Hiring out for a software project = Hiring a backwoods witch for a love spell
My reasoning?
1. Clear communication is very important
Want a dancing bear on your website? Done.
Oh - you still wanted your website to work afterwards? Should've said.
Want to find the love of your life? Done.
Oh - you wanted to fall in love with each other and start your lives together? Should've said.
2. They do not care about your well-being, so heed any warnings carefully
We did tell you that our software doesn't usually accomodate this feature - so it should be no surprise that it completely crashed your website!
I did say we don't do spells anymore because customers are typically dissatisfied by them - why are you so surprised to be disappointed by the result?
3. The contract is binding and complete
Here is what you requested in the submission form: "A pink dancing bear on the homepage for $800." And, you signed the liability waiver for it, and the invoice is paid. I delivered what you asked for.
Your exact words were that you wanted to meet the love of your life - you've met them, now. I delivered what you asked for.
4. Changes and edits incur additional cost and are not guaranteed
Sorry, our company doesn't usually do edits, but we can take down your existing homepage and rebuild it for $1,200. It'll take about a month.
What can I say? Making edits is harder than implementation.
Sorry, we dont do counterspells here, but you can do it yourself if you gather the rare ingredients yourself and meet these obscure conditions.
What can I say? Its easier to cast a spell than to cast a counterspell.
Moral of the story?
Whether you're hiring out for spellcraft or software, be very detailed and precise on what you need. Make no assumptions, get everything in writing, look out for previous client testimonials, and dont agree to or sign anything until you're 100% satisfied.
Make sure you understand what the finished product is going to look like and what it would take to do edits or tweaks, later, and get that in writing, too.
Or, have someone with legal experience evaluate your business contract before you sign.
Good luck out there, friends!
