Direct answer
Shortlist two or three providers, ask each to explain your problem back to you, review comparable work, check how they handle scope, security and support, and compare proposals on assumptions rather than price alone.
What to check
- Relevant work you can see, and references you can call
- Whether they ask about your workflow before quoting
- A written scope with deliverables, assumptions and exclusions
- Who owns the code, data and hosting accounts
- Security basics: access control, backups and testing
- Support after launch: who, how and what is included
Red flags and next step
Watch for fixed prices without discovery, no named team, no testing plan, refusal to share documentation and promises of guaranteed outcomes. Write a one-page brief of the problem, users and must-haves and send it to your shortlist.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the short answer?
Choose by evidence of comparable delivery, clear scope and support, and compare proposals on assumptions as well as price.
What should a business do next?
Write a one-page brief, shortlist two or three providers, and ask each to restate your problem and explain how they would deliver and support the work.