If you’re on the lookout for a mobile app development partner, here’s what to watch out for. These are the most common red flags we’ve seen over the years. Spot them early and save yourself the headache.
1. They Can’t Answer Strategic Questions
A good app development agency doesn’t just write code. They guide your digital product strategy. If you’re asking questions about user acquisition, monetisation, retention, or product-market fit, and all you get back is tech jargon, run.
Warning signs:
- They focus only on technical delivery
- No clear roadmap or success metrics
- No input on business or user goals
You want a team that challenges your thinking, improves your ideas and cares about your commercial outcomes.
2. They Outsource Everything (Without Telling You)
It’s common for agencies to use freelance support or offshore developers. The issue is when that’s hidden from you, or when the agency has no real oversight or quality control.
Ask:
- Who will actually be working on my project?
- Are they full-time, part-time or contractors?
- How is communication managed across the team?
A strong agency will be transparent about their team structure and will take responsibility for delivery, wherever their people are based.
3. They Don’t Do Discovery
If someone gives you a fixed quote after one call, before understanding your users, features, and objectives, they’re guessing. Proper scoping is essential for accurate estimates, realistic timelines and smart technical decisions.
At Untapped, we run structured discovery phases to define requirements, validate assumptions, and reduce risk. It’s the difference between building what you think you need and building what actually delivers results.
4. Their Code Isn’t Futureproof
Your MVP should be the foundation of something scalable, not something you’ll have to rebuild in six months. Poor architecture, messy codebases and shortcut solutions are common from agencies that want to get in and out fast.
Red flags:
- No technical documentation
- No version control or DevOps pipelines
- Hardcoded workarounds instead of modular design
You don’t need over-engineering. But you do need a team that writes clean, maintainable code with growth in mind.
5. They Ignore UX
Too many app developers jump into screens and sprints without real UX thinking. A slick interface doesn’t matter if users get confused, stuck or frustrated.
Check for:
- User research or personas
- Wireframes and flow mapping
- Testing with real users (not just internal feedback)
Strong user experience work saves you from building the wrong thing. It also makes your app far easier to scale, market and monetise.
6. Poor Communication
If your agency is slow to respond, vague about timelines, or constantly changing team members, that’s a clear sign of trouble ahead. Communication is the core of a strong client-agency relationship.
What good looks like:
- Weekly check-ins and progress updates
- A single point of contact who knows your project
- Clear reporting and documentation
At Untapped, we assign dedicated delivery leads to every project. You know who to call and what’s happening every step of the way.
7. No Post-Launch Support
The real work starts after launch. If an agency walks away once your app hits the store, you’ll be stuck managing bugs, updates and new features alone.
A quality app partner offers structured support, from performance monitoring and analytics to iterative improvements and growth strategies.
Look for someone who cares about your app’s long-term success, not just the initial build.
8. They Overpromise and Underdeliver
It’s easy to get excited when someone says they can deliver your full product in six weeks, on a shoestring budget, with every feature under the sun. It rarely plays out that way.
Good agencies will be realistic. They’ll help you prioritise and will set expectations clearly.
They’ll tell you when something’s a bad idea. They’ll explain why certain features should wait. And they’ll take responsibility when things shift.
Choosing the Right App Development Agency
Here’s a quick checklist to help you spot a strong partner:
✅ Strategic input, not just technical delivery
✅ Clear discovery and scoping process
✅ Transparent team structure
✅ Clean, scalable code
✅ Focus on UX and testing
✅ Reliable communication
✅ Long-term support and iteration
✅ Honesty around scope, time and cost
If you’re building a mobile app and want to do it properly, choose an agency that builds with you, not just for you.
Why Untapped?
We’re not a dev shop. We’re a product studio built to support startups, scaleups and brands who want to move quickly without compromising on quality. We combine sharp strategy, smart design and solid engineering to build apps that make a difference.
You get:
- A partner who’s invested in your success
- An experienced team who’ve done this before
- A proven process that reduces risk and adds clarity
- Straight-talking advice that puts your users first
Let’s Talk
If you’re planning to launch a mobile app, or you’re not getting what you need from your current partner, we’re happy to talk.
Drop us a message or book a free discovery call.
We’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls and get your app moving in the right direction.
FAQs
How do I choose a good app development agency?
Look beyond technical skills. The best agencies combine smart strategy, user-first design, and clean, scalable code. They’ll ask questions about your business goals, not just features. They’ll push back where needed, help you prioritise, and guide you through the whole product journey. Transparency, reliability, and strong communication are just as important as development skills.
What questions should I ask a mobile app developer before hiring them?
Ask:
- What’s your process from idea to launch?
- Who will be working on my project?
- How do you handle changes or new requirements?
- What happens after launch?
- Can you show examples of similar apps you’ve built?
You’re not just hiring developers. You’re hiring a team to think alongside you, challenge assumptions, and reduce risk.
How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
It depends on complexity, features, platforms and team setup. At Untapped, most mobile app projects start from £15k–£20k for a lean MVP and go up depending on scope. We always start with discovery to get clarity on requirements, then provide a realistic cost breakdown with optional add-ons based on your goals.
Should I go with a UK-based app agency or offshore developers?
Offshore teams can work well, but you need strong oversight and communication. Many clients come to us after poor offshore experiences. UK-based agencies often bring stronger accountability, faster feedback loops, and better cultural alignment. You also avoid timezone delays and language barriers. That said, location matters less than the team’s mindset, process, and delivery track record.
What’s the difference between an app developer and an app agency?
Freelancers or solo developers may focus mainly on coding. Agencies bring a full team — including strategists, designers, developers, testers, and project managers — so you get end-to-end delivery. A good agency won’t just build what you ask for, they’ll help you build what your users actually need.
How do I know if my current app developer is underperforming?
Watch for these signs:
- Poor communication or missed deadlines
- Lack of user testing or UX thinking
- Slow bug fixes or unexplained delays
- No clear documentation or deployment process
- You’re doing more managing than they are
If it feels like you’re chasing them, or constantly second-guessing their work, it may be time to switch.
Can Untapped take over an existing app project?
Yes. We often step in mid-project when a client’s been let down or hit a wall. We start with a code audit, a product and UX review, and a clear plan to stabilise, optimise or rebuild. Whether you need bug fixes, feature expansion, or a full overhaul, we’ll work with you to get things back on track.
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