The Development Process

[retired_member6]

Although I've enlisted several developers previously, I've never actually reached a finished project but this time I should and need to, so could someone let me know what the actual process is?

I've enlisted a company, I've signed the contract (with card details) I have written out a more detailed requirement and I negotiated down to 25% up front as well as $200 off the top.

How long does it take now for them to draw up how it should be done and appoint someone? Only I posted the project Wednesday and they agreed it would be done within seven days, so naturally the latest I want that seven days to start is today as that's why I posted the project as urgent in the first place.

Should they be able to let me know by 7pm pacific time today after recieving final contract details yesterday morning or am I expecting too much? I don't want to wait around as I need this website to go live as soon as. I know you pay for what you get but you should also get what they promise.

I'm not disgruntled, just tired and wary.

 

[retired_member6]

I emailed them a few hours ago and just got this... what do you think? At this rate I'll miss Christmas.

Hi,

Iam sorry to tell you but it was cancelled by the management because your price is too low but dont worry I wil just let my partners do the project for you at your price.

Iam just waiting for their confirmation and may take a little longer than 7 days. What will I need from you is to send me the application form you send to our customer service e-mail address. We dont normally do this but we dont want to loose a project.

I hope you will agree with this.

Best regards,

 

[DaveBeasley]

Sounds rather dodgy, If it were me I'd drop them like a hot stone...

pm sent

 

[retired_member6]

Alright Dave,

Thanks for the suggestion, I've not replied to the other set up yet but have placed a project again, £50.00 cheaper so far. The only trouble is they want all the money up front, I should have several hundred coming in next week I could do with more domain sales though.

Cheers
Trigger

 

[grantw]

Lee, where are you listing these projects? Whenever I've used freelance type sites the reputable freelancers never ask for payment upfront?

Grant

 

[retired_member6]

First was scriptlance and winner wanted 50% up front and were charging $1000 - a bit too round for me, so told 'em 25% and $800. They accepted, then turned around and said their management said it was too low - well perhaps they should have asked first. They changed their mind and said it could be done in 20 days, I aint replied yet.

Now I've gone to rentacoder, as I read it they want escrow holdings so to me that's money up front, so now I've got to wait a week until all monies are in then the work can start. What was a great idea is now turning into a lost Christmas. Have you got a trusted efficient cheap developer?

 

[stender]

Does sound dodgey. Best thing is recommendations. I know too many people who have paid for websites to be designed, and ended up being shafted or givinen sh*te designs. Or when you want things changed they want more money. I'm having the same hassle finding a decent builder!

 

[DaveBeasley]

I like to use RentaCoder for my programming requests, I have loads, and they've never failed to deliver or impress.

Dave

 

[A-Wing]

Rent-a-coder is supposed to be good, if anything goes bad they can settle things pretty quick. I personally don't use those sites anymore, but they are a good start.
I can suggest that you be as specific as possible about all aspects of the project, and find someone who will ask questions and/or give suggestions.
They then tend to be more enthusiastic about the project.
Probably not a good idea to go for anyone too cheap either.