The India Advantage
India has some of the best developers in the world, at rates that are 60-80% lower than US/UK agencies. But not every agency delivers the same quality. Here's what to look for.
1. Check Their Own Website First
This sounds obvious, but it's the most reliable indicator. If an agency's own site is:
- Slow (score below 80 on PageSpeed)
- Using a template
- Full of stock photos and generic copy
- Not mobile-friendly
- GitHub repositories (are they clean? well-documented?)
- Lighthouse scores of live projects
- How they handle SEO and accessibility
- Do they respond within a few hours?
- Do they communicate in clear, direct English?
- Do they proactively share updates or do you have to chase them?
- "It depends" without giving any range
- Hourly billing with no estimate cap
- Separate charges for "basic" things like responsive design
- Clear package pricing
- Fixed-price quotes for defined scope
- Transparent about what's included and what's extra
- What happens if something breaks after launch?
- Is there a warranty period?
- What does ongoing support cost?
...how will they build something better for you?
2. Ask for Code Samples, Not Just Screenshots
Pretty designs mean nothing if the code underneath is spaghetti. Ask to see:
3. Understand Their Communication Style
The #1 complaint about offshore development is communication gaps. Before signing:
At STAKVAX, we respond within 2 hours during business hours and send weekly progress reports without being asked.
4. Get Clarity on Pricing Before Starting
Red flags:
Green flags:
5. Ask About Post-Launch Support
The project doesn't end at launch. Ask:
A good agency includes at least 30 days of post-launch support and offers clear retainer options.
The Bottom Line
India is an excellent choice for web development — if you pick the right partner. Do your homework, check their own site, ask the right questions, and trust your gut.
Want to work with an agency that checks all these boxes? Let's talk.