Pre-Hire Checklist

Before First Contact

Define Your Requirements First

Don't ask developers to help you figure out what to build. Come prepared with:

• Written description of your MVP (1-2 pages)
• List of 3-5 core features (prioritized)
• Reference apps/websites showing what you want
• Your budget range
• Target timeline

Essential Questions to Ask

Experience & Portfolio:

1. "Show me 2-3 projects similar to mine that you've built"
2. "Can I see the actual apps, not just screenshots?"
3. "How long have you been working with [React/iOS/your tech]?"
4. "What's the most complex feature you've built recently?"

Availability & Commitment:

1. "How many hours per week can you dedicate to my project?"
2. "How many other active projects do you have?"
3. "What's your typical response time to messages?"
4. "Will you be available for at least 3-6 months?"

Process & Communication:

1. "How do you handle scope changes mid-project?"
2. "How often will I see working versions of the product?"
3. "What tools do you use for project management?"
4. "How do you handle if something takes longer than estimated?"

Documents to Request

Must-Have Documents:

• ✅ Portfolio with live links (not just screenshots)
• ✅ 2-3 client references with contact information
• ✅ Sample contract or MSA
• ✅ Detailed project proposal with breakdown
• ✅ Team composition (for agencies)
• ✅ Proof of business registration

Red Flags - Walk Away If:

• 🚩 No portfolio or only old work (2+ years ago)
• 🚩 Can't provide even one client reference
• 🚩 Vague about pricing ("depends on scope")
• 🚩 Guarantees unrealistic timeline
• 🚩 Doesn't ask clarifying questions about your project
• 🚩 Pressures you to decide immediately
• 🚩 Refuses to sign NDA
• 🚩 Won't work on milestone-based payments
• 🚩 Offers fixed price without seeing requirements

Reference Check Questions

When calling past clients:

1. "What did they build for you and how long did it take?"
2. "Did they deliver on time and on budget?"
3. "How did they handle problems or unexpected issues?"
4. "How was their communication? Response time?"
5. "Would you hire them again? Why or why not?"
6. "What should I watch out for when working with them?"

Trial Period Options

Option 1: Paid Test Task

• Pay for 8-16 hours of work
• Give them a real feature from your project
• Evaluate: code quality, communication, timeline
• Cost: $300-800

Option 2: Spec Document First

• Pay them to write detailed specification
• See how they think through requirements
• Use spec for other quotes if not a good fit
• Cost: $1,000-3,000

Pricing Evaluation

Good Quote Includes:

• ✅ Feature-by-feature breakdown with hours
• ✅ Hourly rate clearly stated
• ✅ Total estimate with range
• ✅ What's explicitly NOT included
• ✅ Payment schedule (milestone-based)
• ✅ Timeline with buffer
• ✅ Testing/QA allocation (20-30%)
• ✅ Process for changes

Compare 3-5 Quotes:

Look at:

• Not just total price, but breakdown
• Assumptions made
• What's included vs excluded
• Timeline realism
• Level of detail in proposal

Remember: Cheapest quote is rarely best. Look for: detailed breakdown + realistic timeline + good references + clear communication.