"Saffron Edge's (formerly Saffron Tech’s) quality is extremely poor."
After creating an Android app using Java and Laravel, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) developed the iOS version of the product using Swift.
"Saffron Edge's (formerly Saffron Tech’s) quality is extremely poor."
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 CEO of an e-commerce platform where users buy and sell things.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
We needed an e-commerce app developed for Android and iOS.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They developed the Android app first, and then the iOS app. They used Java and Laravel for Android and Swift for iOS.
What is the team composition?
I’ve worked with two developers and two designers, one of each for Android and iOS, a customer relations manager, a project manager, and a QA lead.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
I found them on Clutch.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $30,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working together around July 2019, and the iOS build is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Things went well for the first few weeks, and then it went downhill. Saffron Tech’s quality is extremely poor. They have tested and fixed the same issues repeatedly. They took over a year to complete the Android app, and are on the same track with the iOS app, even though it was supposed to be completed in four months.
I canceled my contract with them and am trying to get all my files from them. They have given me 44 of the 100+ screens for the iOS app, and those screens don’t have the right design.
Their documentation of code is non-existent, and they dump the code with hard-to-understand passwords. In order to make the application solid, it will take entirely new code.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
They don’t manage the project well. They changed project managers several times, and none of them were organized, followed directions, or seemed to understand the technical side of things.
We use email and Trello to communicate, and we also enter tickets. They are communicative as long as things go well, but it takes at least 48 hours to get a response once there are problems.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Saffron Tech was positive at the beginning, acting as though they wanted to collaborate and help us.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Even though they were deceptively positive in the beginning, when things got going there was no substance. Anything that seemed positive in the beginning has been canceled out by all the negative. They also ask for additional money and insist on getting paid before work is completed. They hold files, even after the money is paid.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Don’t engage with them. Their salespeople will make you feel comfortable and agree to all your requirements, but they have no intention of meeting your timeline or budget.
This review was published on September 13, 2018.
Ike C.
CEO, E-Commerce Platform
Retail
1-10 Employees
Portland, Oregon
Confidential
Feb. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary:
Taking over from a previous contractor, Saffron Tech revamped the design for a C2C app and handled development for Android and Windows. Features included the ability to like, comment, message, and video call.
Feedback summary:
Saffron Tech took existing wireframes and elevated the design to a new level of modern and user-friendly. Their team excels at building rapport through regular communication and they’re happy to share suggestions for improvement.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO and president at High Quality Demand, an e-commerce C2C startup that allows users to buy and sell products. We’re hoping to launch our app by the beginning of December 2018.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
We started with a different developer who did a little design and the wireframes, but there were a lot of communication issues and misunderstandings. We decided to look for a new contractor before moving on to our next development phase.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They’re developing our app for Windows and Android. So far, they’ve designed all the necessary screens and are testing how each one will connect. Once that’s ready, they’ll start coding the app and release a beta version by the end of October 2018. The video call portion is already developed and they’ve partially built out the transportation choice section. All of the more standard functions, including the ability to like, comment, and send messages, are about 70% complete.
After the app is developed, they’ll help us test and launch it. I’m also planning to talk to them about how to market it.
What is the team composition?
We work directly with the project manager and four members of the design team. There’s also a client relations manager who makes sure things are working well on both sides. There are additional developers, but I don’t give them feedback directly. I’ve met about seven team members in total.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
We found them on Clutch. When I interviewed them, they were very honest and quoted us an average rate for the industry. They demonstrated a strong ability to plan, provide documents, and issue reports. Their team offered superior communication skills compared to others we interviewed who fell in the same price tier, so we chose them.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in February 2018 and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Our original developers had made the app look good and user-friendly, but Saffron Tech’s improvements and expertise made the difference in quality very obvious. When I showed the newest iteration of the app to friends, they spotted the difference right away and said it looked much more modern, sleek, and like it was designed for people comfortable with technology. Saffron Tech’s overhaul significantly improved our product.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
We use Asana to keep track of everything and the communication with them is excellent. They respond to us immediately and they send us Gantt charts to make sure we stay on schedule.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re very personable and they challenge me to improve my ideas. We’ve gotten along well since the beginning, whether we’re talking through email, phone, video, or face to face. The longer we work together, the more relaxed I feel about our partnership and the more comfortable I am in meetings. They’re very open to having every team member join a call so that we’re all on the same page about what needs to be done. That personal connection really helps build trust and makes it feel like I’m working with my own employees.
Are there any areas they could improve?
The only thing they could improve is the initial document they sent to me. I do a lot of research before I work with anybody and their first document wasn’t fully tailored to what I wanted. It almost made me reconsider moving forward with them. Fortunately, we connected very strongly during our initial two-hour call, which is the longest I’ve ever spent talking to a developer. I have no complaints about them, which is why I’m going to ask them about doing marketing as well.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
The search for a development company is a very studious one, and we spent quite a long time searching and interviewing multiple companies. We chose Saffron Tech for the reasons mentioned above and they have exceeded our expectations so far. I would strongly recommend them.
Star Ratings
Overall rating: 5
Quality: 5
Schedule: 5
Cost: 5
Willing to refer: 5
"Communication is great and seamless."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) conducts digital marketing tactics such as website development, SEO solutions, and lead generation for a staffing firm. The team works on increasing the client's customer engagement and visibility.
"Communication is great and seamless."
Since Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) took over the project, the company achieved a user-friendly and SEO site that drove significant traction on the said platform. Additionally, the client's revenue also soared by 30%. Overall, the team secures the ongoing engagement with their excellent results.
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Founder & CEO of a staffing firm
For what projects/services did your company hire Saffron Tech?
To build a website, manage SCO & Lead generation
What were your goals for this project?
Driving digital customer engagement & visibility
How did you select Saffron Tech?
We heard about saffron tech from a friend, who had hired them for similar projects
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
It was a digital marketing project comprising of branding, SEO and paid marketing solutions that the team worked on. Project started off with a month of research, analysis and strategy creation for all the 3 marketing campaigns. Execution started from 2nd month onwards with frequent consultation and reporting to measure performance and important data points that consolidate the results and value of work.
Paid marketing campaign started producing slow but incremental results from month 2 onwards. SEO and Branding takes time and helped position keywords and growth in traffic from end of 3rd and 4th month and has been going rock solid ever since.
What was the team composition?
Project Manager & Client Relationship Manager
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We have been able to create a new, and SEO friendly website and have been to drive significant traction on the website. Also, there have been a 30% increase in revenue
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Communication is great and seamless. The team works in US hours so it's more real-time. We use emails, Kore (Project Management Tool of Saffron Tech), and bi-weekly discussion with the key team to facilitate transparency.
Besides communication, the reporting and regular feedback and recommendations are great insights to have when thinking about growing businesses.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Overall understanding of the domain, and team.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Speed and communication
“I felt that they really understood my vision and were really excited about it.”
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) is developing an iOS and Android app from scratch. The app will enable teachers to create profiles on students with learning needs and then access individualized suggestions and strategies.
“I felt that they really understood my vision and were really excited about it.”
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) proposed creative ideas to bring the client’s vision to life. Enthusiastic and efficient, the team maintains high quality standards and provides frequent updates. Despite COVID-19, they’ve continued to efficiently deliver work and make progress, ultimately pleasing stakeholders.
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 of Seamless Therapy. We provide services to teachers and schools, guiding them on supporting children who have additional learning needs in the classroom.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I needed someone to develop our mobile app.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Saffron Tech is helping to develop our iOS and Android app from scratch. The app will serve as a tool for teachers in classrooms to support students with additional learning needs, particularly children who are experiencing difficulties with attention and concentration. Eventually, it will provide support for other learning needs, like dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties, sensory processing difficulties, and more.
When a teacher is using the app, they can create profiles for every student in their class who has difficulty with attention and concentration. For each child, the teacher will go through a questionnaire. Based on the answers to that questionnaire, the app will offer suggestions and different levels of individualized strategies based on the severity of the difficulties the child is experiencing.
The app will also feature regularly uploaded and relevant articles. There will be helpful videos and those kinds of things.
What is the team composition?
I’m in regular contact with about five people, including the project manager. There are probably more people working on my project.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
While researching the best app developers, I read reviews on Clutch and really liked the look of Saffron Tech.
How much have you invested with them?
My company has spent $15,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in September 2019, and it’s ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The app hasn’t launched yet, and Saffron Tech has been fantastic throughout the pandemic. They've continued working on the project and have still been able to deliver.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
Project management is really good. The team has good communication internally and also with me. They all seem to be on the same page, and they regularly update me on the progress of what they’re working on. I haven’t had to do any sort of chasing or following up.
They’re generally really on the ball and efficient. They manage the project very well; I’ve been very impressed.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I looked into two other developers before deciding on Saffron Tech. I felt that they really understood my vision and were really excited about it. They also had the most creative suggestions and ideas about how to bring my vision to life. Their enthusiasm and creativity are what distinguished them from other companies.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There are occasionally minor misunderstandings because English isn’t their first language, but we always manage to clear them pretty quickly and easily. It’s never led to any issues or big mistakes. I wouldn’t expect them to improve upon that; it’s just a given when working with someone whose first language is not the same as yours.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be really clear on what your vision is and what your expectations are. Sometimes, I’m still trying to formulate what I want to do and what direction I want to go, in my own mind. At times, that has slowed things down a bit.
"They are responsive, provide detailed reports, and are a pleasure to work with."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) provides lead generation services through digital marketing tactics. This involved implementing SEO, content writing, data mining, and email marketing.
"They are responsive, provide detailed reports, and are a pleasure to work with."
The website ranks significantly higher than it did six months ago. Now, the platform tops Google rankings for an array of important keywords. The vendor's email marketing efforts have generated leads as well. Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) is a knowledgeable, organized group with a patient mindset.
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
We are a web development and 3D solutions provider and I am a managing partner.
For what projects/services did your company hire Saffron Edge?
We hired Saffron Edge to help us generate leads for our business with their digital marketing services.
What were your goals for this project?
Increase visibility of our website on search engines and attract more leads for our services. Saffron also provides us with data mining services and email marketing solutions.
How did you select this vendor?
Saffron was recommended to us by another company. We are very happy to have selected them for this ongoing project.
Describe the project in detail.
Saffron built an SEO team for us, helped us understand what we had to improve on our website. Saffron then provided the keyword analysis for us to make our content more effective. Saffron also provided a content writer responsible for creating content for our blog. Additional services that they provide us with include database mining and an email marketing drip campaign. The aim is to increase our visibility on search engines, generate more traffic to our site, and help us convert leads through email marketing.
What was the team composition?
We are assigned a lead account manager, a copywriter, a database miner, and a digital marketing project manager. Our primary day -to -day is our account manager.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Our site ranking has grown exponentially over the last 6 months. We are now on top of Google rankings for many of our primary search criteria. We have a clean email prospect list and our email marketing has generated more leads for us.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very easy to work with. They are responsive, provide detailed reports, and are a pleasure to work with. They have been very patient with us.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their knowledge. They seem to have all of the right answers. They are organized and effective. Most importantly, they are nice to work with.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Yes, copywriting could be buttoned up. That said, our services are complex to comprehend for anyone outside of our organization or industry.
"They are great partners and provide a level of comfort rarely seen in business today."
Saffron Edge was responsible for marketing the services of a recruiting company to drive site traffic. After auditing the client's existing assets, the team built out an implementation strategy and timeline.
"They are great partners and provide a level of comfort rarely seen in business today."
Their efforts have resulted in a continuing increase in traffic and lead quality. The success metrics are anticipated to exceed the client's goals within a year. Saffron Edge showcased their robust knowledge of the digital space and were a personable team to work with. They're a reliable partner.
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Provide recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) services to clients who have challenges sourcing and processing qualified candidates. I am the President/CEO for ACA Talent.
For what projects/services did your company hire Saffron Edge?
We are a mid-sized firm faced with the challenge of competing with larger companies who have strong brand name recognition. With limited resources internally to support a digital marketing Strategy, outsourcing it to a company who specializes in the business was the best option.
What were your goals for this project?
To get our message in front of potential customers, drive qualified traffic to the corporate website and convert them into new clients. This would increase gross revenues/profits, continue to reinvest and expand our digital marketing campaigns/services.
How did you select this vendor?
Several companies were considered for the service and while pricing is always a factor in the selection process, the ultimate decision came down to 3 things:
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Building out an implementation strategy including critical mile stones, time line and roles/responsibilities. Collecting existing data to ascertain what’s working and what needs help.
The vendor guided us through the process and kept everyone informed on progress. This went smoother than expected and really helped us understand weaknesses and strengths in the organization. In addition to digital marketing, it forced us to look at others areas of opportunity such as as sales process and client engagement strategies.
What was the team composition?
Vendor assigned a project leader who managed their internal resources, each bringing their unique skill sets to the implementation.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Since implementing the solution we have seen a consistent increase in traffic, more importantly qualified leads that aligned with our services. While still early in the process, We are very pleased with the results so far and anticipate our goals will be exceeded over the next 12 months.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Communications was very smooth and effective, providing timely feedback and making any necessary course corrections.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
They definitely possess strong expertise in the digital space and were a pleasure to work with. They are great partners and provide a level of comfort rarely seen in business today.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Digital marketing is an evolving space and to many business owners such as myself, we lack the in-depth knowledge so I recommend tailoring their message to the audience to ensure they walk away with the level of understanding and value to make an educated decision.
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) started off doing well but the quality of their work eventually diminished. They took a long time to complete the Android development and have missed the deadline for the iOS app. Their project management is ineffective, and their willingness to collaborate dwindled over time.
This review is an update by the client company. The original content is located below the new review.