Quick answer
“An app like another app” is a starting point, not a specification. Explain which part of the reference matters and what your users should accomplish. Describe the first-time journey, the repeat-use journey and the staff work behind the scenes.
Practical scope
State whether you need iPhone, Android or both. List login methods, profiles, payments, subscriptions, location, camera, notifications and any existing systems to connect. For each feature, include a simple acceptance test: for example, “a customer can change an appointment and receive a revised confirmation.”
Ask vendors how they will handle design prototypes, test devices, store submission, crash reporting and support after release. Confirm ownership of developer accounts and source code in the contract. An initial release should focus on the smallest set of features that solves the user's main problem reliably.
What to define before requesting proposals
- Target users and their first and repeat journeys
- Platforms, devices and accessibility needs
- Accounts, payments, notifications and admin tools
- Analytics, testing, app-store release and support
Questions to ask service providers
- Is the backend included in the proposal?
- Who owns developer accounts, code and release access?
- How are device issues and store rejections handled?
How to assess the answers
A reference app is not a specification. Describe the user outcome and mark which reference features matter so vendors do not quote different products.
Related planning guides
Next step: Put these decisions into one project brief, then ask providers to respond to the same scope.