You are about to pay the "Ignorance Tax."
Going to a dev agency with just an "idea" is the fastest way to burn your runway. Without a technical shield, you will get vague quotes, bloated scope, and code you don't own.
Get The Agency-Proofing Checklist
15 questions that expose predatory vendors, padded quotes, and technical incompetence. Print it out. Take it to the meeting. Watch them sweat.
Why you can't just ask "How much will this cost?"
If you ask a developer "How much to build my app?" without a rigid technical plan, you've already lost.
- Low-quality freelancers will guess low to get your deposit.
- Predatory agencies will guess high to cover their risk.
The result is the same: A project that costs 3x the estimate and takes twice as long. This checklist forces you to translate your business goals into rigid instructions that developers cannot misinterpret.
What's Inside
- ✓ The "Lock-In" Check: How to ensure you own the code, data, and accounts from Day 1.
- ✓ The "One Job" Rule: Strip your idea down to essentials and save 30% on initial costs.
- ✓ The Red Flag Dictionary: Keywords in proposals that signal overcharging (e.g., "Refactoring," "Proprietary Engine").
About Michael Kove
I've spent 20+ years on every side of the software business: developer, technical lead, CTO, agency owner, and founder. I know the industry inside and out. I can spot the difference between a necessary feature and "billable fluff," and I know how to structure agreements that align the vendor's incentives with your success.
Now I sit on your side of the table.
I help non-technical business owners make smart technical decisions before they sign contracts, hire developers, or waste money on the wrong solution. I find the red flags in proposals, the bloat in budgets, and the gaps in architecture before they cost you six figures.
Get The Agency-Proofing Checklist
Don't sign that contract until you've asked these 15 questions.