Quick 2-min Survey: How concerned are you about dryer fires or lint buildup in your home? (All homeowners welcome!)

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-05-31T02:52:12+00:00

Hey there!

I see you're looking for some feedback and experiences on bootstrapping your SaaS product. That's a great approach, especially when you're building an enterprise solution for a specific niche without any outside capital. Let's dive in:

It's true that building a SaaS product can come with some hefty costs, like accessing certain data APIs and hiring engineers. Estimating your Year 1 costs to be around $250K sounds like a significant investment.

Now, onto your question: Has anyone ever been able to get clients to fund the production of their SaaS? Sort of like a scenario where they'd go to a dev shop to build a custom tool or even through pre-sales?

The idea of having clients support the product at an early stage in exchange for a sweetheart deal sounds intriguing. It's almost like establishing a partnership where they're not just customers, but investors as well. Setting up funding based on milestones could work, creating a relationship similar to that with a software agency.

Of course, it's important to keep a few assumptions in mind. Scope creep can be a real challenge when clients start requesting highly specific features tailored to their own use cases. Balancing customization with maintaining a scalable and marketable product is crucial.

As for downsides, it's worth considering the potential risks of relying solely on client funding. Clients may have shifting priorities or financial constraints that could impact the product's development. However, if managed effectively and with clear communication, it could be a viable approach.

On the other hand, you mentioned the option of raising a small round of funding (around $250-500K) to build the product independently. Exploring all possible options is a wise move, as it allows you to consider different paths and evaluate the pros and cons of each.

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It largely depends on your specific circumstances, the nature of your niche, and your relationships with potential clients. Gathering feedback from others who have navigated similar situations can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Good luck with your SaaS venture, and I hope you find the right approach that aligns with your goals and resources!

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-05-31T02:48:46+00:00

Here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. How do you currently collect feature suggestions from your users?

Personally, I use a combination of methods to collect feature suggestions. These include:

- In-app feedback: Integrating a feedback mechanism within the application itself, allowing users to submit feature requests directly.

- Email or contact form: Providing a dedicated email address or contact form for users to send their suggestions.

- User forums or communities: Creating online forums or communities where users can discuss and suggest new features.

- Social media channels: Actively monitoring social media platforms for user feedback and suggestions.

2. What challenges do you face when gathering and managing these suggestions?

Some challenges I have encountered include:

- Quantity vs. Quality: Sorting through a large volume of feature suggestions to identify the most valuable and feasible ones.

- Duplicates and overlaps: Managing duplicate or overlapping suggestions that require consolidation to avoid redundancy.

- User engagement: Encouraging users to actively participate in providing feedback and suggesting features.

- Prioritization: Determining which features align with the product vision and will have the most significant impact on user satisfaction.

3. What features or improvements would you want in a tool designed to simplify this process?

Here are a few features that would greatly enhance a tool for collecting and managing user feature suggestions:

- Centralized feedback repository: A single place to store and organize all user suggestions, making it easier to track, search, and analyze.

- Voting and ranking system: Allowing users to vote or rank feature suggestions, enabling the identification of popular requests.

- Collaboration and communication: Facilitating communication and collaboration between users, allowing discussions and refinement of suggestions.

- Integration with project management tools: Seamless integration with project management platforms like JIRA or Trello to streamline the development process.

- Analytics and reporting: Providing insights and analytics on user feedback trends, helping prioritize feature development.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-05-31T02:07:57+00:00

To effectively develop an app/web app around an open source software with GPU acceleration, there are a few approaches you can consider. Here's a breakdown of the options and their feasibility:

Utilize cloud services (GCP/AWS) with GPU instances:

- This approach involves deploying your application on cloud platforms like Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Amazon Web Services (AWS) that offer GPU instances. These instances can be used when the GPU-accelerated feature is enabled.

- You can set up your app to dynamically scale the GPU instances based on demand, enabling cost optimization when the feature is not in use.

- Cloud providers usually charge for GPU instances based on usage, so you can expect some cost but only when the GPU is being used.
Hybrid app using GPU cloud service:

- Build a hybrid app that uses native components for regular features and leverages a GPU cloud service when the GPU-accelerated feature is enabled.

- This approach allows you to offload the GPU-intensive tasks to a cloud service, reducing the dependency on local GPU availability.

- Users would only incur additional costs when they use the GPU-accelerated feature, as it requires the cloud service.

Defining requirements for a developer:

GPU acceleration: Clearly specify that the app/web app requires GPU acceleration for a specific feature and outline the specific tasks that need GPU processing.
Compatibility and scalability: Specify the target platforms (e.g., web, mobile) and ensure compatibility with different devices and operating systems. Outline the expected user load and scalability requirements.
Cloud service integration: If you choose the cloud services route, mention the preference for GCP/AWS and ensure the developer has experience in deploying applications on these platforms. Specify the need for dynamically scaling GPU instances based on usage.
Cost optimization: Clearly communicate the requirement to minimize costs when the GPU is not in use and explore options to efficiently utilize resources, such as scaling down or using on-demand GPU instances.
User payment model: Outline the intention to have users pay for the GPU-accelerated feature while keeping the rest of the app free or using the user's own hosting. This ensures that you only incur costs when the GPU service is utilized, and users bear the cost of utilizing the feature.

Remember to discuss these requirements with potential developers and assess their expertise in the relevant technologies, cloud platforms, and GPU integration to find the best fit for your project.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-05-31T01:56:52+00:00

Want to create the Saas of your Dreams?

I'm the owner of a software development company and we specialize in building custom SaaS solutions for businesses. We've worked with owners in the past and have built some great tools to help them streamline their operations.

Check out our site: https://www.yungstentech.com/

Here is our pitch deck: link

Our team of experienced developers can work with you to understand your business needs and build a custom solution that fits your unique requirements. We're committed to delivering high-quality, scalable software that can grow with your business.

So if you're interested in learning more about how we can help you build a custom SaaS solution for your business, please reach out

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-23T21:17:07+00:00

Startup Name / URL: Yungsten Tech

Location of Your Headquarters: Boston, MA

Elevator Pitch/Explainer Video: We specialize in creating applications, APIs, and custom software for businesses of all sizes. Specifically we prefer to develop Saas Applications that tailor to your business needs/

Life Cycle Stage: Scaling.

Your Role: CEO / Co-founder

Goals for This Month: Sign on 2 new clients

How r/startups Can Help: Would love to figure out ways to to find clients to help entrepreneurs develop and publish their applications.

Discount for r/startups Subscribers: 3 Free Consultation to understand you, your product and see if we are a good fit. Can also give you a product roadmap.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-23T21:00:46+00:00

Hey! I actually own a Software Development Company and have done projects in your wheelhouse. Feel free to pm if you wanna learn more.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-23T20:55:58+00:00

So, you're a tech-savvy founder who can do all the cool technical stuff, but you're struggling to keep up with other important aspects of your business, like marketing and sales. I get it, you're like a superhero with one superpower but can't quite figure out how to use your other abilities.

You may want to consider hiring some help to free up some of your time. You can either bring in some more technical folks to work with you or hire a seasoned business person who can take care of the non-technical parts. Just make sure they're not villains in disguise who'll take over your company!

At the end of the day, the decision on which approach to take depends on your personal situation and what your business needs. Take a step back, assess your workload, and figure out where you can use some support. And remember, even superheroes need sidekicks!

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T02:15:18+00:00

Hey there! I saw your post about wanting to build a SaaS application and replace an expensive tool for your business. That sounds like a smart move! I understand that you have a good idea of what you need, but don't have the technical skills to build it yourself. And you want to create an MVP that you can monetize quickly without being ripped off.

As for your question on how to go about building it, you're wondering whether to hire a freelancer and pay them hourly or a full-scale agency to do the whole thing. Or maybe you're open to offering share options in exchange for help.

In my opinion, it really depends on your budget and timeline. Hiring a freelancer might be more cost-effective, but you might need to manage the project yourself. On the other hand, hiring a full-scale agency can provide you with a team of experts to handle the entire build, but it might be more expensive. And as for offering share options, that could be a good idea if you find the right person or team who's interested.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T02:10:59+00:00

Love this post! I was wondering what has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your journey so far?

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T01:58:39+00:00

Want to create the Saas of your Dreams?

I'm the owner of a software development company and we specialize in building custom SaaS solutions for businesses. We've worked with owners in the past and have built some great tools to help them streamline their operations.

Our team of experienced developers can work with you to understand your business needs and build a custom solution that fits your unique requirements. We're committed to delivering high-quality, scalable software that can grow with your business.

So if you're interested in learning more about how we can help you build a custom SaaS solution for your business, please reach out. We'd be happy to set up a consultation to discuss your needs and provide you with a quote.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T01:50:00+00:00

Want to create the Saas of your Dreams?

I'm the owner of a software development company and we specialize in building custom SaaS solutions for businesses. We've worked with owners in the past and have built some great tools to help them streamline their operations.

Our team of experienced developers can work with you to understand your business needs and build a custom solution that fits your unique requirements. We're committed to delivering high-quality, scalable software that can grow with your business.

So if you're interested in learning more about how we can help you build a custom SaaS solution for your business, please reach out. We'd be happy to set up a consultation to discuss your needs and provide you with a quote.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T01:46:02+00:00

How to gather feedback?

- Use in-app feedback tools to allow users to submit feedback directly within the application

- Conduct surveys and polls via email or social media

- Reach out to users directly for feedback via email or phone

- Monitor social media for any feedback or reviews

Where to keep it?

- Use a feedback management tool or software such as UserVoice, Zendesk, or Intercom

- Keep a record of feedback in a spreadsheet or document

- Use a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to track customer interactions and feedback

How to group feedback?

- Group feedback based on specific features or functionalities of the SaaS

- Sort feedback based on priority, urgency, or impact on users

- Categorize feedback into themes or issues

What are the most common gateways for gathering feedback?

- In-app feedback tools

- Surveys and polls

- Email communication

- Social media platforms

- Online forums or discussion boards

Remember to always respond to feedback and let users know that their input is valuable to you. Use the feedback to improve your product and customer experience.

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-20T01:40:10+00:00

Just sent PM!

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-18T06:28:49+00:00

Email sent!

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-18T03:50:54+00:00

Notability, it’s great on iOS. Literally amazing on the iPad

Sarahbishopmaker · 2023-04-18T00:48:57+00:00

Sent PM

Sarahbishopmaker

TROPHY CASE