After 14 years of building software in Delhi, we've heard every horror story. The freelancer who disappeared with the advance. The agency that delivered a half-finished product and stopped responding. The "experienced" team that used a template and charged for custom work.
Choosing the wrong software partner doesn't just cost money — it costs months. Here's how to choose right.
Question 1: Can I See Projects You've Built for Businesses Like Mine?
Any serious software company will have a portfolio. Ask specifically for projects in your industry — a school ERP for a school client, not just "an ERP." If they can't show you relevant work, that's a red flag.
Question 2: Who Will Actually Work on My Project?
Many agencies outsource to freelancers or other agencies after signing the contract. Ask to meet the actual developers. Ask about team stability. Ask if the person presenting will be your point of contact throughout.
Question 3: What Happens After Delivery?
Software always needs updates — bugs, new features, server issues. Ask specifically: what is included in post-delivery support? For how long? What's the cost of changes after delivery? Get this in writing.
Question 4: Do I Own the Source Code?
This is non-negotiable. You must own 100% of the source code. Some companies retain code ownership to lock clients in. If they hesitate on this question, walk away.
Question 5: What Technologies Will You Use and Why?
A good company will recommend specific technologies based on your project's requirements — not just whatever their team knows. They should explain the trade-offs. If they can't explain why, they might be using the wrong stack.
Question 6: What's Your Timeline and How Do You Handle Delays?
Software projects run late. The difference is whether the company communicates proactively or goes quiet. Ask how they handle scope changes and delays — the answer reveals their process maturity.
Question 7: Can I Speak to a Previous Client?
Any company confident in their work will connect you with a previous client for a reference call. If they won't, ask why.
A good software company will tell you things you don't want to hear — unrealistic timelines, features that don't make sense, technology that's wrong for your use case. That honesty is what makes them trustworthy.
We at Axis Software Solutions always offer reference calls, share detailed portfolios, and give you a written maintenance commitment with every project. We've been doing this for 14 years in Delhi — our reputation is our biggest asset.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away Immediately
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to look for. Here are the red flags our clients wish they'd spotted before signing a contract:
- No fixed-price contract. "We'll bill you hourly" is fine for maintenance, not for project development. Demand a fixed-price quote with a defined scope. Hourly billing for projects almost always ends in cost overruns.
- They can't explain the technology in plain English. A software company that hides behind jargon either doesn't understand their own work or is trying to confuse you. Good engineers can explain complex systems simply.
- Unrealistically low prices. A serious e-commerce platform or ERP system costs ₹1,50,000–₹8,00,000 to build properly. If you're getting a quote for ₹25,000, someone is cutting corners that will cost you far more later.
- No dedicated project manager. If the developer is also your client contact, expect slow responses and missed requirements. Professional companies have project managers who ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
- No written specification document. If they won't put the requirements in writing before starting, you'll have endless arguments about what was "included" at the end. Everything must be documented.
How to Compare Proposals: Freelancer vs Small Agency vs Established Company
Delhi's software development market has three distinct tiers. Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose the right level for your budget and risk tolerance:
| Factor | Freelancer | Small Agency (2-5 people) | Established Company (10+ people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₹15,000–₹80,000 | ₹50,000–₹3,00,000 | ₹1,50,000–₹15,00,000+ |
| Risk | High (single point of failure) | Medium | Low (processes, backup team) |
| Communication | Unpredictable | Variable | Structured, regular updates |
| Post-delivery support | Often unavailable | Best-effort | Contractual SLAs |
| Best for | Simple landing pages | Mid-complexity apps | Business-critical systems |
What Does Custom Software Development Cost in Delhi in 2026?
Transparency matters. Here's what realistic budgets look like for common business software projects in Delhi:
- Business Website with CMS: ₹30,000–₹80,000 (4–8 weeks)
- E-Commerce Platform (custom): ₹1,50,000–₹4,00,000 (8–16 weeks)
- CRM / Lead Management System: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000 (8–12 weeks)
- School / Hospital ERP: ₹2,00,000–₹8,00,000 (12–24 weeks)
- Mobile App (iOS + Android): ₹3,00,000–₹10,00,000+ (16–32 weeks)
- AI / Automation Solutions: ₹1,50,000–₹5,00,000 (varies)
Any quote significantly below these ranges should raise questions about what is being cut. Any quote significantly above requires detailed justification of the premium.
The Right Process to Follow
Here's the process we recommend for every Delhi business evaluating a software development partner:
- List your 5 most important requirements in plain English before talking to anyone.
- Get 3 quotes — minimum. One from a large company, one from a medium agency, one from a highly-rated freelancer.
- Ask each for a written specification document — their ability to produce one reveals their process maturity.
- Call one reference client each — not email, call. Real conversations reveal what testimonials don't.
- Review the contract carefully — specifically: IP ownership, change request process, payment milestones, post-delivery support terms.
Get a Free Software Consultation in Delhi
Axis Software Solutions has 14 years of experience building custom software for Delhi businesses — schools, hospitals, logistics, retail, and professional services. We're happy to spend 45 minutes understanding your requirements and giving you an honest recommendation, whether or not you choose to work with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does custom software development take in Delhi?
Timeline depends on complexity. A basic web application takes 6–10 weeks. A mid-sized CRM or ERP takes 12–20 weeks. Complex platforms with mobile apps and integrations take 6–12 months. Always get a timeline commitment in writing, with milestone-based payment tied to delivery.
Should I hire a freelancer or a software company in Delhi?
For business-critical software, choose a company over a freelancer. A company has backup developers, project managers, QA testers, and a support structure. If your freelancer gets sick or disappears, your project stops. For simple websites or small tasks, a highly-rated freelancer is fine.
What technologies should a Delhi software company use?
There's no single right answer — technology should match your requirements. PHP/Laravel, Node.js, and Python are common for backends. React and Vue.js for modern frontend. MySQL/PostgreSQL for databases. For mobile: React Native (cross-platform) or native Swift/Kotlin. Ask them to justify their choice for your specific use case.
How much should I pay upfront?
Standard practice in Delhi is 30–40% advance, 30–40% at midpoint milestone, and 20–30% at delivery. Never pay more than 50% upfront. Never pay 100% before delivery. Milestone-based payments protect both sides.
What happens if I need changes after delivery?
Get the post-delivery policy in writing before signing. Most professional companies offer 30–90 days of bug fixes at no charge. Feature changes after delivery are typically billed separately. Ask for a rate card for post-delivery changes so you're not surprised.
How do I protect my idea/IP?
Include a confidentiality (NDA) clause in the contract. More importantly, ensure the contract clearly states that all source code, databases, and intellectual property created for your project belongs exclusively to you. Any company that pushes back on this is not trustworthy.