10 Mistakes To Avoid In Software & Mobile App RFPs

0
23

10 Mistakes To Avoid In Software & Mobile App RFPs

Banner showing 10 mistakes to avoid when creating an RFP for software and mobile app development

You've got a bold idea for a software application or mobile app. You know you need to find the right development partner. The smartest move is to issue a solid software development RFP, and yet, many RFPs go off-track before a single line of code is written.

It happens because one small misstep early on can cost weeks of rework, unclear vendor proposals, scope creep, and a wasted budget.

In this blog, I'll walk you through 10 common mistakes to avoid when creating an RFP, how to avoid each one, and what to do instead. Plus, you'll get a free downloadable software development RFP template so you can get your RFP right from the start.

Whether you're a startup founder, enterprise procurement lead, or product owner, this article is for you, helping you create an RFP for mobile app development that attracts the right vendors, not just any vendor.

Visual breakdown of RFP creation errors in software and mobile app development

Why It Matters: The Cost of a Poor RFP?

Common mistakes in creating RFP for software and mobile app development explained visually

Imagine issuing an RFP for software development where you got 15 proposals, and each one interpreted your brief differently. Some thought you meant web only, others mobile and web; some ignored integrations; others forgot analytics.

The result? You'll spend extra time clarifying, extending the deadline. Worse, you may end up selecting a vendor who delivers something you didn't ask for.

Studies of large software procurement show that incomplete requirements and poor RFP documents lead to budget overruns and delays. appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com+1

For decision-makers like you, the pain points are clear:

  • Wasted time reviewing irrelevant responses

  • Higher vendor costs and a higher risk of change orders

  • Internal frustration and credibility losses

By avoiding the right mistakes early, you'll gain better proposals, faster vendor shortlisting, and stronger alignment on delivery. Learn more about how a mobile app development company can help you define clear goals and build solutions aligned with your business vision.

Encouraging businesses to stay ahead with better mobile and software apps through effective RFPs

Mistake #1: Vague Project Objectives and Success Metrics

Problem:

You write, “We want an app to improve customer engagement.” But that means different things to different vendors. What's “improve by how much”? When?

You've probably come across those RFPs for mobile app or software projects that open with lines like “we want to improve user experience” or “modernize our app.” They sound reasonable at first glance, but they say almost nothing. Vendors read that and start guessing what you actually want. Once guessing enters the picture, assumptions start steering the process.

Some vendors go overboard and pitch something far beyond what you asked for, which looks impressive until the costs land on your desk. Others swing the other way and deliver a bare-minimum version, skipping over what truly matters to your users.

In web or mobile projects, this kind of vagueness hides the real intent. Are you aiming for quicker page loads, fewer user drop-offs, or better conversion from free to paid users? Without measurable objectives like these, vendors are left without direction. They can't align their proposals with your actual goals, and what you'll get instead is a pile of irrelevant bids that miss the mark entirely.

Example of Bad Wording:

  • “We require a mobile application to improve our engagement with users.” → “improve by how much”? When?

  • “We need a new customer portal to enhance the experience.” Sounds fine, right?

But it skips the real story. There's no mention of what's broken today, what you want improved, or when you expect it to be done. Without that context, vendors can't grasp your priorities. They just guess, and guessing rarely ends well.

Then there's “We're launching a mobile and web application to increase digital engagement.” Digital engagement is a nice buzzword. But what does it actually mean for your business? More logins per week? Higher conversion rates? Extra downloads? When those details are missing, the project goal turns into a vague wish instead of a measurable target.

And finally, “We're seeking a software solution to streamline operations.” That could mean anything. Which operations? Are we talking about sales workflows, customer service, or logistics? What's your current baseline? What ROI are you expecting? Without those numbers, you're leaving too much room for interpretation. And vendors will fill that space with their own assumptions.

Better wording suggestion for the RFP:

“We are seeking to develop a native Android and iOS mobile application to increase monthly active users by 25% within 6 months of launch, and reduce customer support call volume by 15% in the same period.”

Vendor POV:

When objectives are vague, vendors will build wide-ranging assumptions into their bids, leading to wide price ranges and misaligned deliverables.

Actionable Fix:

  • Define two to three key business outcomes (e.g., increase active users, reduce cost, and faster onboarding).

  • Define measurable outcomes (e.g., % growth, conversion, response time)

  • Specify target timelines (e.g., “within 12 months of go-live”).

  • Align these metrics with your business goals

  • Use statement sections in your RFP for software development under “Project Objectives & Outcomes” to frame this clearly.

Mistake #2: Leaving Out Key Functional / Non-Functional Scope

Problem:

You list “mobile app with login and payments,” but forget roles like admin, analytics dashboard, offline support, or performance expectations.

You may mention you need “a mobile and web app,” but you don't define what each role or system needs to do. You also skip non-functional concerns like load time, offline use, uptime, and scalability. In many software development RFP templates, this omission causes vendors to include vastly different scope assumptions. Some assume simple features with no admin panel; others assume a full enterprise backend. The mismatch leads to either too few responses or responses that wildly vary in cost and effort.

Example:

  • “The vendor should build a mobile app with login and payment.”

  • “Create a web portal and mobile app for our sales team.” → Doesn't list roles (sales rep, manager), features, reporting, integrations, etc.

  • “We need a mobile media-sharing app.” → Doesn't mention non-functional requirements like “must support 10,000 concurrent uploads per minute” or “offline caching for low-connectivity areas.”

  • “We need a customer dashboard.” → Doesn't clarify web or mobile, feature set, or performance expectations.

Missing Details: user roles, offline capability, response time, and scalability.

Learn More: https://mobisoftinfotech.com/resources/blog/business-management/mistakes-to-avoid-in-software-and-mobile-app-rfp

Search
Categories
Read More
Games
VPN for PUBG: Top Picks & Gaming Benefits
Top VPNs for PUBG Gaming Facing regional locks and security threats in PUBG? A reliable VPN...
By Csw Csw 2025-10-14 01:44:01 0 391
Games
Mega-Pinsir-Ex-Strategie – Tipps für das Pokémon TCG
Mega-Pinsir-Ex-Strategie Das Mega-Pinsir-Ex-Deck für das Pokémon-Sammelkartenspiel...
By Csw Csw 2025-11-11 01:23:35 0 40
Other
Leading the Future of Sustainable Environmental Mitigation and Methane Reduction
A New Era of Environmental AccountabilityIn an age where climate change continues to reshape...
By FullTerra FullTerra 2025-11-05 19:08:54 0 49
Other
Whole Exome Sequencing Market Outlook Strengthened by Growing Investments in Biotechnology
The global whole exome sequencing (WES) market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by...
By Nikita Pawar 2025-10-17 03:35:09 0 477
Other
Shaping the Future: Modular Construction Market Forecast 2024–2031
The global modular construction market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by...
By Pravin Patil 2025-10-20 10:13:39 0 340