What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The app went through different stages. In the first phase, it was the screen designs. They designed it and it was okay with us. We didn’t have any modifications. We approved it. Then they started code writing. At that time, there is nothing for us to see or approve.
Then when they had the first build, they shared it with us and we were checking this build. If we faced any issues, we told them. During the time, I figured out that they don’t have any meaning of internal testing or quality check. For example, they shared a build today and we told them the errors. Tomorrow they’ll share a build with the same errors or they fix one or two and keep three and four.
Then we would have a different type of error that was working fine in the previous build, but they fixed something and broke something else.
Despite all of our issues, the project was delivered and everyone is happy now. The client is happy, I got paid, and I’m happy. When I ask Weburu Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. about advice related to the app, they gave me advice.
When the project was delivered and updates were published, I expected them not to honor their commitment to free maintenance, but they did.
The issue we’re facing now stems from them because they didn’t try to clean code and didn’t check the bugs that can happen in that app before publishing. They didn’t do any quality check and that was a major issue.
They consumed my time a lot. We expected a high-quality outcome and didn’t plan to spend 5-6 hours daily just checking their work. They should have some kind of internal testing before releasing to their client.
How did WebGuru Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. perform from a project management standpoint?
The project was delivered completely out of time. We planned to publish the app by the end of April, but we didn’t publish until early May and it wasn’t a complete copy. I was really in a rush to publish this app and I approved them to publish it and then continue the other smaller tasks as updates to that application.
At the beginning of our project, I got frustrated and tried to get outside support from the platform I found them on. I hoped a third party would act like an impartial judge or put some pressure on them, but there wasn’t an appropriate solution.
I had the option to cancel the project, get my money back, and start with another company, but I didn’t want to start from the beginning. Time was really critical for me.
I told them the delay was not what we were expecting from them and that I’d leave negative feedback online if they didn’t meet our expectations.
They replied that they would stop the project if I did that, but I was really under pressure from my client. If I cancelled the project, I’d lose my client. This was a mega client for me and I couldn’t afford to lose that business.
We communicated through the platform we found them on to make sure everything was recorded. As a result, communication was limited. We couldn’t share images, voice recordings, and direct calls, so we moved to Skype.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They have the necessary expertise. If they say they can do it, they can. It took extra time and money, but in the end, we still got a solid product.
Are there any areas they could improve?
The first con was mainly the time delay. I don’t think they have the experience that they say they have. When we ask them to do something, they say it will take time, but somehow, we figured out that they don’t know how to do it. They were taking the time to search and check how they can do it and then try and implement.
The second thing is I was asking for standard features that are commonly available in any e-commerce mobile application and they were saying it couldn’t be done or that they can’t do it or we’d have to pay them extra. The contract was as detailed as we could get it, but contracts can’t include everything, though. For example, we can’t include that we need this button in this screen to be green.
I often listened to them because they have experience that I don’t have. Later on, especially now in working with a different firm, I realized that 40% of what they told us that couldn’t be done, can easily be done. They just don’t know how to do it.
The third problem was that they didn’t feel the urgency of the project. Delaying the project cost everybody extra time and money; to me, to them, to the client.
For example, we sent them something in the morning and they responded after 2-3 hours. If it’s the time of their closing, even if they’re still online, they won’t respond until the second day.
If they’re on duty, they will respond. If it’s a holiday, they won’t respond. To us, this was unacceptable for a live app because it impacts users.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Don’t expect up to standard outcomes. Expect the simple and basic outcome only. If you get two months as a time commitment from them, consider 6-7 months. They offer services other than mobile apps development. Perhaps mobile apps are their weakness.
WebGuru Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. yielded clear results within the first two months including an increase in traffic and inquiries. They explained their processes well and kept the client updated.