

I needed help with rebranding and the creation of a new, more interactive website.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to have a visually stunning website that showcased our brand and product.

How did you select this vendor?

I've known Chris (Founder, RAZUR) for many years and knew he was the perfect person for this job. He’s fantastic with communication, always pleasant, and professional. I was confident that he'd be able to organize my thoughts and vision while delivering on the practical application.

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

They built me an entirely new website. It was a lot of work, and the scope included interactive elements and multimedia components.

What was the team composition?

They have an endless amount of resources to pull off whatever vision you may have. Working with the team was always easy and they were great about reminding me about approaching deadlines.

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

The newly designed website completely changed the energy of my brand and the way my clients see us. I now have a website I'm proud of and receive endless compliments for. It's easy for me to use and looks so much more professional.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management team was very impressive—consistently professional and prompt. They never missed a deadline.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Working with them was an easy, pleasurable experience. I knew I was in very capable hands. They have an impressive amount of experience so I’m sure my project was easy for them, but it really left me speechless. Chris is so warm and friendly, and he has such a nice presence. Other companies I've met in the past are dry and so corporate it's like talking to a robot. It was nice to deal with a relatable human.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

No, I had a great experience from beginning to end. They even provide fantastic continual support.

Please describe your company and your position there.

AlternaCare is a weight loss and holistic healthcare clinic.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

We hired them to do e-commerce development.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to improve our site and ultimately increase our income.

How did you select this vendor?

I was aware of RAZUR’s high-quality jobs.

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

They upgraded and significantly improved the appearance, UX, and functionality of my e-commerce site.

What was the team composition?

I worked with one individual on this project.

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

We saw an immediate improvement in online sales.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They were very organized. We used Trello.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with the quality and speed of their work.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

None that I can see.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a market research firm. I oversee new product development, talent, operations, and investor relations.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

We hired RAZUR to develop the minimum viable product and beta versions of the Gauge mobile app and the customer web platform for our Software-as-a-Service business.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a solution that customers loved and would help us raise our preseed funding.

How did you select this vendor?

We received a referral from a colleague. Our interview experience with RAZUR was laid back and thoughtful. They quickly developed a proposal around our project ideas and goals.

Describe the project in detail.

After confirming the scope, the RAZUR team developed the wireframes and designs for the mobile app and web platform. They also provided design support.

What was the team composition?

We worked with three team members who were responsible for account management, design, and content creation.

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

We were able to develop a mobile app and platform with great traction data. From there, we were able to do fundraising and acquire multiple Fortune 500 customers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was extremely effective. RAZUR worked with us on our timelines and was a great partner throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their responsiveness and thoughtfulness.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a global hospitality company that has more than 5,000 hotels around the world. My role focuses on content and social marketing, including content written about destinations and travel.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

We hired them to redesign our two corporate blogs, IHG Blog and Sleep Blog, as well as to design and develop microsites for the InterContinental, Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels brands.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to improve the UX for desktop and mobile.

How did you select this vendor?

They were hired before I started working with the company.

Describe the project in detail.

They handle the website design and development for our brand blogs. RAZUR offers their creative expertise and brings our projects to life with that creativity. However, I have the final say in all designs and UX decisions. They also provide maintenance, upgrades, and any other type of web work needed. For example, we're hoping to raise our search engine results pages with the implementation of Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages.

What was the team composition?

I work directly with their team.

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

We’ve enjoyed working with them so much, we added more content sites.

How effective was the project management?

It has been excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It's so easy to work with RAZUR. They make communication simple and are open to all ideas.

What tips or recommendations do you have?

None.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work at UNICEF, a global humanitarian organization. My role focuses on content innovation within the social media team. I work within the HQ, where we run the global social media channels.

For what projects/services did your company hire RAZUR?

We hired RAZUR to build an app that allowed our fans to generate and send Valentine’s Day cards via social media.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase the usage of our app.

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them due to their ability to work quickly and deliver great quality. Plus, they offered an amazing price advantage.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They built a Facebook app across six languages in less than two months. The work involved modifying an image from our stock library of children’s photos and adding a message related to Valentine’s Day.

What was the team composition?

RAZUR’s founder led the team and divided the work.

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

RAZUR did fantastic work. With little promotion on our end, our fans generated over 10,000 cards with the UNICEF Valentine’s Day app. We had tons of amazing feedback about the app, which worked really well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was extremely effective and streamlined.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were clearly passionate about our project. They are one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s no need for improvement.