Mobile app agencies know how to sell. They throw around industry buzzwords, make grand promises, and tell you exactly what you want to hear. But what they don’t tell you? That’s where the real problems start.
Before you sign that contract, let’s go through some of the biggest lies they tell—so you can spot red flags before they cost you time, money, and your sanity.
- “We Can Build Your App in a Few Weeks”
Can a basic app be built in a few weeks? Sure. Will it be something you’re proud to launch? Not a chance.
Many agencies lure clients in with unrealistic deadlines, knowing full well that a polished, fully functional app takes months—sometimes even a year—to develop properly.
Here’s what they’re not telling you:
- A proper mobile app requires planning, design, coding, testing, security checks, and compliance. Rushing through these steps guarantees problems.
- Shortcuts lead to buggy, unstable apps that crash or have security vulnerabilities.
- If you want your app to scale, it needs a strong backend, which takes time to develop.
If an agency tells you they’ll have your app ready in a month, ask them to break down their timeline. You’ll likely find they’re cutting corners.
- “Our Price Covers Everything”
Ever heard of scope creep? It’s when you sign a contract thinking you're getting everything you need—only to find out later that essential features cost extra.
Common hidden costs include:
- Third-party integrations (payment gateways, maps, analytics, etc.)
- Ongoing maintenance and updates (apps need regular updates to keep up with OS changes)
- Security measures (many agencies treat security as an add-on instead of a must-have)
A good mobile app development company should clearly define the project scope, list all costs upfront, and explain what’s included in maintenance after launch. If they dodge these questions, run.
- “We Can Clone That Popular App for You”
Clients often approach agencies with requests like:
- “I want an app like Uber, but for dog walkers.”
- “Can you make a TikTok for personal trainers?”
- “Just copy Instagram but with a few tweaks.”
And agencies? Many say, “Of course!”—without explaining why copying another app rarely works.
The truth?
- Apps like Uber or Instagram weren’t built overnight. They evolved over years with millions of dollars in R&D.
- Cloning an app doesn’t mean copying its success. The strategy, user base, and market conditions matter just as much as the code.
- Legal risks are real. Copying design, features, or workflows can lead to copyright and patent issues.
If an agency promises a copy-paste job, be wary. A real mobile app development company will focus on building something tailored to your brand, audience, and goals—not just a replica.
- “You Don’t Need a Backend—We’ll Just Use Firebase”
Firebase is great—for some things. But agencies that claim it’s the only backend solution you need are either cutting corners or don’t have backend development expertise.
Why does this matter?
- Firebase is limited. It’s great for MVPs (minimum viable products) but struggles with complex features, data-heavy applications, or enterprise-level scaling.
- Vendor lock-in is a risk. If you outgrow Firebase and need to switch, migrating your data and users can be painful.
- Security and compliance concerns. Many industries require custom backend solutions to meet data security laws.
A responsible agency will assess your specific needs before deciding whether Firebase (or any other third-party backend) is the right fit.
- “App Store Approval Is Easy—We Handle It”
Agencies love to claim they’ll “take care of app store approvals,” but here’s what they don’t tell you: Apple and Google have strict guidelines, and getting rejected is common.
Potential issues include:
- Privacy violations (improper data collection or lack of transparency)
- Copycat concerns (if your app looks too similar to an existing one)
- Performance issues (crashes, slow load times, security vulnerabilities)
A good mobile app development company won’t just submit your app—they’ll ensure it meets all compliance requirements so it doesn’t get rejected.
- “We’ll Handle Everything—You Don’t Need to Worry”
This is one of the biggest lies of all. While a good agency takes on the heavy lifting, you still need to be involved.
Why?
- Only you know your business goals. If you’re hands-off, you might get an app that doesn’t fit your needs.
- Feedback matters. Without regular input, agencies make assumptions—which can lead to costly rewrites.
- Marketing isn’t their job. Many agencies focus on development, not user acquisition. If you’re not thinking about marketing early on, your app might launch to crickets.
A great agency will want you engaged, not just signing checks and waiting for the final product.
The Smart Way to Choose a Mobile App Development Company
Not all agencies lie, but plenty of them stretch the truth. So how do you find one that actually delivers?
- Ask for case studies and client references. A reputable agency will have no problem sharing past work and letting you talk to previous clients.
- Request a detailed project breakdown. Timelines, costs, potential risks—everything should be transparent.
- Look for real expertise, not just salesmanship. Do they understand backend architecture? Security? Compliance? Or are they just throwing buzzwords around?
Building an app is an investment. The wrong partner can waste your money, time, and resources. The right one? They’ll help you create something that actually works—and grows with your business.
Before you sign that contract, ask the tough questions. Because in the app world, what you don’t know can cost you the most.