10 Signs You Need an App Specification (Before It's Too Late)
TL;DR
- •Multiple agencies asking the same questions is a red flag
- •Quotes vary wildly between agencies without a spec
- •Scope creep and budget overruns indicate missing documentation
- •Creating an RFQ early saves time and money
Introduction
Many founders realize they need an app specification too late—after weeks of back-and-forth, budget overruns, or project delays. Here are 10 signs you need an RFQ now.
The 10 Warning Signs
1. Agencies Keep Asking the Same Questions
If every agency asks the same 20+ questions, you need a spec that answers them upfront.
2. Quotes Vary Wildly
When quotes range from $10k to $100k for the same project, it means requirements are unclear.
3. You Can't Explain Your App in 5 Minutes
If you struggle to describe your app clearly, you need to document it properly.
4. Scope Keeps Changing
Constant feature additions indicate you haven't defined your MVP.
5. Development Timeline is Unclear
If you don't know how long development will take, you need a detailed spec.
6. Budget is a Mystery
Uncertainty about costs means requirements aren't clear enough for accurate estimates.
7. You're Comparing Apples to Oranges
When agency quotes include different features, you need a standardized spec.
8. Development Has Started But Requirements Are Unclear
If developers keep asking "what should this do?", you need better documentation.
9. You've Had Multiple Discovery Calls
More than 2-3 discovery calls means you should have created a spec instead.
10. You're Experiencing Scope Creep
Features keep getting added because boundaries weren't defined in a spec.
What to Do
If you recognize these signs, create an RFQ immediately. Use AppSpark's free wizard to generate one in 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Don't wait until it's too late. An RFQ saves time, money, and prevents project disasters.
About This Content
This article was created by the AppSpark team in collaboration with AI-powered research and writing tools. Our goal is to provide authoritative, accurate, and actionable content that helps developers and founders succeed.
Have questions or feedback? Contact us or try our RFQ generator.
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