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Checklist before you sign

10 questions to ask a software vendor

Before you sign, ask a software vendor ten things: who owns the code and data, how you get the data out, what happens at exit, where the system runs, who maintains it, where the price can surprise you, how they use AI, who works on the project and how you see progress. Each question below says what a good answer sounds like, and our own answers are at the end. Items 1 to 4 are a must.

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For owners and managing directors of companies that have custom software built or are switching vendors. Send the questions by email before the meeting and keep the answers in writing. Tick the ones that got a good answer.

Since 2023 we have delivered 15+ production projects. We answer these questions for every new client, so we know what a good answer sounds like.

1. Questions

2. How to judge the answers

  • Items 1 to 4 are a must. Without them you depend on one vendor, even if everything else fits.
  • An evasive answer is an answer. "We will sort that out later" means no.
  • Get it in writing. What is said in the meeting belongs in the quote or the contract.
  • This is not legal advice. Have a lawyer read the contract before you sign.

3. Our answers

Ask us the same questions. This is what we answer:

  1. Code: yours from day one. The repository lives on your account or ours, as agreed, with access from day one and a move to you whenever you ask.
  2. Data: yours. The database runs on an account you have access to.
  3. Export: any time, in a standard format.
  4. Exit: pause or cancel the subscription any time. The result stays yours, even if you leave.
  5. Hosting: code, data and infrastructure are yours from day one.
  6. Maintenance: we can also run the system after launch: fixes, backups and new features are part of the subscription. If you want to take it over yourselves, you get 30 days of support after launch.
  7. Price: a monthly subscription from €3,980 excl. VAT for one project at a time, or a fixed price per project. Tell us what you need and we send you a quote.
  8. AI: AI agents write the code today. A senior, tests and review check every change, and we are accountable for the result.
  9. People: every project is led by a senior and you talk to them directly. Who would work on your project, we tell you on the intro call.
  10. Progress: you see finished changes every week in your repository or test version.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I ask before choosing a software vendor?
Above all about ownership of code and data, export and exit terms. Without them you depend on one vendor. Then about hosting, hidden costs, use of AI, the people on the project and how you see progress.
What is vendor lock-in?
A situation where you cannot leave a vendor without losing code, data or operations. It happens when the repository, database or hosting runs on their account or on a platform you cannot get out of.
What if the vendor does not answer a question?
An evasive answer is an answer. "We will sort that out later" means no. Get the answers in writing in the quote and have a lawyer read the contract before you sign. This is not legal advice.

Our answers in writing, in the quote

Tell us which work you want off your plate, and we put the answers to all 10 questions in writing in the quote. We get back to you within two business days with a few questions about your work. Then we agree on what we do first.

Tell us which work you want off your plateOr a 15-minute intro call