What does a software development company do?

We build web apps, e-commerce stores, mobile apps, and SaaS products. The whole stack—from initial planning to launch.

How much does custom software cost?

$5,000 to $50,000+, depending on what you're building. We'll give you a realistic number after we talk about what you need. No sticker shock.

How long does it take to build software?

Small stuff: 4-8 weeks. Bigger projects: 3-6 months. We get something working early, then iterate.

Do you work with startups?

Yep. Dozens of them. We know the drill—tight budgets, fast timelines, need to validate before going all in.

What's your development process?

Chat first to figure out what you need. Then we build it in chunks, you review, we tweak. You'll always know what's happening.

How to Choose a Software Development Company

Finding the right development partner can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of agencies and freelancers to choose from. Here's how to narrow it down.

Start With Your Project Type

Not all developers are created equal. Some specialize in e-commerce, others in enterprise software, and some in mobile apps. Know what you need before you start looking.

Questions to answer first:

Is this a website, web app, mobile app, or something else?
Do you need ongoing support or a one-time build?
What's your budget range?
When do you need it done?

What to Look For

1. Relevant Experience

Don't just look at pretty portfolios. Ask about projects similar to yours:

"Have you built e-commerce sites before?"
"What's the largest project you've worked on?"
"Who was the client and what problem did you solve?"

A developer who built a successful e-commerce site for a client similar to you is worth more than one with a flashy portfolio of unrelated work.

2. Clear Communication

During your first conversation, pay attention to how they communicate:

Do they ask clarifying questions?
Do they explain things in ways you understand?
Do they seem genuinely interested or just trying to close the sale?

You'd be surprised how many development relationships fail because of communication issues, not technical problems.

3. Realistic Expectations

Good developers will tell you what you don't want to hear:

"That timeline is aggressive"
"Your budget might not cover everything you want"
"There might be a simpler solution"

If someone promises everything you want at a low price, that's a red flag.

4. Ownership and Transparency

You'll want to own what you're paying for:

Who owns the code?
Will you get access to repositories?
What happens if they disappear?

Get these answers in writing before you start.

Red Flags to Avoid

The fixed-price trap: Complex projects rarely stay on budget when priced fixed upfront. The best developers work iteratively.

No portfolio or references: Anyone can claim expertise. Ask for specific examples and permission to contact past clients.

Ghosting during sales: If they're slow to respond before you sign, imagine how bad it gets after.

One-person shows (for larger projects): Dependencies on a single person create risk. Ask about backup resources.

The Questions That Matter

Before you hire, ask these:

"What's your development process?"
"How do you handle scope changes?"
"Who will be working on my project?"
"What happens after launch?"
"Can I talk to a past client?"

A confident, experienced developer will welcome these questions.

Our Approach

At Tafoya Ventures, we believe in:

Honest assessments: We'll tell you if your idea needs work
Clear communication: You'll always know what we're doing and why
Ownership: You own everything we build
Long-term thinking: We want to be your ongoing partner, not a one-time vendor

Not sure where to start? Contact us for a free consultation. We'll tell you what we think, even if it's not what you want to hear.