The quality of a quote depends on the quality of the brief. You do not need technical language, only clarity. Spend an hour on this checklist and you will get better answers from any developer.
1. The goal, in one sentence
“We want customers to book appointments online” is more useful than a list of features. Goals let a developer suggest the simplest way to get there.
2. Who will use it
Describe your users: customers, staff, partners. Note anything that affects design, such as most users being on mobile or needing to work offline.
3. Must-haves and nice-to-haves
Split your feature list in two. The must-haves define the first release; the rest can follow once the product is live and you have feedback.
4. Examples you like (and dislike)
Links to websites or apps you admire, and ones you do not, communicate taste faster than paragraphs of description.
5. Existing tools and data
List what the new system must connect to, such as payment providers, accounting software or an existing database, and note any data that must be moved.
6. Timeline and budget range
Share your target launch date and a rough budget. A range lets the developer propose options at different levels rather than guess.
7. Who decides
Name the person who approves work and how quickly feedback can be given. Delays in decisions are the most common reason projects slip.
Ready? Send us your requirements in three short steps, or talk it through with our team first.
