Before you spend serious money on software, get a second opinion
I help service businesses avoid costly software mistakes before they sign, build, hire, or launch.
Making the wrong software choice can be expensive.
A proposal can sound convincing even when the scope is too big, too vague, or solving the wrong problem.
A tool can look perfect in a demo and still create more manual work once it touches your real process.
A quick automation idea can become another fragile thing your team has to check, fix and work around.
You are not sure whether to buy, build, automate, hire or pause.
You do not know which technical assumptions need checking first.
You want an honest view before budget, time and trust are committed.
Imagine knowing the sensible next step before you commit.
You understand whether the problem is technical, operational or both.
You know which assumptions are worth testing before anyone starts building, buying or hiring.
You can speak to vendors, developers or your own team with clearer questions and fewer unknowns.
You can move forward, pause, simplify or change direction without feeling like you are guessing.
The fix is a Second Opinion Call
The Second Opinion Call is a practical second opinion where we work through the decision, the constraints, the risks and the practical next step before you spend more money in the wrong place.
What we can work through
Whether the issue is a process problem, a software problem or a mix of both.
Whether an automation idea is practical, risky or premature.
What to ask before hiring a developer, choosing a vendor or buying another tool.
What to avoid so you do not create more complexity.
How it works
We have a 45 to 60-minute remote call to understand the decision and the real-world context.
I go away to do the necessary research, thinking and sense-checking.
You receive written recommendations with clear practical next steps.
You can book an optional 30-minute clarity call afterwards to discuss questions.
The price is £250 plus VAT.
Book your Second Opinion Call
Do not wait until the decision is expensive to change.
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Questions people ask before booking
What if I am not technical?
That is fine. The point is to translate the technical choices into plain business trade-offs so you can make a better decision.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before booking?
No. It is enough to know the decision, bottleneck or proposal that feels unclear. We can work through the shape of the problem together.
Will you tell me to build custom software?
Only if it is genuinely the sensible option. Often the better answer is to simplify the process, adjust the brief, choose a better tool or pause.
Can this help with choosing a vendor or developer?
Yes. I can help you spot assumptions, risks and questions to ask before you commit to a supplier, platform or technical partner.
What if you cannot help me?
If I cannot give you clear direction, I will refund your money.
What do I get afterwards?
You get written recommendations with the next step, key risks and what I would avoid.
About Joe
I am Joe Peel, founder of HiTide. I help service businesses make clearer decisions around systems, software, automation and technical delivery.
A Second Opinion Call gives you a focused senior technical view.
Get the second opinion before the decision gets locked in.
If you are about to sign, build, hire or launch, this is the moment to check the assumptions.
Book your Second Opinion CallI only have a limited number of these calls available each month.
The best time to get a second opinion is before the proposal is signed, the sprint starts, the tool is rolled out or the budget is committed.