Requesting an App Quote: What You Need to Provide

Requesting an app quote: what you need to provide

You have a great concept for an app and you'd love to see your dream become a reality. The next step is often requesting a quote for developing an app. But what do you need to provide for this? In this blog post, we'll answer that question.
Do you already have all the requirements? Then click the button below.

Drafting an app quote is complex: as an app developer, we are entirely dependent on the information the client (you?) provides us before we can prepare it. If this information is not accurate or incomplete, we cannot provide an accurate quote (or any quote at all). Having a clear plan is the first step in the app development process. This mitigates risk and increases the chance of success. With a clear plan, including supporting information, you, as a prospective app owner, can test the customer need and feasibility of the app.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the information you need to provide if you want to request an app quote. This way, we'll help you on your path to achieving app success!

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The Project Definition

The project definition is the most crucial part when having your own app developed. For an app development agency like ours, it's important to get a clear picture of the project's expectations and goals. An app developer needs a well-defined concept plan and app objective to be able to provide meaningful input and prepare an accurate quote. If the app's objective isn't clear or certain concepts are incomplete, the developer will send you back to the drawing board. A well-developed concept plan and objective are also indispensable for the client: without clear frameworks and a focused plan, the feasibility and success rate of an app are very low.

What makes a well-developed plan?

A well-developed concept plan consists of at least the following components: the project definition, scope, and the (desired) budget.

Gathering the necessary information and developing a solid app concept is intensive and time-consuming. Nevertheless, it's an indispensable first step. It serves as a validation for your app idea, helping you discover if an alternative already exists, if users need such an app, and the feasibility of the scope. Have you recently used the search terms ‘how much does an app cost’ or ‘how long does it take to develop an app’? Chances are you're not yet ready for a custom quote and need to delve deeper.

Are the requirements for your request still unclear, or could you use some help drafting a solid plan? Our strategists and app developers can assist you. As a full-service app developer, we offer workshops to guide you and clarify your concept. Ask about the possibilities and contact us.

Accelerator Day at Coffee IT

Are the requirements for your request still unclear, or could you use some help drafting a solid plan? Our strategists and app developers can assist you. As a full-service app developer, we offer workshops to guide you through the initial phase and clarify your concept. Ask about the possibilities and contact us.

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Waarom kiezen voor Coffee IT?

Wij begeleiden onze klanten van concept tot ver na release. Van applicaties die de luchtvaart een stuk duurzamer maken tot een video On Demand streaming service.

The Scope

The scope defines the extent of a project. It determines which factors fall within the development and which lie outside of it. A well-defined scope consists of the following components:

  • The app's objective
  • The target audience
  • The functionalities (functional requirements)
  • The technical requirements
  • Additional data
  • App marketing strategy

These components give both the developers and the client a clear picture of the app's backbone.

"A well-defined scope includes the app's purpose, target audience, functionalities, backend, any additional data, and a marketing strategy."

The Purpose and Target Audience

The app's purpose is your first starting point. Determine what goal the app serves and which target audience you want to reach with it. What (complex) problem does the app solve, or what need does it fulfill? As an organization, you often already have an extensive customer base or multiple products. The app should be supplementary to the product or service and provide added value for the user. Even if there are thousands of similar apps in the stores: users should choose your app because they (want to) use your product or service.

Sometimes we find that the app's purpose is also the most difficult question, or that clients haven't thought it through sufficiently. This is a shame; with millions of apps in the stores, it's important that this part is watertight so that your app survives the download war and has the ability to make an impact. There are thousands of undifferentiated apps in the stores that are never downloaded, and you want to avoid that when both you and the developer have invested so much energy and resources into the app's realization.

What kind of app goals can you consider?

  • Increasing (customer) satisfaction (target audience = customers or staff)
  • Increasing reach or brand awareness (target audience = customers)
  • Optimization of internal processes  (target audience = staff)
  • Providing an extra service (target audience = customer, visitor, or staff)
  • Etc.

These are just a few examples. An app can have numerous goals. Organizations often know their target audience well and have already mapped out their needs, unless they are entering a new market. Make sure you have a clear picture of your target audience. Know who they are, where they are, what their demographic and social factors are, what their needs are, and what problem your app solves for them. Based on this data, assess whether there is demand for your app and how feasible it is. For example, are there enough potential users to be profitable and recoup the investments?

Useful tools: target audience research, competitor analysis, personas, this checklist, app monetization models

The features

Here's where it gets a bit more technical: the features. Which features should the app have? Which are 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'? Features largely determine the cost of an app. Each feature incurs costs, which vary depending on the feature and solution. Some features to consider include:

  • Login function/screen
  • Option to create a personal account
  • Social media integration
  • Add to favorites
  • Integrate search functionality
  • Send push notifications
  • Map or GPS integration
  • Data tracking integration (e.g., Firebase or Analytics)
  • Etc...

Maatwerk app ontwikkelen

Of course, there are many more functionalities that can be added to the list. It's important to determine which ones are essential for the app and which can potentially be added later in an app update.

Keep in mind that in addition to the extra costs functionalities entail, privacy laws and store regulations also play a role. For instance, functionalities may only be added if they involve user information that is necessary for the app to function properly.

We regularly provide updates on our site regarding tightened guidelines.

Useful tools: roadmap, MVP design, requirements document

The technical requirements

The technical requirements (also known as process requirements) determine the technology used by the app and are developed in the backend. The backend keeps the app running in the background (hence, backend). The backend part is not directly visible to the app's end-users but is essential for its functionality. Often, organizations already have an environment or system to which the app can be linked (APIs). If this is not yet in place and the app developer needs to build the backend, it will logically require more development hours.

An app's backend must be well-structured. You need to carefully consider backend architecture, QA (Quality Assurance), and security. Additionally, it's necessary to choose the app's technology. For which platform will the app be built and with which programming language? For example, do you want a native app that is specifically developed for iOS or Android, or do you want a hybrid app or web app that is directly accessible to both users?

Some technical requirements may include:

  • Integration with data tracking (for example Firebase or Analytics)
  • Integration with a proprietary information system or company API
  • Implementing a proprietary CMS system

Useful tools: this app techniques selection guide

Additional information

If you have addressed all the above topics, you probably still have a number of prerequisites that you believe will contribute to the project. These can be a variety of peripheral matters, such as integrating an organization's corporate identity or something you would like to see reflected in the app.

Please also let us know who will be the contact person or project manager, and how you plan to schedule communication. We prefer someone with a technical background or knowledge, but this is not mandatory. However, being able to respond quickly during app development is crucial to ensure a smooth process and to potentially capitalize on market opportunities.

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For over 10 years, we have been developing apps used by millions of users. We translate complex problems into intuitive solutions that make an impact.

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