Apptunix

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Founder and CEO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix, and what were your goals?

We hired Apptunix to develop mobile apps and website

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

They were one of 3 bidders who provided the best timeline to complete the project. Other providers had projected 3.5 to 5 months to complete project.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We provided a detailed scope and PRD (product requirement document) and made no scope or requirement changes.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4 people that we interacted with were PM, Lead Developer and 2 people in marketing (part of a promotional bonus Apptunix offered at the start of the project)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

• The project scope and requirements were agreed with a 10 week completion in early July, and contract signed on Apr/21/2021
• Apptunix invoiced us twice within the first 2 weeks and while unusual we paid as they projected great progress. By late May we were concerned about progress of project despite presentations made by Apptunix and found increasingly erratic and poor project and development management and expressed so to the account manager
• By mid-July, we had paid for most of the project but it became very clear that project was way behind delivery timelines that has passed already. We escalated and they promised that they will finish all within two weeks but 4 weeks later we had to escalate again, It was early October before the project seemed near completion but again the communications and followups including marketing were disappointingly late and poor in quality.
• In mid-October, I escalated urgently to their CEO Nikhil and it took multiple emails to get a poor evasive response. I tried multiple times to resolve and make them understand that not only they were 5 months behind project delivery timeline, they had failed multiple promises of completion and stepping up.
• The CEO gave us the run around for two weeks before we sent a formal demand letter before initiating lawsuit.
• They have not responded at all.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Apptunix people are generally friendly but have poor skills in communication, verbally and writing, and seem very casual and non-commital with timelines. Our Project Manager Reena is a very nice person but lacks project management skills and seems quite comfortable making promises she knows she will not deliver. At second escalation in late August, she shared their Trello project screen with me in support of her activity. What trello showed was the last update to the tool was more than one month old and had almost no useful detail.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

There is nothing impressive about Apptunix. Our project overall is not particularly difficult or complex and we provided very meticulous scope and PRD which makes it even more difficult to grasp why they failed the timeline so many times.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Apptunix lacks modern project management skills and discipline. They have the capability to build and deliver a typical project with average resources and skills but generally lack communication and customer service skills despite a generally friendly demeanor that is reflected in making promises and commiting to things they either know or do not know that they cannot or will ot deliver.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of IT of a meat distribution company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix, and what were your goals?

We wanted to develop a mobile app for our customers to be able to browse our product offers list anytime and anywhere. From the app, we wanted them to indicate their purchase interests.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We first contacted a Canadian company, but their price was too high for us. We started looking for more competitive developers online, so we found Apptunix. After presenting our requirements to them and understanding how their development process worked, we found that they would be able to provide us the best cost-effective solution for our goals.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We needed a company that could develop the front-end for our first mobile app idea. We started the process with a discovery phase to scope out the budget and requirements. We needed a company that could develop the front-end for our first mobile app idea. We started the process with a discovery phase to scope out the budget and requirements. After that, they provided us the design builds which were reviewed by us and modified as required. After the design builds, they programmed the front-end functionalities and API endpoints integration to our backend API endpoints. The app was built in Native for iOS and Android.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with a team of 4-5 developers and the project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The has just been launched on the app store, so we don't have any customers using it yet.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They did a good job. We had some delays in communication sometimes due to the timezone differences, but overall, they were responsive. All the communication was done via Slack, but we jumped into calls when some development aspects needed to be clarified. We always had our timelines laid out and they ensured that we were on track. Any deviation on the timeline was quickly addressed and reviewed.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They’re very knowledgeable about design trends and provided us the design builds very quickly. They were really good at sticking to the timeline and budget.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Status reports on each stage of the project could have been helpful. We would've liked to have all the requirements that were solely dependent on us earlier in the project. That would include technical and non-technical requirements, such as API endpoint complete technical requirements and information requirements to publish the app. As being the very first time we were publishing a mobile app, we needed further guidance and information. That would have prevented some delays.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Beaudire, an appointment scheduling app and beauty marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

I needed someone to create my scheduling and beauty marketplace app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Apptunix was responsible for building the entire project. They created the mobile app, the website, and the admin panel. I also gave them my branding stuff, but other than that we co-created the document. They sent me over an agreement and I emailed back regarding what was missing — they came back and said it’s in there but it wasn’t.

What is the team composition?

The only ones I communicated with were the project manager, two people who assisted with design, and one who assisted with the website.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I found them online. When I was researching them, Clutch was one of the websites I found reviews on for them. I chose them because it seemed that they knew what they were doing, and it seemed as though they had experience in this area. They even provided references.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $22,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2020. It was supposed to last seven weeks, but it ended up being 40 weeks and it was still not completed after I terminated the contract in May 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

What really pushed me to do the review on them was when I asked them to terminate the contract and provide me with my intellectual properties and they still haven’t done them. My code was posted publicly after I asked them to get rid of it on their side and provide it to me — I have to work with my new team with the old code that I saved. The code they wrote was so bad that the new team is literally still trying to fix it. It’s like starting over from scratch. 

The partnership really negatively impacted the business, and was overall a bad experience. They still haven’t provided me with my code files even after posting them publicly.

Everything went wrong once I realized they didn’t know what they were doing. The project was supposed to be seven weeks, but we got to week seven and found that they had the whole concept wrong. They told me I didn’t communicate what I needed, but I have proof that I did. At that point, I was pretty well invested from a financial perspective. I decided maybe it was better if I paid them to fix it, which I shouldn’t have done — I should have terminated the contract at that point, but I didn’t have a technical background. 

This was already an Achilles heel for me and I think they just milked it — everything went from bad to worse. They supposedly finished the product but the product kept breaking and they weren’t able to provide me with any kind of information, or any background as to what happened.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

I knew the project management was bad, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt because it wasn’t my area. It was so bad that I requested a change in the project manager, and they had the audacity to tell me I had to pay them $3,000 if I wanted a new project manager — this came from the owner of the company, who I’ve also been emailing directly to request my code.

They weren’t meeting deadlines and were consistently going over budget. — they weren’t able to manage the platform that they built consistently.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The project management, the quality of the development, the ability to communicate, and the ability to meet deadlines were all a mess from the top to the bottom.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do more research. If you see a project going wrong at the beginning, pinpoint that and stop it right there. Don’t give them the benefit of the doubt and be realistic. Even if they have a project manager, manage the project yourself as well — be completely involved in the project and hold the project manager more accountable.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of Thinkbox Interactive Ltd. We’re a small development firm creating a click-based entertainment gaming app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

I needed them to design and develop my app. I initially looked for freelance developers to help with the project, but I realized I needed a more professional outfit.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We went through a few initial consultations about what I was looking for in the design and feel of the app. My key request was that they use a native developing language so we could do both iOS and Android. They advised me on the UI/UX and backend development as well. They did full development from the concept stage to launch on the App Store. We’re still working on an additional integration.

What is the team composition?

I had a key developer and another point of contact, as well as other developers.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I conducted an online search with the hope of finding developers based in the United Kingdom. I put together a shortlist of three or four and contact them via phone calls. Apptunix was the most suitable, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent 7,000 pounds sterling ($8,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2018 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’re still gaining traction and sorting out a few bugs, but we’ve had about 100 downloads. We’re working on ad integration so we can ramp up marketing. All in all, I was very happy with their service and the app’s functionality. The end result was exactly what I had been briefed on.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They were helpful and understanding and they communicated well. They offered design suggestions and were happy to accommodate my feedback and revisions. We communicated through Slack. I found my key contacts reliable and I thought they managed the project well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was most impressed with their customer service, the quality of their work, and the value they provided for my money.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m completely satisfied.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ensure communication is clear and that you have kind of a clear business plan and development plan. Get in touch with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of Where’s The Foodtruck, a mobile food vendor locator and marketing application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix?

We brought in Apptunix to build our apps and website.

What were your goals for this project?

Since our core business is based on their functionality, we wanted a high-quality, well-built website and set of apps.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for mobile app developers and found Apptunix. Their reviews and our initial conversations spoke well of them, so we decided to try their team for this project.

Describe the project in detail.

Over 30 days, Apptunix helped us scope out the project and conceptualize the final product, including logo design. They provided feedback, input, and suggestions for UI/UX and other aspects. The team then built the apps and site, making modifications and additions over the past 18 months.

What was the team composition?

We work primarily with a project manager. On occasion, Apptunix puts us in direct contact with a particular developer or team member to address specific aspects of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The platform has been live for almost a year now; we’ve never had significant issues with functionality. Apptunix provides upgrades phases and maintenance services.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Apptunix’s communication is excellent, and their response times are quick despite time zone differences.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team walked us through our first app development project from start to finish. They provide valuable input and direction regularly.   

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder of Oh, a mobile application that connects students and tutors at various universities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apptunix?

We hired Apptunix to develop our tutoring application.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted Apptunix to complete our application with design, implementing the backend, and integrating features such as video chat, payment transfers, and APNs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We talked to around 15 companies over the phone and felt that Apptunix had the expertise to complete our goals after revealing their thorough proposal. We also stressed how vital communication and our involvement was in the process. They assured us that we would have a crucial role in the development.

Describe the project in detail.

Oh is an office hours management platform that connects students who need help with their coursework with qualified tutors. Through the iOS application, tutors can earn money and assist students with their work, while college students can find guidance in courses offered at their institution.

What was the team composition?

We worked closely with the CEO, a backend developer, and a UX/UI designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

When we started working with Apptunix, we had an incomplete application. Apptunix transformed the app into a product ready for the app store. Working with Apptunix was a huge success.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Apptunix and our team had a productive partnership. During the design stages, we received frequent updates through the CEO. When development began, we had regular meetings to go over implementation, current bugs, and future paths. We communicated via Slack when we had any updates or questions to go over. We also used email and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with Apptunix’s ability to advise on the full architecture of the app. Their team did an exceptional and seamless job working on the front and backend. When it comes to design and development, Apptunix is the whole package.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s nothing that comes to mind. Apptunix did an excellent job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Powercore 360. We sell sports training products and provide training services for athletes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

They’ve done numerous things for us including web, app development, and revisioning.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We built our first app for Android and iOS with Apptunix. I specked it out, and Apptunix built it for us. We went back and forth, fine-tuning the details. The initial app was built to support a tangible sports training product that we manufacture and sell. Part of the effort was to show users what an ideal baseball swing looks like at the pro level and how our product could be used to learn how to perform that swing or at least some of it. We did promotions to sell our product, and we attempted to upsell fee-based conditioning programs for baseball hitting.

The major revision 2–3 years ago came from our desire to expand. We came from baseball, and we expanded into other sports verticals. We have apps for improvement in general fitness, baseball, softball, mixed martial arts, golf, and volleyball. The apps are instruction and video-based.

We’ve done some edits and updates. We’ve changed copy, images, and video. This is an easy process now; I send them an email or drop the content into Dropbox for them to update.

More recently, Apptunix helped us with a tech question. I was trying to figure out a quick and simple way of creating data in a database and tracking it. We were providing a program for our users, and I wanted to track their usage. Were they doing the program? Were they doing what they were supposed to be doing? I was holding them accountable. I didn’t want to build a mobile app for this purpose, but Apptunix told me that I could use a Google form, saving us a lot of time and money with development. The solution was quick and free.

What is the team composition?

Nikhil (Entrepreneur, Apptunix) acted as our project manager, who is the owner of the company. He’s my main contact, and he hands the work off.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I found them five years ago through oDesk, which is now Upwork. The cost was a driving force initially. We received numerous bids to build a mobile app which were tens of thousands of dollars beyond our budget. As a small company building its first app, we were looking for cost-effective, affordable solutions.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $5,000–$10,000 on their work overall.

What is the status of this engagement?

The first version of the app was built in 2014, and it was revised in 2016 or 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They successfully made the app, and we promote it with a piece of paper that comes with our product, which tells customers to download it from iTunes or the Google Play store. It supports the use of our product.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good in terms of project management. We initially used oDesk for tracking the work, followed by the Upwork platform. I communicate with him via Skype. I get up early morning and catch him during his evening. He’s good about connecting by either phone or Skype and resolving what we’re working on at the time.

I can talk to Nikhil about any issues or challenges. This is one of the strongest things that Nikhil and Apptunix do: I can reach him Monday through Friday, even if it’s not a scheduled call, and get something resolved, get a bid, or get something scheduled right away. Having the ability to get a hold of someone and talk to them in real-time is invaluable to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate the ability to get in touch and talk with someone on the phone or through an internet call. I know what I have to get done functionally so it’s nice to be able to explain what I’m trying to get done. We talk and I give him specific details. Then, he’ll look at it and come back to me with his response. Their communication is the most valuable asset they provide.

Are there any areas they could improve?

None of us are perfect. They’ve been good. Since I first started working with them, the quality of the work continually improved with fewer errors and more accuracy. That’s hard since I provide requirements, which are transcribed. I would love to see them get even more accurate so that there would be less for me to check. I check every detail, every word and every period of the written instructions in the app. I’d like to know that it’s done right the first time.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Think through and define your specifications and communicate and document them clearly. Have discussions with Nikhil or the project manager to make sure what you want and what you get are the same thing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner/founder of AMZ Analyzer. We market a software product to e-commerce sellers for analysis and data mining.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed to redesign our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They redeveloped and redesigned our entire site from scratch using WordPress. They wrote all the front- and backend code before delivering the new design to us. They also help with our marketing efforts, SEO, and social media work. They developed a background video and some of the art we use for banners.

The biggest feature was a digital download integration for the licensing management software we use to sell our product. It takes up a large portion of the backend and they made sure the new elements they added didn’t disrupt its functionality.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We found them on Upwork. They had good reviews and we liked their portfolio. We interviewed them and were satisfied with our interactions. We had several companies to choose from but felt they’d be the best choice.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $10,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began in April 2018. The bulk of the project was completed within about three weeks, but they’re still assisting with our marketing and SEO.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our conversion rates have increased by about 30% and traffic us up by 20%. Everything about the new site and SEO exceeds our prior results and we’re very satisfied.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They did very well. We communicated almost daily.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very fast and competent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything they should improve. We had a good experience and are really satisfied with the quality of their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared. I wasn’t ready for how quickly they could deliver finished products and ended up slowing down the process. If you hope to keep up with them, make sure to plan ahead.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an IT service provider. We offer software and hardware services to our clients, including custom web and mobile app development. I’m the general manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We usually outsource development for projects, either in part or in full. We had a concept and designs ready for an iOS and Android app and were looking for a company to build it from the ground up.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a marketing app for a real estate developer. We provided a lot of information about the properties and projects within the scope of big real estate development. The app includes a login feature and customer dashboards. Users can view details about the properties they’ve purchased or access properties available for sale.

We wanted the app to be feature-rich. There is also an interactive map that shows the locations of different developments and an augmented reality model that lets users view locations throughout the construction stage. It allows the viewer to find objects of interest on construction sites.

What is the team composition?

I interacted with one project manager. He handled all the daily functionality and oversaw their development team.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We posted the job and completed a search. We interviewed multiple developers and reviewed their past work. Based on our analysis, we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November or December 2017. The app was delivered two weeks ago, but we haven’t launched yet.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Some of our staff completed internal testing of the app. We went through about 20 phases of revisions to fix bugs and add features. We are planning a marketing campaign ahead of the official release.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

We were very happy with them. They were communicative about upcoming deadlines and milestones. We spoke through messaging services and email. Everything was delivered as planned and we never had any surprises.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We enjoyed their professionalism and trustworthiness. They delivered everything they promised.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did well. This project was fairly straightforward.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have clear requirements. We provided exact designs and flowcharts to help them build to our specifications. You will have an easier time if you provide the specs right at the start.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Texas ToGo is a restaurant delivery service. We partner with local restaurants to provide delivery logistics and online ordering solutions for our customers so they can see restaurants' menus and order. It’s kind of like Grubhub.

We have a team of delivery drivers on the ground who provide delivery for the restaurants. We use the technology to facilitate those orders. As of late, we’ve been focused in on the tech side of things and how all of that is progressing.

I’m the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We license our software currently from another company. We would like to have our own proprietary software to operate our business.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

They were a referral. I work with a graphic designer who I found of Fiverr. We worked with him for years as just a graphic designer for our website. He said if I ever had development needs, I should reach out to his friend. I did some research on the company and started working with them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired Apptunix to build a full functioning turnkey solution for our business. We have broken it down into separate projects and have been working on one at a time. The main project we started is just a white label online ordering website and app combination that a restaurant would own so they can control their menu and receive orders via the Internet. We have a central website and we want each of our member restaurants to have their own website and app.

What is the team dynamic?

We have a lot going on. Nikhil [Bansal, Founder] acts as our project manager. We also work with another person and speak with them often.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $40,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Nikhil came down to meet with us in May 2017 and we formulated detailed plans at that point. I’ve been in contact with Nikhil since the end of 2016. We started working with them in June 2017 on the development work. At the end of September, we completed one piece of the project which is the app and website combination for our restaurant partners. We’re going to continue to add features and develop that according to our clients’ needs. We also have other projects that we want to work on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Everything is beautiful. We don’t have any metrics, yet. We have a few restaurants who love it. We just started getting all the implementation logistics ironed out.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very personable. Nikhil speaks with me daily if I need it. We’ve got great communication. He makes sure to be available whenever I need him. They’ve conformed to the tools we use including Slack and Google Drive. I don’t know what they prefer but they’ve adapted to what we do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I went to them because of their user interface and design and how their apps look. I’ve been really happy with the look and feel of how we wanted it to be. Aesthetics were important to us in this particular project. That’s been what I’ve been impressed with the most. Their personal communication is impressive as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything now.