Custom software is one of the biggest investments a growing Bangladeshi business makes — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Ask around and you'll hear the stories: a project delivered a year late, a website that the "developer" vanishes from before launch, source code the client never receives, or a system that works until the day support stops answering.
Most of these disasters aren't about bad luck. They're about skipping due diligence. Before you sign any contract, these nine questions will tell you whether you're talking to a reliable partner or a future headache.
1. Can you show me work that's similar to what I need?
A portfolio matters less for its polish than for its relevance. A company that has built ordering systems for restaurants may not be the right fit for an online exam platform. Ask specifically for past projects in your domain, and ask to click through something real — not just screenshots.
2. Who exactly will work on my project?
Many companies sell with senior people and deliver with juniors. Ask who your project lead is, how many people are on the team, and whether the developers are in-house or freelancers hired per project. In-house teams mean continuity; a revolving door of freelancers means nobody truly owns your code.
3. What does your development process look like?
A serious company can describe its process clearly: how requirements are gathered, how often you'll see progress (weekly demos are the standard to ask for), and how changes are handled mid-project. If the answer is vague — "we'll just keep you updated" — expect surprises. Ask for a written project plan with milestones before any money changes hands.
4. How is the price calculated, and what's included?
Vague pricing is the number-one source of disputes. Get an itemized breakdown: design, development, testing, deployment, training. And ask the uncomfortable question — what happens when something takes longer than estimated? A trustworthy company explains its change policy up front instead of surprising you with invoices later.
5. Who owns the code?
This one is non-negotiable: after full payment, the source code and all project assets must belong to you. Get it in writing. Too many business owners discover that their "own" system is locked behind a developer who won't hand over the code — or who charges a ransom for it. Ownership in the contract, source code delivered at every milestone.
6. What happens after launch?
Software needs maintenance — security updates, bug fixes, small improvements. Ask what support is included after launch and for how long, what a support contract costs after that, and what the response time is when something breaks. A company that disappears after delivery leaves you with a system that rots.
7. How do you handle data security?
Your business data — customer lists, payments, student records — is valuable. Ask where data is stored, who has access during development, and what security practices they follow. If the company can't explain its basic security measures in plain language, that's a red flag.
8. Can I talk to a previous client?
References are the most underused check. A confident company connects you with a past client without hesitation. One short conversation about how the project actually went — deadlines, communication, post-launch support — is worth more than any sales presentation.
9. What happens if we disagree?
Every contract should have a clear exit and dispute process: who owns work-in-progress if the project stops, how payments are tied to milestones, and what the refund terms are. Companies that resist putting this in writing are telling you something.
The pattern behind the questions
Notice what these questions have in common: they all test for transparency. Good software companies answer them easily, in writing, before you ask twice — because they already run their projects this way. Evasive answers, pressure to sign quickly, or "don't worry, trust us" are signals to walk away, no matter how attractive the price.
Choosing a software partner is really choosing who you'll depend on for months — and whose system you'll depend on for years. Take the time to ask. And if you'd like a second opinion on a proposal you're considering, or want to start a project with a company that answers all nine comfortably, talk to BlueSpace IT for a free consultation.