Choosing a Software Development Partner in Chicago | Running Start Digital
How to choose a software development partner in Chicago. Evaluation criteria, red flags, and what Chicago businesses should expect from quality partnerships.
Red Flags for Chicago Businesses
Fixed-price quotes for complex projects signal underestimation or corner-cutting plans. No defined development process means improvisation. Reluctance to share code means leverage protection. Teams that agree to everything without pushback are not thinking deeply about your project.
Proximity matters in Chicago. Being able to meet in person at locations near 1871, Techstars Chicago, mHUB, Polsky Center or in local coworking spaces creates accountability that remote-only relationships sometimes lack.
Structuring the Engagement
Start with a discovery phase or proof-of-concept. Milestone-based payments ensure you pay for completed work. Define deliverables and acceptance criteria before development begins. Build a relationship, not just a contract.
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