Choosing the right team or company for software or website development may seem simple at first glance, but in practice, it is one of the most important and crucial decisions any individual or business must make. Choosing the right software team can ensure the quality, timeline, and success of the project. If this choice is not made correctly, the result will be nothing but wasted time, money, and energy.
My team and I at “Hezareh” have been active in software design and development for more than 10 years. During these years, we have gained extensive experience working with startups and various companies. One of the most important things we’ve learned is that many clients who lack technical knowledge often make mistakes when choosing a team or company. In this article, I want to share some of this experience with you so you can make a more informed decision when choosing a software team.
Section 1: Common Misconceptions
Going to Large and Well-Known Companies
When someone thinks about software or website development, the first thing that comes to mind is working with large and reputable companies. But this choice is often a major trap.
Why? Because large companies usually fall into two categories:
1. Product-based Companies
These companies, such as “Hamkaran System”, “FANAP”, etc., mainly focus on their own products. They attract skilled and professional employees with excellent salaries and benefits and invest in the products they have built. Therefore, they either do not accept external projects at all, or if they do, their contract fees are extremely high. For startups or individuals, such costs are not reasonable.
2. Project-based Companies
These companies specifically develop software or websites for external clients, and their business model is based on taking on projects and delivering them to customers. Unlike product-based companies that focus on internal products, these companies aim to acquire various projects from startups, organizations, or individuals.
On the surface, this model seems attractive because such companies exist precisely to offer these services. But in practice, there are issues that must be considered:
Hidden Costs in Contracts
Yes, large companies charge high fees for developing a software project, but a large portion of this money goes toward overhead costs such as office rent, advertising, and administrative staff. As a result, the real share of the technical team decreases. To keep their costs manageable, these companies often hire employees who accept lower salaries. But professional developers with years of experience do not work for low pay and usually join large product-based companies.
Therefore, in many cases, the teams working on customer projects are made up of less experienced individuals, and naturally, the quality of their output cannot match that of professional teams.
Multiple Concurrent Projects
Project-based companies usually handle many projects at the same time — both development and support. When they lack enough skilled staff, team focus decreases dramatically. This leads to reduced quality in both development and support. Although a strong and experienced core team could overcome these issues, in practice, such ideal conditions are rare.
⚠️ Of course, not all project-based companies suffer from these issues. Some of them operate with strong teams and good management structures and can deliver high-quality results. But based on the experience I’ve gained over the years, many companies focus too much on revenue and overhead costs and rely on less experienced staff — a situation clients must be cautious about.
3. Freelancers
Another group who can handle software projects are freelancers. Working with freelancers has its own advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most important factors in working with freelancers is their work history and practical experience. Experience shows:
- Less than 4 years of experience: Highly likely that the output will not meet expectations.
- 5 to 7 years of experience: If the freelancer has worked in reputable companies and has talent and discipline, a relatively good outcome is possible.
- More than 7 years of experience: Generally able to deliver high-quality software. The more experience a developer has, the more mature and reliable their work becomes.
But experience alone is not enough. Professional character is even more critical.
Commitment to Responsibilities
The most important factor is whether the developer honors their commitments and whether their promises can be trusted. Even with a strong contract, there are always ways for someone to avoid responsibility in software development. In such cases, personal integrity becomes the most important factor.
Meeting Deadlines and Professional Conduct
If a freelancer fails to meet deadlines or lacks professional communication, the collaboration will not last long — even if their technical skills are strong. That is why professional character often matters even more than technical ability.
Therefore, if you plan to assign a project to a freelancer, you must:
- Carefully check their work history.
- Review real examples of their work.
- Evaluate their professionalism and commitment.
⚠️ These issues do not apply to all freelancers — there are many skilled and committed professionals in this field. But based on experience, these challenges are common and clients should choose carefully.
4. Software Development Teams
Another option for software projects is working with software development teams. These teams usually consist of several specialized and experienced developers and are similar to project-based companies — but with one major difference: the financial structure and distribution of payments.
Here’s how collaboration typically works:
- The client presents their project to the team leader.
- The leader assigns tasks to team members.
- Each member provides the cost for their share of the work.
- The leader calculates the total project cost and presents it to the client.
- If a contract is signed, each team member receives exactly the amount they requested.
This model has important advantages:
- Members have higher motivation and financial satisfaction.
- Since teams are usually made of experts, the final quality is higher.
- Task distribution is clearer, reducing potential conflicts.
The main challenge, however, is the professional character of the team leader, who handles all coordination, communication, and payments. If the leader lacks professionalism, the same risks as working with freelancers may arise.
Therefore, besides reviewing the team’s work and expertise, you must also trust the leader’s professional character.
Section 2: Criteria for Choosing the Right Team or Company
To avoid the problems mentioned above, I recommend paying special attention to the following criteria:
Practical Experience of Team Members
Check both the amount of time they’ve been active and their real portfolio. Note that a good-looking interface does not necessarily mean good software. A solid software product must also be maintainable and scalable.
If you see software or a website with a chaotic interface, you can be sure its underlying structure is also weak. But even if the interface looks good, you cannot be certain the foundation is solid.
Quality of Team Composition
A project consists of multiple components, each requiring expertise. If even one member is less skilled, the entire project suffers. Therefore, try to review the experience of all individuals involved.
Financial Transparency
Suspiciously low prices are usually a red flag.
A team offering an unrealistically low price is sacrificing something important. Ask yourself:
Why would several experts work together for such a low amount?
In reputable companies, the salary of each specialist in 2025 ranges between 40 to 80 million Toman. Everyone works for income, and any business must be economically logical for both sides.
Communication and Support
Does the team support the project after delivery, or do they disappear once it’s finished? Software projects always require improvements and optimizations.
You should work with people who won’t abandon you later. Finding new developers willing to work on someone else’s code is extremely difficult and often problematic.
Section 3: Final Recommendation
Launching a startup or developing software is a major, long-term investment. Never be deceived by a big brand name or a low price. Always prioritize quality, experience, and support.
However, the points in this article cover only part of the key considerations. There are many subtle details that only someone with actual experience can identify — and these hidden factors are often what lead to project failure, resulting in wasted time, money, and effort.
That’s why I strongly recommend having a professional IT consultant with software development experience by your side. A consultant can help you make better decisions, choose the right path, and ultimately save both time and money.
If you need a consultant, feel free to contact us — we’d be happy to support you in building high-quality and sustainable software for your business.
Conclusion
The main goal of this article was to help you make a more informed and conscious decision when choosing a software development team or company. A wrong choice can waste your time, money, and energy — but by considering factors such as experience, team quality, financial transparency, and support, you can significantly increase your project’s chances of success.
Remember, software development is not a short-term task — it is a long-term journey.
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