One-stop-shop

Contents

Creating digital products is a complex process consisting of tasks and stages defined in the software development life cycle. These stages must be carried out in a specific sequence because each next step results from the previous one. Therefore, the best practice is to implement, e.g., a mobile app development project by one partner and not by many different companies and creative agencies. Too many external companies in such a process make the responsibility for the project fuzzy, the budget is overrun, and the implementation time is too long.
Finding a good, one-stop-shop partner is possible: in our article “Choosing the right software partner - guide (2022)”, we have described the process in detail. Choosing the proper tech stack, prototyping, MPV (Minimum Viable Product), testing, and implementation are just a few of the vast number of tasks ahead of you. Instead of hiring multiple agencies, find an experienced software development company that will implement your project from start to finish.

What is a "One-stop-shop"

A one-stop shop is a company that offers its customers a variety of products or services, all under one roof. A one-stop shop can refer specific physical location where all of a customer's business can be carried out - or it can refer to a company that serves a variety of goods or services.

When applied to an enterprise, the idea of a one-stop shop is to provide convenience and efficiency to customers, build loyalty and revenue.

Historical view

The term was coined in the United States in the late 1920s or early 1930s to describe a business model that offers customers the convenience of meeting multiple needs in one place without having to go from store to store looking for related services. It quickly became trendy, and thanks to its universality, it was used by almost every industry. It is assumed that the first one-stop shop press ad was posted by an auto repair shop in Nebraska in July 1930. An advertisement appeared in "The Lincoln Star" newspaper saying: "Have it all done in one place. Save your time. Save your money". These few words perfectly reflected the meaning of one-stop-shop.

All-in-one system in IT industry

IT industry develops at the speed of light. To stay ahead or stay ahead of the competition, you need to know about the latest trends, business solutions, and latest technologies. IT companies have specialized in specific areas for many years. Some were responsible for technology, others for UX, and others focused on IT consulting. However, the one-stop shop idea meant that the IT industry also saw the advantages of comprehensive service for both customers and software houses.

IT management is not an easy task. It is a discipline in which its needs and priorities manage all the company's IT resources. These can be specific investments and projects, hardware, software, data, networks, and employees. Added to this is the issue of cooperation and maintaining relationships with an increasing number of suppliers. In such a situation, choosing one IT company of one-stop shop type is the best solution. Of course, when you decide to take such a step, you have to consider some risks. The key is to find a company that offers a partnership, not just a contract.

Main concerns

For customers, the use of a one-stop shop can be efficient and insightful, but there are also concerns worth investigating.

No specific tool

It may happen that your partner does not have the right tool that you will need. These things happen. But a good partner must be able to find a solution and be open to your app ideas. If you decide that this tool is necessary to implement the project, you will include it in the software house portfolio. And if it is not possible for some reason, the supplier will establish cooperation with his partner to meet your expectations. Open communication and complete transparency are crucial. 

Too expensive

Many people worry that the convenience of working with just one partner has to be expensive. But that's not true. In fact, by working with one supplier, you have complete control of costs related to your projects. You save not only money but also the time that you can use to develop your business.

Less innovation

Using one-stop shop services in the IT industry does not mean limiting the innovation of your project. However, in this case, the choice of a partner is crucial. Look for a broad portfolio company and is open to cooperation with various customers and multiple industries. It will give the company a variety of business experiences and an open approach to various ideas. The company's size does not matter here - history shows that both small and large organizations can be innovative.

Resignation

You can resign from cooperation at any time. The terms of partnership termination should be specified in the contract, i.e., at the beginning of the collaboration. A good software house should be flexible because it is in the interest of both parties to finish the cooperation elegantly and enable you to switch to another company smoothly.

Conclusion

If you are at the stage of selecting a technology partner for your project, it is worth considering with which company will provide you the best cooperation across the different aspects of the project. 

IT projects are often complicated and require the best quality services.

Cooperation with one supplier facilitates communication and agreement on various aspects of the project, like UI/UX design through frontend and backend work. Responsibility for the entire project rests solely with the supplier; there are no more dozen subcontractors who blame each other when problems arise. The easiest way to outsource a project is to use help from companies with transparent product delivery processes and support every element of it. They start with UX / UI and design, going through backend and frontend development to help and optimize your product, ending with professional consulting and respectful partnership.

If you want to discuss your project, arrange a free consultation with our specialists. We have been creating successful software projects for several years and are happy to share our knowledge and experience.