Question to pro web designers/programmers

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by Aniej, May 20, 2007.

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  1. Aniej, May 20, 2007

    Aniej macrumors 68000

    Aniej

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2006
    #1
    I am loosely involved with a project that is in alpha phase and was reviewing some of the terms and conditions of an agreement with a designer programmer and something struck me as odd from a legal standpoint, but I was not sure about it from a programming industry standpoint. Please let me know if this is common, if it is reasonable to negotiate over, and if there are alternatives you would suggest.

    The condition relates to the cost and transfer of work completed. The conditions I could use your input on are as follows:

    -The programmer is requesting 50% payment upfront, that seem quite high to me.

    -Transfer of source code and design artwork and graphics only at project completion, which is part 4 of 4, yet parts 1-3, which cover the three items I just listed, will represent 85% of the costs. The point I am trying to make is that there is a situation whereby we pay for 85% of the work, like that aspect and then get to the last phase, part 4, and don't like how that part goes and we are out of pocket 85% of the total project cost with zero product.

    Thanks I really appreciate your input.
     
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  2. MagicUK, May 20, 2007

    MagicUK macrumors regular

    MagicUK

    Joined:
    May 12, 2007
    Location:
    Hampshire, England
    #2
    Not unusual for them to try this approach. I would certainly say its open to negotiation and if they are unwilling to move on it I would look for somebody else.
     
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  3. Aniej, May 20, 2007

    Aniej thread starter macrumors 68000

    Aniej

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2006
    #3
    ok, well that wasn't all that specific, but I appreciate your willingness to comment nonetheless. Anybody else who is part of this field have some thoughts?
     
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  4. nightelf, May 21, 2007

    nightelf macrumors 6502

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2003
    #4
    Hello, I think is common 50/50. I know a person that charges one third when signing, other third when delivering and the rest 30 days after everything is working.
     
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  5. CanadaRAM, May 21, 2007

    CanadaRAM macrumors G5

    CanadaRAM

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2004
    Location:
    On the Left Coast - Victoria BC Canada
    #5
    50% to start is pretty normal.
    As for code released only on completion -- The source code is the only collateral the programmer has for the time they have put in, they would be crazy to turn it over before 100% payment has been received.

    If you don't like the look of the work (or change your mind) when it is 85% done, then there is something seriously wrong with your process. Phase 1 and 2 and 3 should not be complete without approval and signoffs of the draft work in progress.

    (If the final code doesn't match the approved drafts, or is non-functional, that is a different situation altogether.)

    Yes, if the client approves all work to the 85% point, then changes their mind and asks for it to be all redone, then the designer/programmer can walk and keep the 85%. That is why you must get approvals from all of the key players at each milestone point, before the next phase starts.

    And you HAVE to do the analysis and functional design up front before any code gets written. You should be able to write out in English what every business function does (with defining formulae) and flow chart the user paths through the site -- before you start coding.
     
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