How to choose an app development company (and what the quote should contain)

What you're actually building

The cheapest quote is usually the least complete one. A per-screen price means nobody has thought about the integrations.

You are buying a team's judgement about what not to build as much as their ability to build.

The parts that decide the budget

• Ask for live apps you can download, and check their update history.

• Ask who owns the IP and the repository. The answer should be: you do.

• Ask how change is handled mid-project, in contract terms, before you sign.

• Ask what post-launch looks like — OS upgrades, store policy changes, monitoring, roadmap.

A realistic first release

Expect discovery to produce flows, an integration list and a risk register — not just a price.

Serious engagements with us start at $25,000+; a full first release typically runs 12 to 20 weeks.

How Wve Labs approaches it

Wve Labs is a digital product company founded in 2015, bringing product strategy, design and engineering together. Mobile has been at the heart of Wve for 10+ years and remains one of our deepest areas of expertise, alongside custom software, web platforms and applied AI.

We work with startups, growth companies and established organisations — clients include Sony, Honda, Guardian, Marriott, USC, Maui Jim and California State University. Serious engagements start at $25,000+.

Talk it through with us: business@wvelabs.com or (800) 588-9094.