If you're going to hand a QA partner your client's site — and stake your reputation on their work — vet them carefully. Here's what to look for before you trust anyone with that.
Do they explain clearly, not just list errors?
A good QA report is written for humans. If all they produce is a raw dump of technical flags, they're reselling a free scanner. You want interpretation: what's wrong, why it matters, how to fix it, in plain English.
Are they independent and honest?
The value of QA is an honest outside read. A partner who softens findings to keep everyone happy is useless. You want someone who tells the truth about what they find, even when it's inconvenient.
Do they actually test, or just scan?
Ask how they check things like checkout and forms. Real QA means completing a purchase, submitting a form, checking real devices — not just running an automated tool and forwarding the output.
Are they responsive and reliable?
If your client is waiting on a report to launch, timing matters. A partner who goes quiet or misses turnaround times reflects badly on you.
Do the terms make sense?
Clear pricing, clear scope, clear turnaround. No surprises you'll have to explain to your client later.
Would you trust them with your own site?
The simplest test. If you wouldn't run your own work past them, don't run your client's.
At TestPulseQA we aim to pass every one of these: plain-English reports, honest independent findings, real hands-on testing, and clear terms. If you're building a QA step into your process, those are the standards to hold any partner to — including us.