The time it takes to launch a vision product is often longer than most people expect. Three months may not sound short, but when you break it down, requirement analysis, data preparation, model iteration, hardware adaptation, and on-site debugging can each easily eat up two to three weeks. If you choose the wrong service provider from the start, the cost of switching halfway is fatal. So the key at this stage is not price comparison, but whether the provider has the ability to turn a "working demo" into a "stable product" within a limited time.
My suggestion is to first see whether they are willing to spend time defining acceptance criteria with you. A reliable provider will proactively ask: under what scenarios does recognition accuracy count as qualified? What is the acceptable false positive rate? How should the device handle network disconnections? These details are the key to on-time delivery. If they only talk about how advanced their technology is and how impressive their cases are, but avoid the constraints of your specific scenario, there will likely be disputes later.
Second, verify their delivery process. A mature team will clearly tell you what they will deliver at each stage and what resources they need from you, such as how many annotated images are required and what angles the on-site environment photos should be taken from. They won't promise a "turnkey" solution but will clearly define responsibilities. That is actually more reassuring. Also, ask whether they have experience in hardware selection and algorithm deployment. Many vision projects fail because of seemingly small issues like improper camera angles, light interference, or insufficient computing power. An experienced provider can avoid these pitfalls early on, rather than repeatedly troubleshooting after the equipment is deployed.
Finally, don't overlook communication efficiency. During a three-month cycle, you should align on progress at least once a week, and the provider must be able to understand your business language rather than speaking only in jargon. You can observe what tools and documents they use in communication and whether they can quickly produce test reports and issue lists. An orderly process is more reliable than a reactive "quick response."
In general, when selecting a service provider, prioritize those that are pragmatic, willing to discuss constraints with you, and have a clear phased plan. Don't be fooled by flashy demos. The ones that can truly deliver within three months are often those who keep talking about "feasibility." They know what can and cannot be done, which actually helps you spend your time where it matters most.