Visit Website

Delivering digital products since 2005

4.8
13 reviews

Every successful business starts with a vision. Xfive is the fullstack software team that you partner with to make it a reality.

Since 2005 we’ve been supporting some of the world's biggest brands in their growth from startup to success. We helped Twitter become Twitter. We supported Fox through their digital transformation. We’ve helped major companies, like Threadless, ebay, and Microsoft, increase engineering velocity.

And we’ve helped startups and agencies like QualSCORE, Single Point or Elefint Designs, establish the technical foundation they stood upon for their success.

Let us help you like we helped them.

Our expertise includes languages, libraries, tools and technologies like React, Angular, Vue, ECMAScript, Android, iOS, React Native, PWA, Ruby on Rails, PHP, AWS, Symfony, WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, Timber, Chisel, Webpack, Figma, Sketch, HTML5, Sass, ITCSS. We are deeply focused on web performance optimization.

Our engagement model is simple. We can either help you quickly augment your team with dedicated resources saving you the cost and effort of the recruitment process or run a complex project from scratch.

Start the partnership today simply submitting this form here: [email protected]

READ MORE...
 
$5,000+
 
$50 - $99 / hr
 
50 - 249
 Founded
2006
Show all +
Krakow, Poland
headquarters
  • Starowiślna 46
    Krakow 31-035
    Poland
other locations
  • 1 Harbor Dr. Suite 300
    Sausalito, CA 94965
    United States
  • Melbourne 3196
    Australia

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Twitter, Ebay, Microsoft, Threadless, FOX and Rogers Media.

Successful cooperation between front-end and back-end teams Image

Successful cooperation between front-end and back-end teams

SinglePoint Rating is a web-based application that replaces the successful WinRater desktop application. SinglePoint Rating brings all WinRater’s features, which customers love, to a modern and flexible web environment.

Xfive was asked by Boston Software Corp. (BSC) to create the front-end for SinglePoint Rating. The BSC team implemented the back-end and API.

QualSCORE - an MVP for a start-up operating on a rapidly growing market Image

QualSCORE - an MVP for a start-up operating on a rapidly growing market

For QualSCORE, Xfive delivered a full package of branding, website, and app design as well as a fully functional survey app that helps improve the cannabis dispensary industry.

The client requested an easy to use app that will help users submit feedback and rate cannabis products and services.

Women's Funding Network Image

Women's Funding Network

Partnered with Elefint Designs to create WordPress powered website for the Women's Funding Network.   Visit website: http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/
Thousand Currents Image

Thousand Currents

We have created WordPress theme based on Elefint Design's designs.    Visit website: https://thousandcurrents.org/
Open Lantern Image

Open Lantern

We have partnered with Open Lantern to create their website and custom web application. Built with Ruby on Rails.  

Visit website: https://secure.openlantern.com/

Eligible Image

Eligible

Long term front end development partnership with Eligible - Integrated patient healthcare eligibility system.   Visit website: https://eligible.com/

 

 

Meet Your DA Image

Meet Your DA

John Legend promoted initiative we participated on with Elefint Designs. We've delivered front end and WordPress development services on this project.

Visit website: https://meetyourda.org/

Leadership public schools Image

Leadership public schools

We partnered with Elefint Designs to work on front end and WordPress integration for this network of urban charter high schools whose mission is to create educational equity. 

Visit website: http://www.leadps.org/

Reviews

4.8
13 reviews
Sort by

Outsourced Web Dev for Multiple Medium to Large Sites

"Their level of responsiveness, their professionalism, and the quality of their work are all such rare finds!"

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Jan. 2015 - Jan. 2019
Project summary: 

Xfive serves as an outsourced development partner for a creative agency, handling everything from scoping and research to UX recommendations and development. They focus on custom WordPress and Drupal sites.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Sydney, Australia
Beth Stewart
Head of Digital, Holy Cow! Creative
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

High-quality work, easy communication, and valuable services have helped Xfive secure a long-lasting relationship. They adjust their teams to meet task needs and are diligent about making sure that they understand the project requirements fully.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As Head of Digital for a boutique creative agency, I was looking for a development partner to help us with our website development projects. These included Wordpress and Drupal custom themes, eCommerce and Learning Management Systems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Xfive?

Xfive have been a development partner for over 5 years, they worked on website development and ongoing management of our websites as collaborative partners

What were your goals for this project?

Develop websites using best practice within time and budget

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Xfive were recommended to us

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

  • Project Management
  • High-level estimation and scoping
  • Recommending and researching solutions
  • UX recommendations
  • WordPress theme development and customisation
  • Drupal theme development and customisation

What was the team composition?

The team has a project manager and developer/s depending on the size of the project. This makes communication really easy. We use Basecamp to communicate as well and stay on track with tasks which works wonders for different timezones.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Bartek and the team are incredibly professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. There was a stage where we used multiple partners for various development projects – and we kept coming back to Xfive as they were the best to work with!

Due to the high quality of their work, the great value and our working relationship, they have been our long standing development partner for over 5 years.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The team has a project manager and developer/s depending on the size of the project. This makes communication really easy. We use Basecamp to communicate as well and stay on track with tasks which works wonders for different timezones.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their level of responsiveness, their professionalism, and the quality of their work are all such rare finds! They also ensured they understood requirements and what we were trying to do before undertaking development work, which always led to a better output.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No they're great

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Quality of their work far outweighs having the cheapest price
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Platform Development for Tech Startup

"Their ability to be in sync mentally with our team is invaluable. "

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive provided outsourced development for an SaaS startup. Their team developed a drag and drop platform that allowed large companies to intuitively manage a technology ecosystem. 

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Tampa, Florida
Joseph Kurian
CEO, 249Labs Inc
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The partnership has been tremendously successful. Xfive has been responsive and flexible with all aspects of the process. The architecture they've built is scalable and the product has been well-received by clients. Project management has been effective, even across time zones. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a startup called 249Labs Inc based in Tampa, Florida. We run an enterprise SaaS platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We needed a development team that could program our idea into a functioning platform. The platform is designed to be business-friendly so that companies can use a drag-and-drop system to build a technology ecosystem. We wanted large companies to understand whether their spend was aligned with their C-Suite. We also wanted the platform to be usable by business users, not just technology staff.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They do all kinds of coding work and IT management for us. Whether that’s writing code, working on the Ruby platform, database management, or server management, they perform IT tasks for our startup. I directly with people that don’t do infrastructure work, but Xfive works with their internal team to maintain server certificates and other aspects of the platform. They’re starting to do API work as well.  

Xfive worked to take our designs and bring in various assets to create the drag-and-drop capability we wanted. Over time, we added more and more components and features covering integration, reporting, and other functionalities. The frontend is built with Ruby on Rails.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is Pawel (Senior Project Manager, Xfive). He puts me in contact with our head developer, Agnieszka (Senior Developer, Xfive). Two or three others will rotate in and out depending on our needs.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

We searched all over the United States and abroad to find a development team. After a series of interviews, we decided they’d be the best candidate for us. I received a recommendation from a company that we had worked with. About five minutes into the interview process, it clicked. They got what I was trying to say—that’s a tough thing for startup founders—and they were able to build what we wanted. Within that half-hour, they had come back with ideas on how the project would work, and I brought them on board

How much have you invested with them?

It’s between $100,000–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement began in summer 2015 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s been a good partnership; we’re tremendously happy with everything they’ve done for us. We’ve had other people come and try to underbid them, but I won’t consider it. Their ability to be in sync mentally with our team is invaluable. I don’t need to stress about work not being done. I’ve never had to worry about data integrity and security with them. To me, the code works and nothing ever breaks.

If I ever have an issue with session management, I give it to them and they have a fix within days. They’ve been responsive to everything that we’ve asked them to do. They have a good sense of our business on a macro-level—they’ve built an architecture that enables us to scale the business. There’s no issues or complaints with any of that.

When the platform was released in March 2016, we got positive user feedback. Users found the platform easy to use and intuitive. They implemented a bright and energetic design that engaged users with our complex platform. Any improvements our clients give us, Xfive executes flawlessly.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

They are fantastic. We use Basecamp and other Atlassian tools. There are Skype calls twice a month, but otherwise, it’s all email and Basecamp. Pawel has been incredibly good at ensuring I don’t need to worry about project management. I give them minimal input; they take control of the projects and run with it. If they have questions, they come back to me to get clarification. They adjust their timetables to make the schedule work for me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They get me. I don’t need to spend time explaining what’s in my head to them. I’ve worked with enough developers to know the complexities of miscommunication, but I’ve never had that problem with Xfive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve discussed whether they want to add resources in the United States. They work in Poland, but I’ve asked if they can accommodate a staffer working in the United States. However, they’ve said they would accommodate that in a heartbeat if I asked for it.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Their ability to understand what I’m thinking is the biggest differentiator between them and a generic vendor. To build that, there needs to be a high level of comfort in the interview process. Just make sure they’re on the same page as you are during that section.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Platform Dev & Design for Healthcare Analytics Company

"They are sincere, high-integrity individuals, and we enjoy working with them."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Mar. 2014 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive developed a healthcare analytics platform for a third-party evaluation tool. Since launching the prototype, the team has provided additional features using ElasticSearch, JSON, and various APIs.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Bellevue, Washington
Shakil Haroon
CEO, MPIRICA
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The crisp, user-friendly nature of the product has prompted internal and external stakeholders to provide only positive feedback. Professional and dedicated, Xfive leverages Jira to maintain seamless and direct lines of communication. Customers can expect a team that is knowledgable and innovative.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a startup called IMPIRCA Health Analytics. We primarily serve large, self-insured employer groups.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We needed a platform to publish our analytics product, which is a healthcare performance score. It required custom views that were tailored to the location of the user, showing them both hospital systems and providers. This was to be overlaid with insurance information, like out-of-pocket allowances.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Xfive did all of the web development work for the product. They created the entire infrastructure, with parts using ElasticSearch, JSON, and various APIs. Our customers can log in and access their scores via the interface they delivered.

What is the team composition?

The size fluctuates depending on the project. We’ve had as many as five developers at one time, but we’ve also had the team ratchet down to one to match our needs. I have one primary point of contact, and I also communicate with Milosz (CEO, Xfive).

How did you come to work with Xfive?

I was soliciting UI design services from various sites and stumbled upon Xfive. They gave us a proof of concept, and we moved forward with a test project. They cranked out a simple prototype very quickly.

I was pleased with the quality and their use of Jira ticketing. They would respond to items by within 24 hours while also taking the initiative when necessary. It was an iterative process, and we were never bogged down with small details.

Their execution was unlike other firms I’d worked with before, and the time zone difference worked to our advantage. It became clear pretty quickly that they would be the right fit.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $750,000–$1 million. We’ve tapered down the annual cost from this year to last, but the average has been around $100,000–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in March 2014, and we’re continuing to collaborate with them. It’s been a continuous relationship for five years now.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Xfive has provided all of the surrounding infrastructure that allows us to publish our analytics online. They designed every interaction to be high-performing. This is a national database with hundreds of thousands of legally protected individual records, and it functions in a way that is as user-friendly as an e-commerce site.

We haven’t had any complaints about the ease of use or the stability of the products. I can’t remember a single day when the site has been done inexplicably, or something went completely wrong.

When bugs inevitably occur, they’re fixed promptly, and it never feels like an issue. We’ve decided to keep the UI/UX simple, which means we aren’t in a leader in our space in that regard, but that’s not on Xfive. The core of the product is distributing healthcare analytics, and they’ve created an optimal experience for that.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

We follow a structured approach, mainly centered around Jira. It’s an iterative process where we’ll share technical specifications, wireframes, storyboards, use cases, etc. The project management is excellent because of their prompt communication. Xfive accurately translates our descriptions into requirements, and they have the right skill set to implement features within reasonable timelines.

Our project manager runs interference between the developers and us. They handle estimates and allocation, and she’ll let us know what they need. She is the key reason for our satisfaction with the partnership.

What did you find most impressive about them?

This is easily one of the best vendor relationships that we’ve had as a company. I can point to several areas where they stand out. The communication, for example, is excellent. If you send in a question, you’re guaranteed to have a response in the morning. They also know how to execute consistently. Everything is done on time and within the budget.

Interpersonally, they are also outstanding. The team camaraderie between our firms is higher than you might expect. They are sincere, high-integrity individuals, and we enjoy working with them. From an outsider’s perspective, they’d probably look more like full-time team members than an external team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d like to see them expand their UI/UX offering. That’s been a bit of a differentiator in terms of the consumer side of our site. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but I would love to have them take over every part of the product. That’s the only thing that comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re looking at a more long term project, Xfive can get the job done.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They are super cost-effective.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Website Development for Beverage Company

"I was impressed with their work speed."

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Oct. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

The team at Xfive developed a web platform for a fine wine & spirits magazine. Their team performs regular maintenance on the site. They also completed a few design projects.

The Reviewer
 
51- 200 Employees
 
United Kingdom
Rachel Swatman
Digital Marketing Specialist, IWSC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

All feedback on the web platform has been positive. Xfive built a clean, high-quality website that performs well. Their team is full of hardworking problem-solvers that deliver quality work quickly.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a digital marketing specialist at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and Club Oenologique, a fine wine & spirits luxury lifestyle magazine and events company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We just launched our company and hired them to build our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

A design agency designed our website, and then Xfive carried out the development work. The site reflects our brand, sharing our magazine features and news. Our goal moving forward is to sell magazines on the platform. We’re currently setting up an e-commerce section on the website.

Xfive completed design work for us as well. For the elements they designed, we brief them on the ideas of what we wanted, and then their team would come back with mockups.

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with around five people most of the time.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

The design agency that designed our website recommended them. They had worked with Xfive multiple times.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $20,000 on the website. For maintenance and support, we spent around $15,000 a year.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Xfive started in October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website was launched in November of last year. Since then, we’ve started a maintenance deal with them. Their team does several web updates for us each month. The team at Xfive delivers high-quality work. I’ve worked with other agencies, and they’re probably my favorite. Everyone says that the platform is clean, user-friendly, and works well.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

The team at Xfive is easy to work with. Their team always does work for us as soon as we ask or as quickly as possible. They come up with solutions to any of the problems we face.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with their work speed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything at the moment.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go for it. They’re really good.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Design & Development for Tourism Company

“Xfive’s team is always friendly and polite, no matter who we work with.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
June 2013 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive designed and developed multiple websites for an online advertising platform for hotels and attractions. The team built sites in WordPress and ensured they were mobile-responsive and quick to load.

The Reviewer
 
2-9 Employees
 
Toronto, Canada
Manager, TorontoJourney.com
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The successful engagement has resulted in a longterm and ongoing partnership. Xfive produces high-quality work that matches the specifications of the internal team and functions accordingly. The team is hard-working and creative, going above and beyond to keep sites up to date and on-trend.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a manager at TorontoJourney.com, an online advertising platform for hotels. We review hotels, attractions, neighborhoods and more.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We were looking for a partner to help with our websites.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Xfive coded and built both static websites and blogs on WordPress, sometimes creating sites from scratch and other times revamping old ones. 

Additionally, their team added features such as star ratings, CSS adjustments and basic website development. Years ago when websites started going mobile, they made our websites fully responsive, fitting the screen no matter what device you view them on. Lately, they’ve been revamping older more established sites of ours and ensuring our sites load quickly.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is Pawel (Senior Project Manager, Xfive) and we also work with Ewa (Senior Project Managers, Xfive), Rafal (WordPress Developer, Xfive) along with Aleks, Michel and Ada. They help us go through everything and answer any questions we may have.

How much have you invested with them?

We have invested over $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement with Xfive began in 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Xfive’s team is always friendly and polite, no matter who we work with. They’ve been working with us for so long that they know what to expect. Our websites load very quickly and look beautiful.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

Xfive is fantastic at project management. Everything is always on time. In fact, they usually complete things ahead of when they said they would. Their team anticipated everything before we can even think of it. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Whenever we start a new project, they always are at the forefront of what is happening in the web design industry. They make sure to apply the latest trends to our website. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. There is no need for us to go looking elsewhere because they do such a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I absolutely recommend working with Xfive.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Platform Dev for Financial Services Company

"They’ve provided excellent, quality work."

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
June 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive provides outsourced web development for a peer-to-peer crowdfunding platform. They built the client's MVP and continue to add features to the site to connect clients to businesses.  

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Oakland, California
Michelle Thimesch
CEO, Crowdfund Mainstreet
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Xfive has provided excellent work. They completed the MVP on-time despite a very short timeline. The feedback from stakeholders has been positive even though the design process could have been more straightforward. Communicative and meticulous, their team managed the project effectively. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CEO of Crowdfund Mainstreet, a crowdfunding platform for US-based companies. Companies build out campaigns to raise money from investors. Investors visit the site to run through various investment opportunities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We hired them to build our platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After we had a disastrous experience with another developer, we had a limited time to get the MVP launched. Their outsourced team built the product from scratch. The business runs on this platform—that includes the onboarding for companies and investors. We used Heroku. They haven’t provided much design work for us; everything we’ve sent them needed to be figured out beforehand. They continue to provide maintenance and development on the product.

What is the team composition?

The main point of contact has been the project manager. On the development side, we dealt with Patrick (Developer, Xfive) and another developer.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

I found them through a colleague that had worked with Xfive previously. I was able to contact them and interview them. They had a lot of experience, so I decided to take a chance on that.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

They came on board after June 2018. We launched an MVP in August 2018 and have continued to build out features that weren’t included at launch. It’s not full-time since we’re a small company, but we still have them engaged.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve provided excellent, quality work. They only had two months to build the MVP, but they completed it on time despite the pressure. They did an amazing job with that. We have some minor bugs, but we’re definitely pleased with their attentiveness and customer service.

The feedback has been extremely positive. It’s a highly-regulated space, which limits our creativity, but the site does work very well. Sometimes you hire developers for design and engineering, but that’s not what happened.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really good. We have not been the easiest client because we’re developing a tech company without having technical backgrounds. They’re patient, but we don’t speak the language. They use Basecamp.

Their team also consists of non-native English speakers, which was a challenge for them. However, they were really good at coming back to us and asking detailed, specific questions to get the information that they need. We’d have phone calls with 3–5 people for the whole team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed by their willingness to walk through the project with us. With our last developer, communication was disastrous. However, now we know exactly what everybody’s doing. It’s very easy to go back and view the history of the product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d like to have more access to the design portion. That’s a weakness for them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should engage with them. I’d highly recommend them. You should also have your design in place as it will save money.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Website Development for Design Consultancy

“They’re like members of our own team. Overall, it’s a pleasure working with them.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Oct. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive builds their design partner’s concepts using a varying tech stack from WordPress to PHP, Ruby on Rails, or JavaScript. They’re able to create animations, trigger scroll events, and render SVGs.

The Reviewer
 
51- 200 Employees
 
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jack Merrell
Senior Interactive Designer, Forpeople
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Clients are always pleased with the output and speed of development. Xfive has a talented team with a broad skill set, making them the perfect partners for many projects. They’re able to scale based on project requirements and raise questions early on to make sure the project runs efficiently.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior interaction designer at a design consultancy called Forpeople.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

As a design consultancy, we don’t have any in-house development support so we wanted to expand our skills for our clients by finding a web development partner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They implement the designs we create for our clients. Whether we’re creating a static website or a larger project that requires a CMS, they’re able to build the platform we need. We’ve worked on several projects including custom WordPress themes and apps that are built with PHP and Ruby on Rails.

We've also built static Web sites using some interesting JavaScript libraries, which have enabled us to add animations that would trigger certain scroll events and implement cool ways of rendering scalable vector graphics (SVGs) on the page. We also have a library of plug-ins that they hadn't actually used before, but they were able to apply them to our projects quickly and efficiently when we wanted to. They recommend different technology stacks as well.

They usually go through a briefing with us and our client to understand their needs. Our team provides sketches and wireframes, and they develop the rest. Then, we hand over the final product to our clients who can implement it into their servers.

What is the team composition?

It has depended on the project—from one full stack developer to five people including a project manager, frontend developer, and backend developer for larger projects. It’s nice that we can scale our project based on the resources we need.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

One of my former colleagues recommended them to us. We thought they were a good fit for our team and liked that they could work remotely.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000 to $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2017 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our clients are always happy with the quality of their work and the speed of their output. They always deliver a solid product. During the design and prototype phases, they’re able to raise questions or address issues before they arise. In this sense, they have a lot of valuable insight.

Initially, we planned to work on a single project with them, but then added another. Since our partnership was strong and we worked together well, we bought packaged hours at a discounted rate. This allows us to have multiple ongoing projects and they’re able to provide the development support we need. As the timeline for different projects increases, they’re able to bring on additional developers and improve our efficiency. They always provide the right resources to fit project needs.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

They always make sure that we’re progressing and completing each stage of the project before moving on. By checking in regularly with us, they make sure that we pass on the necessary assets that we promised.

We like that they can work remotely and we can communicate via Slack and Basecamp. Their efficiency is exactly what we needed. They’re like members of our own team. Overall, it’s a pleasure working with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They provide a wide skillset and a pool of talent we can draw from. We’ve worked with freelancers in the past, but they’re more expensive, more difficult to track down, and often can’t cover everything we need. In comparison, Xfive is very easy to work with.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re very good at creating safe and solid deliverables, but I think they could push themselves to be more experimental and think more outside the box.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s crucial to know project requirements, estimates, and timelines before projects start. The more information you can provide, the more feedback they can give, which means you get more out of the partnership. This is part of the reason why we often have them sit in on client meetings.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Website Redesign and Migration for Astronomy Department

"They seemed to know what the site needed before I could articulate it."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
June 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive designed and migrated two new websites according to specifications. They improved the visual design and the UI along with information and links.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Berkeley, California
Marissa Dominguez
Communications Manager, UC Berkeley Department of Astronomy
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The sites have received praise for their visual appeal and simplicity as well as their intuitive UI. Xfive’s work has also supported improvements in social media presence. They’re an accountable team that’s easy to work with, and they can be trusted to keep projects on track.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work with the department of astronomy at UC Berkeley.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Xfive?

We employed them to design and migrate new websites for two of our research centers, and we’re also in the process of migrating our main departmental website.

What were your goals for this project?

The old websites were outdated and needed a complete overhaul. The goal was a fresh, modern image, updated information and links, and intuitive site management tools so that multiple constituents without web design backgrounds could manage content efficiently.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had used Webvanta to overhaul our previous astronomy website. Webvanta was purchased by Xfive, so by default, we started working with Xfive. It was a very streamlined, seamless transition.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Stano (Engager, Xfive) and his associates completely took the reins and initiated these web projects. They delivered new websites according to our specifications.

What was the team composition?

Stano was our point person, with Rafal (Project Producer) and other Xfive associates also assisting us with everything.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The sites are visually beautiful and simple in the way we had envisioned them. They’re also easy to use. We are revamping our social media presence to get more applicants and public presence, and the new sites are a perfect accessory to this. The faculty is re-engaged too, in terms of updating information and content that could potentially garner us more exposure to the outside world.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Stano kept us on track and I appreciated his patience and persistence. Everyone on their team was friendly, patient, and immediately responsive when we had any questions.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They seemed to know what the site needed before I could articulate it.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not that I can think of.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Dev for Brand Development Agency

“In terms of return on investment, Xfive is at the top of similar companies on both a local and a national level.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Dec. 2012 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Xfive is a subcontracted technical partner supporting inbound project work. The team is focused exclusively on full-stack development across multiple industry standard platforms.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
San Diego Metro Area
Partner, Brand Development Agency
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Xfive’s adaptability and thorough work ethic have made them an essential part of the workflow. Despite being in a different time zone, their communication remained consistent and prompt, allowing them to meet provided deadlines.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner and executive director at a branding agency specializing in everything from strategy to creative. The interactive department is my responsibility.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

Accomplishing interactive work as it relates to websites and microsites means having a flexible and experienced development team. Unfortunately, no such in-house resources existed. As a result, it was necessary to find a qualified partner capable of scaling with demanding projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Xfive’s role is exclusively on the development side; all maintenance and operations are done internally. They were originally brought on to do straightforward PSD to HTML translations, but then expanded the collaboration after gaining a better understanding of their capabilities.

Next came full-stack WordPress development with specialized themes and e-commerce customization using both Magento and WooCommerce. Separate intranet projects involved using Drupal.

What is the team dynamic?

There’s a dedicated project manager assigned and the supporting team varies depending on project requirements. Teams fluctuate between 3–10 contributing developers (front- and back-end) and a few other specialized members.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

Another dev team recommended them to us, having been unable to deliver an important project. That experience convinced us to return to Xfive for newer work.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $200,000 to $999,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The first project began around December 2012 and our other work with them is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been extremely satisfied overall and have been able to increase our billings by having them on the support side. Whereas it might have been uncomfortable to take on certain size projects beforehand, having Xfive’s resources means more bandwidth without compromising quality.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Basecamp for a lot of our work with Xfive. Their responsiveness and consistency across the board has been of the highest quality. Having the same project manager since the beginning of our engagement has created a comfortable ongoing relationship.

On the rare occasion a that a timely delivery isn’t possible, quick and proactive updates always help prevent the issue from escalating to the point of a project delay.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Team flexibility based on project demand was very impressive, especially when only given short notice. Expertise with a wide variety of technologies has been another strength because it’s expanded the scope of inbound projects. In terms of return on investment, Xfive is at the top of similar companies on both a local and a national level.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While timezone differences have been slightly challenging, communications have never suffered.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s important to bring detailed project information upfront to help manage expectations and scope. Xfive is more likely to succeed if customers bring finished documentation at the beginning instead of delivering items piecemeal.

5.0
Overall Score We have been working with them for 5+ years without a single issue, from either a creative or a deliverables perspective.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They consistently meet all of our deadlines.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We always get exactly what we expect.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They always deliver what they promise and what we expect.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have recommended them to both friends and colleagues.

Custom Web Dev for Graphic Design Studio

“Because of Xfive, … we’re able to bring in more business and keep our current clients happy.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Feb. 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

After a large workflow overhaul, Xfive was hired as the main dev partner due to a switch from Photoshop to Sketch. The team also attends client phone calls and provides feedback on proposals.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
San Francisco Metro Area
Owner, Graphic Design Studio
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

From the initial trial project, Xfive has completed high-quality work in a short turnaround, decreasing the average workflow from nearly a year to three months or less. They always deliver what they promise and never make excuses.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and creative director for a design studio that works with social impact clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xfive?

We do a lot of custom websites and microsites, and we needed a new partner to handle our dev work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Many of our clients have been around for decades, so when we build their customized WordPress sites, we have to connect them to third-party systems they already have in place. Xfive has helped us do that in the most cost-effective way while also improving the overall service, usually through innovative and budget-sensitive solutions.

Because we’re not very tech-savvy and often have to deal with different APIs, Xfive is normally on our client calls to explain the technical details and how the site will function. They also review our proposals and make sure they can actually deliver what we’re telling the potential client.

What is the team dynamic?

We've had a consistent project manager and various dev leads. Typically, the team includes them and two support developers.

How did you come to work with Xfive?

We switched how we designed websites, going from Photoshop to Sketch, and our previous provider didn’t know how to work with Sketch files. Also, we wanted to streamline our workflow, and I didn’t see that happening with our old partner.

I began looking online and found Xfive, and we began working together almost immediately. We finished the trial project much sooner than we had anticipated, and it went so well that we decided to shift all of our projects to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around $100,000 over the past two years.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership started in February 2015, and we still have ongoing projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before Xfive, it took us between eight months to a year to finish a site. Now, we can launch a complex website within three weeks to three months. That’s a huge improvement, and it allows us to bring in a lot more clients and revenue.

How did Xfive perform from a project management standpoint?

Our project manager is phenomenal. She explains every detail of the project from the beginning and is available for calls whenever we need her; in fact, she often suggests them herself. That’s quite unlike other overseas dev partners we’ve had who were impossible to get a hold of.

Our work is highly customized, so it’s essential that we have open communication with our dev partner, and their project management style allows for that to happen. Our plan with them gives us a certain number of hours each month that can roll over, if needed, so we can have the help we need during busier times without paying extra.

They use Basecamp for day-to-day communication, but they’re also accessible via phone or even Skype. Their process is highly streamlined and organized, and they immediately fix any problems or delays that may arise. Their excellent project management is one of the reasons we’ve stuck with them for so long.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Because of Xfive’s rapid and high-quality work, we’re able to bring in more business and keep our current clients happy. They’ve helped take our small design studio to a whole new level, and our clients are so satisfied that they keep coming back and referring us.

They often do more work than what they were hired for because they want to create exceptional products. They make everything look so simple, but it’s due to their high-level of expertise and technical knowledge. As we grow and consider new lines of service, we know Xfive is a professional and competent partner we can rely on.

For example, a while back we partnered with a local dev firm that did not deliver. They were impossible to meet with, and they constantly missed deadlines. Finally, we asked Xfive to finish the project, and they were more than happy to, saving us hundreds of thousands of dollars and helping us retain the client. They’ve more than exceeded my expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would love if they had a physical team here or if we could just have in-person contact with them at least once a year.

Advice for potential customers?

Look at Xfive as a long-term partner because that’s what they’re structured to provide best. You can use them for one-time projects, but an extended engagement will help you get the most out of your relationship.

5.0
Overall Score They've been great.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Our projects are rarely delayed.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We've gotten exactly what we need.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    All of our projects come back in better shape.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I already have.