Custom software quote on your desk? Get a second opinion first.
Custom software is where quotes are largest and hardest to compare. Effort estimates, team make-up, hourly rates, milestones and contract terms all matter, and the risks are bigger if something is missed. Our reviewers have written and delivered estimates like these for years, and they check yours from your side of the table.
What we look at
What to check in custom software quotes
Most of these are simply things a quote leaves open. Clarifying them up front protects you and your vendor.
- 01Effort that’s hard to match to scope. Large hour counts on briefly described modules are hard to judge. A breakdown, and a word on how today’s AI-assisted tools are used, makes the estimate easier to understand.
- 02Team size and seniority not explained. Knowing who works on the project, how senior they are and for how much of the time helps you see what you’re paying for.
- 03Payments not tied to progress. Milestones linked to working software you can test protect both you and your vendor.
- 04Change requests not defined. A clear process and rate for changes keeps budgets predictable for both sides.
- 05Ownership not spelled out. Who owns the code, data and cloud accounts, and whether the project depends on the vendor’s own platform, is worth agreeing in writing.
What drives the price
Check these against your quote
- Number of modules, user roles and workflows
- Integrations with existing systems (ERP, CRM, payment, government APIs)
- Data migration from old systems
- Security, compliance and audit requirements
- Team composition and seniority
- Cloud architecture and expected usage
- Support, maintenance and service levels after go-live
Ask your vendor
Questions worth asking before you sign
- Can you break the estimate down by module and role?
- Which parts of the work use AI-assisted development, and how is that reflected in the hours?
- How are milestones tied to working, testable software?
- What is the process and rate for change requests?
- Who owns the code, data and cloud accounts?
- What happens if we want to move to another vendor later?
Your review includes questions written for your specific quote. See a sample report
Who reviews it
Experienced people from the industry.
An experienced lead analyst writes your review. On larger or specialist quotes, a senior reviewer from our network checks the findings before it reaches you.
15+ yrs
Senior reviewers
Industry professionals from our network who have priced and delivered large IT projects. They review the findings on larger and specialist quotes.
6+ yrs
Lead analysts
Business analysts and project leads who go through your quote line by line and write your report.
As needed
Specialist panel
Cloud, mobile, security and e-commerce experts, brought in when your quote needs them.
Common questions
Do you review fixed-price and time-and-materials quotes?
Yes. For fixed-price quotes we check whether the scope is defined tightly enough to protect you; for time-and-materials we check rates, team size and how hours are controlled.
Can you review a contract or statement of work as well?
Yes. Attach the quote, statement of work and draft contract together. We review the commercial and delivery terms; for legal advice you should still consult a lawyer.
Can you help us choose between vendors?
Yes. Send all the proposals. After the review you can book an Expert Consultation to walk through the comparison and plan your negotiation.
Other quote types: Website quotes · Mobile app quotes
Send your quote. We'll mark it up.
Attach the quote and any related documents. We confirm the exact fee before any work starts.