When a software vendor says a product is ready, the client still needs to verify whether the delivery is actually ready for acceptance, testing, or launch. This is especially important for non-technical founders who may not know what to ask.
A vendor QA review helps you evaluate quality before accepting the work.
1. Confirm the agreed scope
Start by comparing the delivered product against the agreed scope. Do not only check whether screens exist. Check whether the actual behavior matches the expected workflow.
Ask:
- Were all agreed features delivered?
- Are any features partially complete?
- Did the vendor change scope without approval?
- Are assumptions documented?
2. Review critical user flows
Test the flows that matter most to the business. These may include login, onboarding, payment, booking, checkout, admin actions, email notifications, or reporting.
If a critical flow fails, the product may not be ready even if many smaller features work.
3. Ask for test evidence
A professional vendor should be able to explain what was tested. Ask for test cases, test results, known issues, browser/device coverage, and regression notes.
If the vendor cannot show meaningful test evidence, you should be cautious.
4. Check known bugs and limitations
Every software delivery has limitations. The question is whether they are clearly documented and acceptable.
Ask:
- What bugs are still open?
- Which bugs are critical?
- What workarounds exist?
- What should be fixed before payment or release?
5. Validate handover readiness
Before accepting delivery, check whether the vendor has provided access, documentation, deployment notes, admin credentials, source code access, and support expectations.
6. Get an independent QA opinion
If you are unsure, an independent QA review can help you understand release risk, missing coverage, and whether the product is ready for acceptance.
Final thought
Vendor delivery should not be accepted only because the vendor says it is complete. It should be accepted because the product has been reviewed, tested, and assessed against clear quality expectations.