Finances and revenue

If by development you mean software development and not business development then you would need quite a chunk of change to do that. Ballpark, let's just say $50k USD/yr for a developer.

In most cases you will need an application and a a fair chunk of paying customers before you get to that point.

I am talking about a simple based table layout with GPS. I provide the content and graphics plus clear direction as the mockup is already done and privately published to the ipad. As a web/graphic designer I love Adobe products and though I can get my hands dirty, I am no xcode genius. Best leave that to the professionals.

I need 3 bids, do you have recommendations from what I have said?

There are lot of questions here but I'll address the main one which is what to look for when hiring a developer. I'm assuming by app you mean mobile app. So here are my suggestions:

Where to find one?

You can find one on sites like odesk or elance but that doesn't mean it's easy to pick the the right one.

How to pick the right one

1. Identify candidates based on their portfolio. Although, a lot of them have a fake portfolio and even if they have an app in the app store, it is hard to verify that it was build by them. Yet, it still weeds out the ones that have none at all. Contact them with your requirements and wait for the responses. Generic responses should obviously be weeded out and you could also weed out responses based on their communication skills. When working remotely communication is key.

2. Give them a technical test or interview. If you are not technical yourself, have a friend with technical skills interview them over Skype. If not, at least ask them how they would implement specific features in your app and verify them with someone that knows the technology. If you don't have a friend that knows the technology then just google "ios interview questions" and ask them face-to-face over Skype. A face-to-face chat at least assures you that they are not cheating.

3. An alternate means of testing their ability is to give them a small project with a tight deadline. The small project could be a single feature within your app or something random. The result of this project should prove:

• Their ability to understand and implement the requirements
• Their technical skills
• Finally, their ability to deliver on time

How to manage them

I cannot emphasize how important it is to communicate every step of the way. Your ability to provide clear requirements up front will be key in a successful project completion. It's never too much but you can surely provide too little. You have to keep tabs on the progress daily, if not every other day. Ask to see updates. If it is an iOS app, they can send you builds using: https://testflightapp.com/ Catch problems early and make sure you take screenshots and explain the problem.

Conclusion

Hiring developers overseas can be difficult but once you find a trusted resource you can develop a long term relationship which can prove to be fruitful for both.

Thanks Amit, I had to laugh, as I have hired designers who have brought in portfolios with Adobe Illustrator in them - and after hiring them I came to find out, it was their wife who did the Illustrator work. So I do make them take a test now.

Just leary about App dev. especially when it is someone elses money.