Software Development Vendor Scorecard
Compare up to three development partners on the eight things that decide how a project goes. Set how much each criterion matters to you, rate every vendor from 1 to 5, and get a weighted score out of 100 plus a list of red flags you can share with your team.
Weighted scores
Vendor A
60/100
Tied for the lead
Vendor B
60/100
Tied for the lead
Vendor C
60/100
Tied for the lead
Red flags
None. A red flag appears when a weight-3 criterion is rated 1 or 2.
How the score works
Each criterion has a weight from 1 (nice to have) to 3 (must have). A vendor's score is the sum of rating × weight, divided by the best possible total (5 × the sum of the weights), times 100. With the default weights, a vendor rated 4 on everything scores 80.
A red flag appears when a criterion you weighted 3 is rated 1 or 2. Treat it as a question to settle before you sign, even if that vendor has the highest total.
Vendor selection FAQ
How many vendors should I shortlist?
Three is a good number. It gives you a real comparison on price, team and process without turning the selection into a months-long project. Start with a longer list, cut it to three after first calls, and score those three side by side.
Should I choose fixed price or time and materials?
Fixed price works when the scope is small and clearly written, because the vendor carries the risk of overruns. Time and materials suits products that will change as you learn, because you pay for the work actually done. Whichever you pick, ask how scope changes are priced and approved.
Which questions should I ask a vendor's references?
Ask whether the project shipped on time and on budget, how the team handled a problem or a missed deadline, whether the people they met in sales were the people who did the work, how good the code and handover were, and whether they would hire the vendor again.
Further reading
- How to choose a software development company
- Red flags in agency proposals
- How to choose an AI agent development company
- Software Project Brief Builder
Want us on your shortlist? Send your brief
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