How to Choose a Software Development Company — 10 Essential Criteria

Choosing a software development company is one of the most important decisions for a digital project. A wrong choice means lost money, wasted time, and a product that doesn't work properly. A good choice means a partner who understands what you need and delivers to standard.

In this guide, we give you 10 concrete criteria to check before signing a contract.

1. Experiența reală — nu doar anii din CV

It's not the number of years that matters most, butwhat the company did in those years. Ask:

• How many projects have they delivered?
• Have they worked in your field or a similar one?
• Do they have complex projects in their portfolio, or just simple websites?

A company with 5 years of experience and 50 diverse projects may be more suitable than one with 15 years that only built one type of application. But a company with 25+ years and 200+ delivered projects inevitably has an advantage: it has been through all possible mistakes and knows how to avoid them.

2. Portofoliu verificabil

Ask for concrete examples of previous projects. A serious company has a portfolio with:

• Screenshots or functional links
• Description of the problem solved
• Technologies used
• Results obtained (if the client allows)

Red flag:If the company cannot show any previous project or only sends generic mockups, it's a warning sign.

3. Tehnologiile folosite

Check if the company works withmodern and relevant technologiesfor your project. Ask:

• What languages and frameworks do they use?
• Do they have experience with the right technology for your project?
• Are they flexible or tied to a single technology?

A good company chooses technology based on the project, not the other way around. If someone proposes WordPress for a complex CRM, or Java for a simple presentation site, it's probably not the best fit.

Technologies to look for in 2026:React, Next.js, Node.js, Python, Laravel/PHP, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Docker, AWS, or other cloud services.

4. Procesul de lucru

Ask how the process works from A to Z:

• How are requirements defined?
• Are there intermediate deliveries or do you only see the product at the end?
• How often do you receive updates?
• Do you have access to intermediate versions?

A professional process includes: requirements analysis → design → phased development with partial deliveries → testing → deployment → support. If the company says "you'll see us at the end in 3 months", run.

5. Comunicarea

This is perhaps the most underestimated criterion. Communication problems kill more projects than technical problems.

Check:

• How quickly do they respond?If they respond in 3 days during the sales phase, they'll respond in 7 during development.
• Who is your contact person?Do you speak with a dedicated project manager or someone different each time?
• What channels do they use?Email, Slack, WhatsApp, phone? It's important that it works for you.
• Do they speak your language?Not just the natural language — but your business language. Do they understand your field?

6. Prețul — și ce include

The lowest price is not always the best choice. Always ask:

• What does the price include?Design, development, testing, deployment, hosting, maintenance?
• What is NOT included?Licenses? Hosting? Post-delivery maintenance?
• How is payment made?Advance + milestones + remainder at delivery is the standard and safest model.
• What happens with changes?How many revisions are included? How much do additional ones cost?

Red flag:If the price is far below market (for example, €50 for a "complete" e-commerce), either you're getting a template with your logo, or a wave of hidden costs will appear.

7. Mentenanța și suportul post-livrare

Software is not "done" at launch. It needs updates, bugfixes, improvements, and technical support. Ask:

• Do they offer maintenance?And under what conditions?
• Is a free period included?(At Meseriașii IT, the first year is included.)
• How much does monthly maintenance cost?And what does it include?
• What is the emergency response time?

Red flag:If the company doesn't offer maintenance or doesn't mention it, it's a signal they don't intend a long-term relationship.

8. Proprietatea codului sursă

This is a point that many clients ignore, but it's critical:

• Who owns the source code at the end?Do you get access to it?
• Can you continue development with another company?Or are you captive?
• What licenses do the technologies used have?Open source or proprietary?

Ideally, you should receive the source code or at least a usage right that allows continuity. A clear contract establishes exactly these details.

9. Recenzii și referințe

Check:

• Google Reviews— how many stars? What do clients say?
• Website testimonials— but also ask for direct references you can contact
• Platform presence— Clutch, Capterra, G2 (especially for companies working internationally)
• LinkedIn— complete profile? Real employees? Activity?

A company without any reviews after years of activity raises questions.

10. Cultura și valorile

It seems subjective, but it matters enormously in the long run:

• Are they honest?Do they tell you when an idea is not feasible or just confirm everything?
• Are they proactive?Do they propose solutions or only execute what you tell them?
• Do they understand business?Or just code?
• Do they use modern technologies?AI, automation, DevOps — or do they do everything manually?

A company that treats you as a partner, not as a checkbox on an invoice, will make the difference in the long run.

Quick checklist: questions to ask at the first meeting

Here are 10 questions to ask any software company before signing:

1. How many projects have you delivered and can you show examples?
2. What technologies do you use and why?
3. How does your process work — can I see progress?
4. What exactly does the price include?
5. How is payment made?
6. Do you offer maintenance? What does it include and how much does it cost?
7. Do I get the source code at the end?
8. Who is my contact person?
9. How many revisions are included?
10. What happens if I'm not satisfied?

Cauți o firmă de dezvoltare software de încredere? La Meseriașii IT ai experiență de 25+ ani, transparență totală și un configurator care îți dă o estimare de preț în câteva minute.