"They work well as a team and always keep me in the loop."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) serves as the development partner to a mobile app startup. They have handled back-end development and have assisted with the implementation of the client’s designs.
"They work well as a team and always keep me in the loop."
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder and sole employee of my own company that is looking to launch a mobile app.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I had an idea for a mobile app but needed help from a development team to bring it to life.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The mobile app will serve as a social network that will allow incoming freshmen at colleges to create and answer polls to discover which other students are similar to them. I came to their development team with my idea and UI for the app. While they offer design, I delivered the designs myself.
They began building out the UI/UX onto the application, providing me with weekly updates that I could click through and provide feedback for future iterations. Week over week, they take in my feedback and incorporate it into the next version while building out the next stages of functionality.
At this point, they’re working on building out the functionality of the app now that the UI/UX has been implemented. We’re working on the sign-up process and the internal tools the app needs to run effectively. Once they build the last few elements, they’ll be working with me to ready the app for launch in the App Store. I chose to start with an iOS version with the potential to build an Android version down the road.
What is the team composition?
The team consists of a project manager and several developers and QA specialists. There’s an individual that specializes in every part of the build.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
My budget pushed me to evaluate more offshore firms. While most of Saffron Tech’s team is in India, they also have a main branch in New Jersey. That appealed to me. After sitting down with them to discuss the project, it seemed like they really believed in the idea. It was a great fit.
How much have you invested with them?
The project cost is about $20,000. As I look to build out more features, I expect the cost to increase.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since August 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They’re a receptive team, understanding my requests and feedback. If there’s an edit they don’t understand, they’re sure to ask questions to clarify points. It’s truly a collaborative relationship.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
We have weekly Zoom calls with their team to communicate requirements and expectations. While there have been some communication hiccups, they’re quick to make my requested changes and very understanding of the process.
After our phone calls, they provide updates that include what will be included in the next iteration and request any information needed from me. Their internal project management process is great and transparent. I appreciate their pricing model being broken into milestones, so I pay them as they complete key components.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They work well as a team and always keep me in the loop. I’m confident in their QA process, knowing that there are many sets of eyes on the work being completed. The project is being conducted efficiently and carefully.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There are occasionally small edits and changes that need to be made to their deliverables. It’s understandable, and they’re quick to provide the fixes in their updated versions.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I asked them to provide a weekly Zoom call. They were happy to do it but the meeting isn’t part of their standard procedures. If you’d like additional visibility into the project, I’d recommend requesting a weekly meeting.
"The level of professionalism, responsiveness, customer service is impressive."
A legal firm hired Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) to provide SEO, PPC, and various other social media services for their business.
"The level of professionalism, responsiveness, customer service is impressive."
Since onboarding the Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) team, the company is seeing a significant increase in the number of their leads. The company appreciates the team's communication and their consistency in providing monthly reports. The team is always willing to jump on a Zoom call to discuss the reports.
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am a law firm owner
For what projects/services did your company hire Saffron Tech, and what were your goals?
SEO and PPC and social media
How did you select Saffron Tech and what were the deciding factors?
referral; responsiveness
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.
analysis of website, fixing backend of websites, strategy planning and execution, social media posts, ads/PPC, articles, organic SEO
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
I forget the actual title/positions, but essentially, sales, client relations, project manager
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
monthly reports, always willing to get on a Zoom and walk me through results, open-minded, discuss strategy I have seen an increase in the number of leads over the last 3 months (as compared to the rest of the year prior to engaging Saffron and even compared to this same timeframe last year) and hope to see more over the next 3 months where the strategy is tweaked and refined.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.
Saffron has been great with communication. Monthly reporting, dashboard, Zoom calls, emails
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The level of professionalism, responsiveness, customer service is impressive.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Saffron is great about providing monthly reports of data. But, sometimes, I don't know what the data means or how we are going to tweak for the next month. But, they are always willing to get on a zoom to answer questions so I do understand.
So, I guess one area for improvement would be to explain and analyze the data in the monthly reports. Like, we did awesome at getting thousands of impressions, but we can improve on getting more clicks and conversions and this is how we plan to do that next month...
“If you’re looking for good, quality software with minimal issues, then seek out Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech).”
Having successfully completed and launched an e-learning portal, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) has provided a dedicated developer to continue building the platform. They’re also working on native mobile apps.
“If you’re looking for good, quality software with minimal issues, then seek out Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech).”
Saffron Edge's (formerly Saffron Tech’s) team continues to win contracts thanks to their high-quality work and a customer-oriented mindset. They’re committed to supporting their clients, whether that’s through advising them on best practices, taking feedback to heart, or demonstrating fair work ethics. This review is an update by the client company. The original content is located below the new review.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner and founder of Kapdec. We’re an e-learning company that builds software and provides services for students to learn math and science. We also provide life coaching and have sold learning management portals to school. It’s the whole gamut.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I’d initially worked with Saffron Tech to develop a web-based math education portal. For a good number of years, they helped me build the software code and delivered a dynamic, responsive website that had many advanced features. They also helped me in the ideation stages to determine which features would be good.
As that project evolved, I needed them to provide continuous maintenance and add new features based on customer feedback.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Saffron Tech has assigned a dedicated developer who works on our payroll to continue building out our e-learning portal. Over the past nine months, that resource has helped enhanced the platform in many ways. We use a MEAN tech stack, which includes Angular and Node.js frameworks.
Additionally, we decided to release a set of native iOS and Android mobile apps with the same functions as our web portal. It’s an end-to-end project based on customer requests. They’re helping us with the scoping first and will move on to wireframing and designing later.
What is the team composition?
I directly work with two people: a project manager and a resource who will help us with our wireframing. Behind those two, there’s an analyst, a designer, and two dedicated mobile app developers. We have an additional project coordinator as well. In total, that makes about 6–7 people.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
Several of my friends had previously worked with Saffron Tech and recommended them to me. I reached out to their New Jersey location and went from there.
No other company that we’d considered had given me the kind of clarity that Saffron Tech did. Right from the beginning, they had a clear scope, helped me define what I wanted to see in the website, identified a tech stack that would keep us running for the next decade, and more.
How much have you invested with them?
The costs have been in excess of $100,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
I awarded them the contract for building my web app in February 2018, and we launched the beta version of that project in March 2020. Since then, their dedicated developer has been making enhancements, and we’re working on the mobile apps.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Their quality of work is why I’ve kept going back to them. It’s common for people to come and go during development cycles. However, even though the resources have kept changing during our project, I’ve never had a problem with the speed or quality of work.
Their top managers are willing to jump on an issue immediately, too, so I’ve never said anything twice. They go above and beyond on every little thing. Even during the times when I’ve increased the scope of work, they haven’t been too finicky about it. They’re always fair in those discussions around cost and quality.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
The communication is always spot-on. If I have to go to their founders with an issue, they make sure to resolve it within a day. They’re also good at sticking to the project deliverables and deadlines. That’s not to say there haven’t been minor delays, but that’s reasonable considering how large the project is.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Saffron Tech definitely knows what they’re doing. They understand what a product should be and how it will read to a consumer. I appreciate that they’ll listen to my requests and then advise me on alternative solutions based on their internal knowledge. Not to mention, I haven’t seen any errors in my solution, and we haven’t faced a single hour of downtime in the last nine months.
I’d also include that they’re fair in their dealings around costs. If the scope increases a little bit, they’re not going to charge unnecessary money. They’ll try to stick to their commitments and work on your tasks immediately, which is hard in the software industry.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, not really. I’d given them feedback before about onboarding a senior-level UI/UX designer. Of course, having a designer is good, but a senior UI/UX expert has worked on many websites and will know what customers want when they click on a button or how the flow should go.
They actually took my feedback and helped me improve my UX right from the start without charging me extra. They also hired a senior UI/UX designer to look specifically into UX/UI flow.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Overall, if you’re looking for good, quality software with minimal issues, then seek out Saffron Tech. They definitely deliver on their commitments, and you’ll build a good relationship with them.
Before engaging with a company, look at the scope and quality of their resources. Scope creep will kill any startup project and is the biggest pain point. Once that’s out of the way, you can think about cost. Even though they’re on the higher side for price, they’ve always guaranteed quality people, and that has helped me out the most.
This review was published on December 9, 2020.
Yogesh Makkar
Founder, Kapdec
Education
1-10 Employees
Cleveland, Ohio
$10,000 to $49,999
Feb. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary:
Saffron Tech is developing a web portal to help students improve their math skills. They’ve created a comprehensive roadmap to the process, designed a prototype, and are currently writing the code.
Feedback summary:
Internal stakeholders have responded enthusiastically to Saffron Tech’s efforts. The team is collaborative and transparent, providing regular progress updates. Their ability to provide critical counsel on technical practices helps make them key partners in the engagement.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder of an education tech startup called Kapdec. Our goal is to help students supplement their education through our software. Our primary target audience includes from students grades 5–12 in India and the U.S.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
We needed resources to build a complex yet high-quality software at a reasonable price. It’s an online portal that will allow students to study math through text documents and video lectures.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Initially, we provided a business model and a list of desired features to their analysts. They then converted our documents into a set of technical requirements. This involved outlining the software’s features, mapping out the steps, and dividing the development into phases. From there, they built a prototype of our web portal using HTML, including the design, screen flows, and graphics.
They’re currently writing the code in our selected language and are building the core features. The software will produce practice sets based on the user’s skill level. As the user improves, the program generates increasingly difficult problems. The team is also responsible for integrating the portal with commercial components (e.g., payment gateways) and finding servers to store the databases and video lectures.
What is the team composition?
We work with a dedicated project manager, a graphic designer, two business analysts, and at least four developers. There are also people who are working on the payment system.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
Several of my friends had previously worked with Saffron Tech and recommended them to me. I reached out to their New Jersey location and went from there.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent about $40,000 thus far, but we expect to spend between $65,000–$70,000 by the end of the project.
What is the status of this engagement?
Their work started in February 2018 and is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Because we’re in the middle of development, we currently don’t have any hard metrics. However, from a qualitative perspective, we’ve been pleased with their efforts. Compared to other vendors we’ve worked with, their team is very competent. They take the time to listen to our needs, accommodating any changes we make without charging extra. Once we launch our business and begin expanding, we plan to retain Saffron Tech for future development.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
We track our progress through weekly phone conferences and emails. They’ve also provided a complete breakdown of the entire project from start to finish, including all tasks and how to approach them. At each meeting, they update us on where we are in the process.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Rather than strictly following our instructions, we appreciate that they come up with their own solutions to ensure best practices. Unlike other companies, Saffron Tech is willing to suggest new ideas that better suit our needs.
Are there any areas they could improve?
In terms of development, nothing comes to mind. However, it would be convenient if they retained third-party providers for specific services. That way, we wouldn’t have to search for providers when integrating a payment gateway.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
As with any software developer, ask the team up front about how they’re going to break down and approach the project. This helps to gauge the timeline and eliminate ambiguities.
“The quality is exceptional. I love their work, and I appreciate our back-and-forth.”
After a successful first project, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) returned to work on a social app that combines various features such as point-sharing and challenges. Besides the mobile app, they’ll be responsible for marketing.
“The quality is exceptional. I love their work, and I appreciate our back-and-forth.”
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) provides exceptional work, from their graphics to the quality of their back-and-forth. The team works well with open communication, and they keep on top of flexible deadlines. This review is an update by the client company. The original content is located below the new review.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the president of Flexyn Global. We’re a management and consulting company that’s currently working on a social app called Flexyn.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I needed someone to build my social networking app.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Saffron Tech is at the helm of production, marketing, and US promotion of my social networking app. They’re designing a one-of-a-kind solution that combines social aspects, point-sharing, and challenges. The goal is to reimagine what challenges can be, replacing advertising with challenges.
They’re now working on the Android and iOS versions as well as a website for early sign-ups. The beta format of the designs should be complete within the next month.
What is the team composition?
I usually deal with Ankit K. (Business Development Manager) who acts as my project manager. He controls if we need to add anything and gets us on-point with invoices, marketing, and more. I also work with most of their New Jersey office, which amounts to about 6–7 others.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
I worked with them on a prior project about a year ago and liked how their business flow and communication were. They seemed like a good fit, and I’ve been pleased ever since.
How much have you invested with them?
Soon, this project will reach $75,000. I think we’re going to have to put some more money into it.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working on Flexyn this year, so that’s around February 2020. They’re still working on the app, now.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The quality is exceptional. I love their work, and I appreciate our back-and-forth. Everyone communicates via email, weekly Zoom calls, and WhatsApp. Not to mention, they move fast. I have no complaints there.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
I’ve never had an issue with deadlines so far (knock on wood!), though we don’t really have hard deadlines. Our teams are open with each other. I’ll let them know when I have my deliverables ready for them, and then they’ll take it and build it out. There hasn’t been a case when they’ve told me they would get something done and then a week goes by with no update.
What did you find most impressive about them?
As a graphic artist, I love their designs. And, I love their communication because I always have several people I can go to for support. If someone is out, they’ll let me know by email. They really are a great team.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, they’re dead-on with everything.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
New clients should keep their communication open. If you don’t like something or are uncomfortable, immediately shoot them an email, and they’ll handle it. We email each other several times a day, and there’s never been an issue.
This review was published on December 11, 2020.
Xanare Bomani
Co-Owner, Flexyn
Internet
1-10 Employees
New Jersey
$10,000 to $49,999
May 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary:
Saffron developed a social networking app with a point system feature. The development, which is still in progress, includes both an iOS and Android version.
Feedback summary:
The app is still in the development stage, but has been tested internally and is expected to be completed this year. They're exceptionally good communicators, never taking more than a few hours to respond despite the time difference.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Flexin is a marketing company that assists small businesses with their marketing endeavors. About 1.5 years ago we started moving towards a social networking app, which we wanted eventually to become our primary business. I am one of the owners of the business.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron?
We were looking for a company with expertise in app development to build a social networking app for us in a timely order.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They developed a social networking app with a point system component for both iOS and Android. The app is not integrated with other social media apps because eventually they will be competitors.
What is the team composition?
I have one main point of contact in India and I met with their CEO in their local office in New Jersey.
How did you come to work with them?
I spoke to several app developers, trying to pinpoint the one I felt comfortable with. Saffron had a global presence online and they gave me an impression they would do a good job.
How much have you invested with them?
So far we've spent about $35,000, but I'm estimating that the total cost of the project will be about $85,000. (We’re in the first phase now, but we plan to do the second and the third phases.)
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working with them in May 2017 and it's an ongoing project.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We're still in the development phase, so the app hasn't gone live yet – we're about halfway done with it. We’ve tested it and are confident our business plan and projections for 2018 will be implemented.
How did they perform from a project management standpoint?
They're excellent communicators. At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of emails I received from different people, so we limited it to one main point of contact. Most of their team is in India, so we usually use email, phone, and video calls to communicate.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I'm very satisfied with their feedback and communication. Even with the time difference they usually get back to me within a few hours.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don't think so. I'm happy with their work.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Communication is important – keep up-to-date with emails and notifications and everything will be fine.
“Their communication is impeccable and transparent, which helps me feel very comfortable working with them.”
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) serves as a development and marketing partner to a digital services firm. They have worked on projects focused on development, design, and SEO, and are currently working on a mobile app.
“Their communication is impeccable and transparent, which helps me feel very comfortable working with them.”
Over the course of the partnership, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) has satisfied their partner by delivering high-quality work and exhibiting a solutions-oriented mindset. The client applauded their transparency, communication, and responsiveness and noted that they proactively provide project updates.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I own a company that provides everything from website design and development to digital marketing services.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
We’ve worked on several projects together involving website design, SEO, web development, and mobile apps.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We brought them on as a marketing partner, allowing me to focus on other aspects of the business. The majority of their work has convered website design and development as well as SEO. We’re currently working on a mobile app that’s going to be launching soon.
The app functions as a dating app that ensure that users are verified. Users can also have friends vouch for them through a Facebook integration. The app allows users to review preferred matches and ask others out on dates. It’s made in native technology for iOS and Android.
What is the team composition?
They have a large team, and I’ve spoken with about 20 of them. I speak with the CRM manager and a project manager on a regular basis for the current mobile app project.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
My partner and I started with another company that was taking longer to turn tasks around than we would’ve liked. We kept searching for another partner and found their services. They seemed genuine, transparent, and communicative.
How much have you invested with them?
We’re spending about $40,000 on our current app development project. We pretty much always have a project in the works together.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since around October 2013. Our current project started in March 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I’m happy with their work and the engagement. I’ve been comfortable working with them because they’re excellent at approaching and resolving problems. Their quality is always strong, and we’re pleased with their work.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re transparent, communicative, and easy to get in touch with. We get responses from them right away and know they’re always addressing our concerns quickly. They also always follow up with new information and progress updates.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their communication is impeccable and transparent, which helps me feel very comfortable working with them. I’ve grown a good relationship with them and trust them to perform well.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can’t think of anything. They always resolve problems and turn tasks around quickly.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
The more you collaborate with them and share details, the better the outcome of the project.
Impressing the client with their receptiveness and desire to fully understand the project, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) has helped foster a collaborative partnership. They have remained responsive throughout the engagement, with transparent project management and a well-structured pricing model.