Shreyasi Madhu
Co-Founder & Engineer, PSBM Labs
Barisal's software scene is small compared to Dhaka's, which actually makes vetting easier — but only if you know what to look for. Job title and years in business tell you very little. Here's what we think genuinely predicts whether a software company will deliver.
1. Ask to see real, shipped work
Not mockups — live apps on the Play Store, or a working URL you can click through yourself. A portfolio full of "coming soon" projects or Dribbble-style concept shots is a warning sign. Ask specifically what role the company played on each project: full build, or just the frontend?
2. Understand who owns the code
Before signing anything, confirm in writing that you'll own the full source code, design files, and all credentials once the project is delivered — not just a compiled app you can't modify later. Some agencies quietly retain ownership or lock you into their hosting, which becomes expensive leverage down the line.
3. Check how they scope and price
A company that gives you a number within five minutes of hearing your idea, with no written requirements, is guessing. Look for a team that asks clarifying questions and sends a written scope before quoting — that's the process that avoids scope-creep fights later.
4. Test communication before you commit
How fast do they respond to your first email? Do they explain technical trade-offs in plain language, or hide behind jargon? This is the best preview you'll get of what working together for months will actually feel like.
5. Ask about maintenance, not just launch
Launching an app is maybe 40% of the work — bug fixes, OS updates, and small feature requests keep coming after release. Ask upfront: is there a maintenance plan, or are you on your own the day it ships?
Red flags to walk away from
- No written contract or scope document before work starts
- Reluctance to share client references or live project links
- Pressure to pay the full amount upfront rather than in milestones
- Vague answers about who specifically will write the code
Why we built PSBM Labs this way
We're a small studio on purpose — the two of us who scope your project are the same people who write the code, so nothing gets lost in a hand-off between sales and engineering. You can see the full list of what we've shipped on our projects page, and how we structure engagements on our services page.