How to Choose Your Salesforce PDO Partner

What Is a PDO Salesforce and Why Does It Matter

Thinking about launching an app on the Salesforce AppExchange? Then you’ve probably heard about PDO or Product Development Outsourcing. It might sound technical, but the idea is pretty simple.

Let’s imagine your team has a great idea for a Salesforce app, but you don’t have the in-house expertise to handle the development, security review, and listing process. A PDO partner can help with everything, from building the app and preparing it for Salesforce’s security review to packaging it and submitting it to the AppExchange. They act like an external development team that already knows the Salesforce ecosystem inside and out.

A PDO is a company that helps other companies build apps on Salesforce. This includes everything from planning and development to testing and getting the app listed on the AppExchange. The process can get complex, especially with all the rules and reviews Salesforce requires. That’s why many businesses team up with a PDO to make sure everything gets done the right way.

Salesforce has its own list of approved PDO partners. These aren’t just any firms, they’re companies that have proven they understand the platform, know the security requirements, and can guide others through the whole process. If you’re new to the AppExchange or just want extra support, working with a PDO or Salesforce outsourcing is often the way to go.

Working with a PDO partner can save you time and help you avoid mistakes. But not all PDO partners are the same. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one, and that’s what this article will help you do.

What Kind of Projects Can a PDO Help With?

A PDO partner can support many types of projects, not just one-time tasks. Whether you’re just starting or already have an app, they can help you at different stages. Below are some of the main types of projects that a PDO partner or nearshore Salesforce development can work on:

1. Building a New App for the AppExchange

If you have an idea for a product and want to turn it into an app, Salesforce product development outsourcing can help you build it from scratch. This includes designing how the app will work, writing the code, setting up the database, and making sure it meets Salesforce rules. They can also help prepare your app for the security review, which is needed before you can list it on the AppExchange.

2. Updating an App That’s Already Live

Maybe your app is already on Salesforce, but it’s been a while. You want to fix some things or add features users have asked for. That’s where a PDO can help. They can jump in, understand your setup, and help you make the right changes, without slowing everything down.

3. Dealing with the Security Review

Salesforce takes security seriously. Before your app can go live on the AppExchange, it has to pass their review. It’s not impossible, but it can be a bit of a headache if you’ve never done it. A good PDO knows what to expect and can help you avoid common mistakes.

4. Getting Your App Ready for the AppExchange

Building your app is just step one. You also need to prepare screenshots, pricing, support plans, and other details before Salesforce accepts it. A PDO has done this many times. They know what’s needed and can walk you through it, so you don’t miss anything important.

5. Managed Package? Do It Right

If you’re putting your app on Salesforce, you’ll need something called a managed package. It’s how you bundle your app to protect the code and push updates later. It’s not tricky if you’ve done it before, but if you haven’t, a PDO can handle it and save you the guesswork.

6. What Happens After Launch

An app is never really “done.” Bugs pop up. Users ask for new things. Salesforce makes changes. A good PDO doesn’t walk away after launch, they are around to help you fix issues, add features, and keep things running.

7. Not for AppExchange but Still Need Help?

Some teams build apps just for their own use, not to sell on the AppExchange. That’s totally fine. PDOs can still help with custom tools, like building automations, setting up dashboards, or creating features for one specific client.

When Should You Work with a PDO Partner?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need a PDO partner?” The answer depends on your goals, your team, and how much you already know about the Salesforce platform. Here are some real-world situations where working with a PDO or offshore Salesforce development makes sense: 

1. You’ve got a great idea, but no Salesforce team

You know what the app should do, but your team doesn’t have Salesforce experience.  Nearshore company Salesforce PDO product development outsourcers can take your idea and turn it into a real app. They work with CRM every day. You bring the idea, and they’ll bring it to life.

2. You’re new to the AppExchange

Publishing an app on the AppExchange isn’t as simple as uploading some files. There are technical steps, business forms, security checks, and more. If you’ve never done it before, a PDO can walk you through it all and keep things moving.

3. You don’t have time for guesswork

Even with strong developers, Salesforce has its own way of doing things. You could spend weeks figuring it out or skip the learning curve and work with a PDO that already knows what works (and what doesn’t).

4. You need to pass the security review faster

Salesforce’s security review is detailed, and a failed attempt can delay your launch. PDOs have been through it many times. They know what Salesforce looks for and can help you avoid common mistakes.

5. You want to stay focused on your business

Maybe your strength is marketing, partnerships, or strategy, not writing Apex code or building test classes. Let your team stay focused while a PDO handles the technical side of your app.

6. You want the app to look and feel right

PDO partners don’t just write code. They often have UX designers, testers, and business analysts too. This means they can help you build an app that looks good, works well, and makes a strong impression on customers.

7. You plan to grow your product

If you want to build a long-term product, it’s important to plan for the future. A Salesforce PDO development team can help you build an app that’s ready to scale. The good ones come with testers, designers, and analysts. So you’re not just getting an app that works, you’re getting one that’s built to impress.

When You Might Not Need a PDO Partner

Sometimes a Salesforce consulting partner & PDO can be helpful, but they’re not always the right choice. In some situations, you don’t really need one. Here are some cases where you might handle things on your own:

• You already have Salesforce experts on your team: If your company has experienced developers, admins, or architects who understand the AppExchange process, you might not need the help. Your team can handle the project from start to finish, including code, security review, and packaging.
• Your project is small and internal: PDO partners are often used for building full products for sale on the AppExchange. But if your project is small, simple, and only for internal use (not for customers), you might not need a PDO. In this case, a freelance Salesforce developer or a small team will be enough.
• You’re still exploring the idea: If you’re not sure whether you want to build an app and list it on the AppExchange, it might be too early to hire a PDO. Instead, take some time to research, plan your idea, and analyze the market first. When you’re ready to move, consider hiring a PDO.
• You’re on a very tight budget: PDO services can be costly, especially for new businesses or startups. If your budget is small and you’re not ready to invest in a full team, you may need to look for more affordable options, like hiring individual Salesforce consultants or learning the process yourself.
• You only need a quick fix or one-time help: For simple updates like: help with fixing a bug, setting up a simple flow, or making a small update to your app, or one-off tasks, it may make more sense to get help from a single Salesforce expert instead of a full PDO team.
• You don’t plan to publish on the AppExchange: The AppExchange comes with rules and extra steps, including a security review. If you’re building a private app just for your company or for a single client, you won’t need to go through this process. In that case, a PDO may be more than you need.

How to Choose Your PDO Partner: A Simple Checklist

Picking the right partner is one of the most important steps to your success, as they will help you move forward. Not a reliable one, can slow you down, or create problems. Use this checklist:

1. Do they have official PDO status? Salesforce has a list of trusted, certified Salesforce PDO partners. Make sure the company you are talking to is listed there. This means they have passed the checks and have real experience with AppExchange projects.

2. Have they worked on projects like yours? Ask for examples of past projects. Have they built products for the AppExchange? How did they help companies your size? If you’re building a managed package, ask if they’ve done that before. Experience with similar work is a strong sign that they know what they’re doing.

3. Do they understand the security review? The security review can be hard. Your PDO partner should know how to prepare for it and avoid common mistakes. Ask how many apps they’ve helped pass and what their process is for preparing an app for review.

4. Can they explain the AppExchange process to you? Your partner should be able to explain what will happen step by step from planning, building, testing, and submitting the app. If they can’t walk you through the process, that’s a red flag.

5. Do they offer more than just coding? Building an app is not just about writing code. Look for a partner who can also help with design, testing, packaging, and business setup for the AppExchange. A full-service PDO partner is often more helpful than just a team of developers.

6. Do they communicate clearly? Clear and frequent communication is key. You should feel comfortable asking questions and getting updates. Choose a partner who listens to your ideas, explains things simply, and keeps you informed.

7. Do they fit your budget and timeline? Make sure they offer a clear quote and timeline. Compare this with other PDOs, but remember: the cheapest option is not always the best.

8. Will you get a dedicated team or person? Ask who will actually work on your project. Will you have a single point of contact? Will they assign a team just for you? It’s better when you know exactly who is doing the work.

9. Can they support you after the app is live? Ask if they offer support and can help with updates. Your app will grow and change, it’s helpful to have the same team around to help with that.

10. Do they have good reviews or references? Check the reviews or case studies, you can also ask for client references. A good PDO should be able to show that other clients are happy with their work.

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FAQs on Salesforce PDO Consulting

Still have questions about working with a Salesforce PDO product development outsourcing and consulting partner? Here are some common ones:

Conclusion

Choosing the right Salesforce PDO services can make a big difference if you are looking to build your app for the AppExchange. They can guide you through complex steps, help you avoid mistakes, and make sure your product is ready for the market. But it’s also important to know when you really need one and when you do not.

Take your time, ask questions, and use the checklist that is shared to find a partner that fits your goals, timeline, and budget. A good PDO isn’t just a service provider, they’re a long-term partner who helps bring your product idea to life.

Take the next step: start by making a list of what your project needs, then reach out to a few PDOs and talk to them. You’ll quickly see who’s the right fit for your journey.

Antonina Kharchenko

Antonina is a Salesforce Admin with five certifications: Salesforce Associate, Salesforce Admin, Salesforce Advanced Admin, AI Associate, and AI Specialist. She started working with Salesforce in 2021 as Intern Salesforce Developer. Now, a 2-Star Ranger on Trailhead, she continues to expand her skills and knowledge. She helps manage Salesforce systems, automate tasks, and improve processes. Antonina loves learning new things and exploring better ways to use technology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and exploring new tech ideas.