·4 min read
How to Choose an MVP Development Agency
Not all agencies are built for MVPs. Here is how to find one that actually understands early-stage startups.
MVP Agency vs Traditional Agency
| Factor | MVP Agency | Traditional Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 2-6 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Pricing | Fixed price | Hourly or retainer |
| Focus | Speed to market | Feature completeness |
| Process | Lean and iterative | Heavy documentation |
| Team size | Small, senior | Large, mixed experience |
Questions to Ask
- •How many MVPs have you shipped in the last 12 months?
- •Can I see 3 live products you built recently?
- •What is your average timeline for an MVP?
- •How do you handle scope changes?
- •What happens after launch? Do you offer support?
- •Who will actually be writing the code?
Pricing Models
- •Fixed price: Best for MVPs with clear scope
- •Time and materials: Risky for MVPs, can balloon
- •Retainer: Usually overkill for first product
- •Revenue share: Rare, usually not worth equity
Green Flags
- •They push back on feature requests
- •They ask about your business model
- •Portfolio has products still live and working
- •They have a clear, documented process
- •Communication is fast during sales phase
Red Flags
- •Promise everything you ask for
- •No live portfolio, only mockups
- •Cannot explain their tech stack simply
- •Unclear about who does the work
- •Pushy on large upfront payments
The best MVP agencies say no more than yes. They protect you from overbuilding.