"[They’re] ready to go beyond the brief to accomplish the task to the client’s satisfaction."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) redesigned an outdated website to make it more internationally appealing and SEO friendly, which would help it stand out from the competition.
"[They’re] ready to go beyond the brief to accomplish the task to the client’s satisfaction."
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m the editor of My Mobile Publications Group, a company that manages the magazine and online space in India.
For what projects/services did your company hire Saffron Tech?
We needed to revamp our web presence to have greater international appeal as well as make it SEO friendly.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to make sure that our website was at an international level in terms of design, aesthetics, and searchability. We also wanted to get ahead of our competition.
How did you select this vendor?
We found them via a professional reference and examined their past work.
Describe the project in detail.
My Mobile Magazine is India's oldest and most popular print magazine on mobile devices, gadgets, accessories, industry news, reviews, policies, interviews, opinions, etc. Our old website wasn’t very modern, so we wanted to strengthen our web presence in order to maintain our leading position in this space.
What was the team composition?
They assigned a team of four to work on our project.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The new website is a significant improvement in terms of design and web presence. Visitors and page views have increased significantly since its launch, and we’re now getting daily emails expressing appreciation for the website and its content.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
There were a few challenges in the beginning but once the two teams were on the same page, the work went on seamlessly. I was really impressed with their technical competence, dedication, and cooperative nature.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their team takes individual responsibility for the project and is ready to go beyond the brief to accomplish the task to the client’s satisfaction.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Their project development team and business team need to work more closely together in understanding a client's requirements, which will help expedite project delivery.
"They are consistent at staying within estimated timeframes, and anytime there is a bug they fix it immediately."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) is developing a native travel search application for iOS and Android from scratch. Key features include GPS mapping, custom contact forms, backend login, and personalized profile settings.
"They are consistent at staying within estimated timeframes, and anytime there is a bug they fix it immediately."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) has been effective at eliminating bugs and sticking to the agreed upon timeline. Despite having an overseas headquarters, assistance has been available twenty-four hours as Android and push notification development is concluding.
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 travel search and comparison company.
What challenge or opportunity were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I hired Saffron to develop native applications for iOS and Android and set up the API with third-party vendors.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They built the apps from scratch over several development phases. First, we established the wireframes and designs. We would hold weekly phone meetings to get everything adjusted to exactly how I wanted it and map out navigation within the app. Second, we worked on designing the prototype, fixing bugs, and sorting out the API.
Some of the key features of the apps include custom contact forms with drop-down menus, a GPS parking feature, and a profile that can include a personal photo. They also included the ability to reset passwords and log in through vendors on the backend for ticket and flight booking. We are continuing to work on incorporating push notifications as a part of our marketing strategy.
What is the team composition?
I work with around four team members. There is a designer who worked on the layout and graphic design, a senior developer who oversees coding, a customer relations manager who I communicate through, and a project manager that makes sure everything I want is getting completed.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
I found them on LinkedIn.
How much have you invested with them?
I have spent $35,000-$40,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project is ongoing. We began working together in May 2017, and they are still developing the Android app.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We are still waiting on user metrics, but they have done great work. They are consistent at staying within estimated timeframes, and anytime there is a bug they fix it immediately.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
Even though they are headquartered overseas, communication has been great and I receive close to twenty-four-hour assistance. If I have an issue I contact their office in New Jersey and it is immediately passed along to the right person.
We mostly communicate using Asana, but we will use Skype for live meetings and sometimes WhatsApp.
What do you find most impressive about them?
They definitely focus on their business relationship with the client. There have been some things I asked them to do that they could have charged me for but decided not to because they want to establish a strong relationship. I found that impressive.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Since we have some different business customs, they could work on better understanding our business traditions, i.e., the way Americans communicate and some of the things we expect to get done.
“[Saffron Edge’s work helped] make it easier for our company to stand out from the competition.”
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) built a new Magento-hosted e-commerce website from scratch and developed the store’s product base. Marketing efforts included SEO, PPC management, Google AdWords, and Google keyword optimization.
“[Saffron Edge’s work helped] make it easier for our company to stand out from the competition.”
Digital marketing efforts and a refined keyword strategy yielded a 30% growth in revenue within a year. Despite time zone differences, Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech worked) on U.S. work hours. The team helped implement an effective new process in-house and offered quality services at a highly competitive rate.
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 CFO of an e-commerce electronics company I've managed since 2013.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
Saffron Tech provided SEO services for our company, as well as building us a new website.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The development process involved building up the site from scratch. They calibrated it to operate with Magento and generally optimized the entire page. Improving the graphics and world outlook helped showcase our offerings and encourage customers to make purchases. Our major focus was on adding and deleting products to our e-commerce store. They developed our product base, which we had created in-house.
Once the platform was completed, their team was also responsible for our marketing efforts, including SEO. These services included post per click management, Google AdWords, and Google keyword optimization. In order to reach our target audience, they linked relevant phrases and keywords that make it easier for our company to stand out from the competition.
What is the team composition?
Four to five resources worked on our project. We had a product manager, a developer, and a marketing professional involved, as well as one person who oversaw the whole team.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
We found Saffron Tech through an online search as we looked for the best company to provide SEO and site development. They were ranked in the top five for their services, and their reviews were very positive.
How much have you invested with them?
We've spent between approximately $25,000 and $32,000 on their services.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working together between July and August of 2016. About a year later in July 2017, once we saw the maximum benefit from their optimization services, we ended our engagement and started utilizing in-house services.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Our customers are situated in an online world where everything's constantly changing. Saffron Tech helped us adapt to current trends in customer preferences. So far, we've had good one-on-one in our customer base. Optimizing our keyword strategy helped our company generate more revenue. We saw a 30% increase in sales between 2016 and 2017. The growth we experienced due to their work helped us implement an effective process in-house. If I were ranking them on a scale from one to 10, I'd give them an eight.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
Communication was held via Skype and phone conversations between project managers and parts of my IT teams who were working with them. They work on US timing despite the time zone difference, and were available from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. our time.
Our main challenge was clearly conveying our needs, because they reside in the other part of the world as us. What we wanted to achieve was often slightly different than what they were working on. Some things seemed to get lost in translation in our email exchanges. By the end, however, both teams had improved. They ultimately did a good job of fulfilling our company’s requested work.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Cost-wise, they are better than other providers. Our expansion in productivity exceeded what would have resulted from investing the same dollar amount in a U.S.-based company. We've gotten more hours of work and more resources at a minimal cost. They offer a good quality service at a competitive price point.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Improving communication would mitigate hesitance between the two parties and improve the workflow.
"I feel reassured that I’ve hired a team of people who are very dedicated to my project."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) developed an Android and iOS mobile communication systems app with a PC backend. Saffron Edge has done graphic design for the app, as well as provided marketing insight for its future launch.
"I feel reassured that I’ve hired a team of people who are very dedicated to my project."
The prototype reflects a high-functioning and aesthetically-pleasing app that encapsulates the initial vision and expectations. Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) provides hour-by-hour insight into their progress and weekly updates to maintain transparency and maximum productivity.
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 CEO of Symbiosis, a company that deals with technology logistics.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
I needed them to assist in developing an Android and iOS mobile app with a PC backend.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They started off by giving me a consultation on my app idea. After that, they helped me develop the wireframes. They contributed ideas for changes that could be made to ensure the app is high-functioning and flows well.
Because my app is a communication system of sorts, one of its key features is allowing users to communicate offline. They’re in the process of developing that feature for me now. They’ve also done some graphic design work for the app, and they’ve provided marketing insight and strategies for its launch.
What is the team composition?
I work primarily with six people — the project head, lead developer, and head of billing, as well as three developers. I communicate with the first three on a weekly basis, whereas I don’t communicate directly with the developers, though I met them in my initial introduction with the firm.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
I spoke with about 15 to 20 developer firms about the project expectations, timeline, and prices. I went through several rounds of discussion and negotiations, and throughout that entire process, Saffron remained persistent and continued to check in with me. That impressed me, so I decided to partner with them because I felt confident I would have a dedicated team.
How much have you invested with them?
I invested approximately $50,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began partnering in September 2017, and we’re about three-quarters of the way finished with the project. I’m in discussion with them about future projects to partner on.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Though the app hasn’t launched yet, they’ve provided me with a downloadable prototype that has allowed me to get a better idea of the final product. The app is very aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, everything works. I haven’t had any technical issues with what they’ve given to me. It works well and reflects all of my ideas and expectations.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
We communicate primarily through email and phone. Though they’re based off-shore, they work around my schedule. Their client relations manager is based in New York, so we’re able to have Skype meetings when necessary.
For each project milestone, they provide me with a complete hourly breakdown, so I know what they’re working on and when. They give me weekly updates on their progress. If I have any concerns, I can reach out to their head developer and anticipate a response within a couple of hours. They definitely cater to my needs.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The most impressive thing about them is that they’re very hands-on with the customer and extremely hardworking. I have three major points of contact, and they’re all active in providing me with responses. I feel reassured that I’ve hired a team of people who are very dedicated to my project. I have not experienced any hiccup in communications or backlogging in their work. They consistently achieve deadlines — often several days early.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I’m very satisfied with their work.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Don’t underestimate smaller developers — they’re often extremely hardworking and will go above-and-beyond to achieve your expectations. They provide you with a closer relationship to their team, and you feel confident you’re being taken care of and getting your money’s worth.
"Their willingness to go the extra mile showed a great level deal of care."
Saffron Edge (formerly Saffron Tech) developed a site featuring a customized payment portal and integrations with Wistia/MailChimp. Incremental enhancements remain the primary focus (e.g., referral code configuration).
"Their willingness to go the extra mile showed a great level deal of care."
Soft launch has generated only positive feedback and the hard launch is expected to be equally well-received. Diligence and flexibility were noteworthy strengths throughout the project.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I co-founded Trika Method, which is an online service offering instructional video series on body, mental, and spiritual health. We also host in-person events and retreats.
What challenge were you trying to address with Saffron Tech?
As self-described ‘yogis from the woods,’ we had very little experience to draw from. As a result, we needed external guidance around building a website and supporting social media.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We first met them in India and brainstormed options based on existing wireframes. Next steps included customizing backend design while refining additional frontend wireframes. Since I am not a web designer, I relied on them to implement concepts and provide alternatives.
They integrated a payment gateway system letting users pay us directly when booking retreats, which eliminated third-party hosting fees. Since the system accommodates our business model as a membership-based service, we also requested that it accommodate referral code and pay processes.
Other integrations included Wistia, a video hosting service, and MailChimp for email and newsletters.
The team also added features to enhance community aspects. The online community forum allows users to talk to one another and there’s a dedicated space for webcasts, which we plan to utilize soon.
What is the team dynamic?
Their team comprised two project managers, 2-3 staff, and a website designer. The first project manager oversaw the project’s initial stages and the second focused on development and functionality. I interacted directly with three people during development.
How did you come to work with Saffron Tech?
They appeared in the top seven results of our online search. We spoke with the team and felt their expertise made them a good match.
What is the status of this engagement?
Work began in February 2016 and is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We completed the soft launch, but will not have statistics before the hard launch. Customers familiar with our brand prior to the soft launch reported positive feedback on the website’s functionality and visual appeal.
Recent tests yielded few minor issues, all easily resolvable. Overall, the team fulfilled our vision.
How did Saffron Tech perform from a project management standpoint?
The team worked diligently to finish by the deadline. They volunteered overtime and weekends to achieve a timely completion. Their willingness to go the extra mile showed a great deal of care only expected from close friends or family.
We communicated using email and Skype to discuss content but used tools in Google Drive to track progress. They offered software to store my hardcopy sketches, but I declined.
Although they were adaptable and well-organized for sudden changes, the team needed occasional reminders. Miscommunications were preventable with better notes and follow-up.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The team’s expertise was impressive as well as their initiative to understand our product. I appreciated their personable approach to realizing our vision; they were genuine and open to ideas no matter the complexity. They were very patient with a technological novice like me.
Are there any areas they could improve?
With a little more organization the team would have been flawless. We ended up requesting a number of changes during the website's development, which required more attention from the team to stay current with regular updates. We would have no complaints if they improved in this area of service.
The revamped website boasts a modern design and its exposure has increased significantly, gathering daily emails complimenting its new look and content. Despite some issues at the start with understanding requirements, their team handled the work smoothly with a cooperative and dedicated approach.