Hiring an AI development company is a bigger decision than hiring a typical software vendor. The technology is new, the marketing is loud, and it is hard for non-experts to tell real capability from hype. A poor choice can cost months and budget.
Use these ten questions to evaluate any AI development partner, including us.
1. What business problem are we solving, and how will we measure it?
A good partner starts with your goal, not their technology. They should help you define success in measurable terms, such as response time, hours saved, or conversion rate, before building.
Red flag: they talk only about models and features, and never about outcomes.
2. Have you built something similar, and can we see or hear about it?
Ask for relevant examples, case studies, or references. You are looking for experience with similar problems, not a long list of buzzwords. Be fair to newer companies, though: ask how they would approach your case and how they would reduce risk.
3. How do you handle our data and security?
Ask where data is stored and processed, who can access it, how it is protected, and whether it is used to train any models. You want clear, specific answers.
Red flag: vague reassurance, or no mention of security at all.
4. How do you make sure the AI is accurate and safe?
Ask about testing with real examples, guardrails, human approval for important actions, and monitoring after launch. AI systems are not perfect, and good partners design around that.
Red flag: promises of 100% accuracy.
5. Will you tell us if AI is not the right answer?
Sometimes a simple automation, a better form, or an existing tool solves the problem more cheaply. A trustworthy partner recommends the simplest solution that works, even if it means a smaller project. This matters especially with "agents": many products are called agents without really being one. Our guide to AI agents vs chatbots explains the difference.
6. What is your process and how often will we see progress?
Look for a structured approach: discovery, design, build, test, launch, improve. Ask how often you will see working demos. Short cycles with regular demonstrations reduce surprises.
7. Who owns the code and the work?
Get clear in writing who owns the code, models, prompts, and data, and what happens if you move to another provider. You should not be locked in.
8. What will it really cost, now and later?
Ask for a breakdown covering:
- Development
- Third-party and platform fees
- Running costs, such as AI usage charges
- Maintenance and support
Our guide to chatbot cost factors explains what drives the price. Compare quotes like for like.
Red flag: a very low price with no detail on scope, or a very high price with no explanation.
9. What happens after launch?
AI solutions need monitoring and improvement as your business and data change. Ask about support, maintenance, response times, and how issues are handled.
10. Will you work as a partner with our team?
Good partners communicate clearly, explain trade-offs in plain language, and involve your people. You should feel comfortable asking questions and challenging decisions.
A simple way to compare
Create a short scorecard and rate each company from 1 to 5 on:
| Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Understanding of our problem | |
| Relevant experience | |
| Security and data approach | |
| Testing and safety approach | |
| Clarity of process and pricing | |
| Support after launch | |
| Communication and fit |
Start small
Whoever you choose, begin with a small, well-defined project or pilot. You will learn how the partner works and see real results before committing to something larger.
Talk to us
We are happy to answer all ten questions. Book a free consultation and we will look at your goals and give you honest advice, or explore our AI solutions.