Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions cover what it's like to work with Test Double as a custom software consultancy, whose experienced senior software consultants and product consultants embed with your team—as well as what it's like to work at Test Double.
What are double agents?
We are a custom software consulting agency. Who works at an agency? Agents! And we also embed with client teams to work alongside them while also bringing fresh perspectives. So we're double agents! It's all part of our low-key spy theme.
What are sleeper agents?
Sleeper agents are former full-time employees, aka former double agents. They're sleeper agents because we have a low-key spy theme.
What's a Test Double?
It’s like a stunt double for software testing automation (and an approach championed by Gerard Meszaros). Test doubles stand in for dependencies in order to isolate behavior being tested. While we’re big fans of automated testing to safely refactor legacy codebases, Test Double is also a good metaphor for who we are and what we do.
We’re a software consulting agency, and our consultants are double agents (the good kind!). Our software consultants have an average of 15 years experience and our product consultants have an average of 12 years experience. They embed as remote additions to your team, deliver early and often, pressure test systems, and solve hard problems. We drive outcomes that matter so your team can do their best work.
What is Test Double's consulting rate?
We work on projects as small as $20,000 and as large as $5 million, and we're happy to work on anything in between. That's because there's a large variance in complexity and need. We don't want to be parasitic, so we're always going to recommend what's right for your situation.
We can provide an estimate based on your unique needs and situations.
What types of projects does Test Double do?
Because we have a group of multi-threat software developer consultants, product consultants, and DevOps consultants, we tackle all kinds of software challenges. Sometimes that's a simple assessment with an actionable roadmap to get you moving in the right direction. Or product coaching to help level up your teamof product managers who don't have as much experience.
Sometimes it's multi-month, focused work where you need software developers or product managers with extreme experience in a given technology, domain, or challenging situation. And we also take on larger solutions work like legacy modernization, complex product operating model transformation, and full-stack product delivery from validation to launch to setting you up for scaling.
How does Test Double bill clients?
We typically bill at a weekly rate with open contracts. While we do suggest a minimum notice time, we hold up to that on our end of things as well. We have found that weekly rates with open contracts provides more flexibility with clients, and more easily allows us to ramp up and ramp down as needed. We succeed when you no longer need us.
How do I find out more about what my project would cost?
Fill out our contact form and we'll connect you with the best human to answer your questions. We'll schedule time for a discovery call to better understand your situation, your team, and your challenge. From there we'll provide a free estimate including a suggested approach to solving your problem.
Does Test Double use subcontractors?
Yes, we do enlist subcontractors in specialized areas of expertise or if our experienced full-time employees are booked. We call subcontractors special agents, and they also go through a rigorous qualification process.
