Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
I'm about to outsource a project for the first time and while I'm carefully outlining my ideas and requirements, there are still a few things I'd like to know before actually posting the project on freelancing marketplaces.
I'm looking to start with getting the web development (i.e. programming) done first, and later on outsourcing the web design.
I know there might be no specific answers to some of these questions, but getting the general idea would be great!
1) Most posted projects on elance etc. only contain brief outlines of what is expected. Is this common, just providing a summary of what work needs to be done and then sending additional/more detailed information on inquiry?
2) During the development phase, am I expected to provide hosting/a server? How can I monitor the progress? Does the developer send me updates to check out offline, or does he/she host the project until completion?
3) What kind of design work can be expected? As I said earlier, the actual web design comes after the development of the site. However, I would require to have some kind of GUI: for instance, I might want to view a list of all registered users (project includes user sign-up/database). I don't want to have to create the list myself, using the database. I would simply need a basic list without any fancy formatting. Is this level of design work standard when WEB DEVELOPMENT is done?
4) I need a tool for IP location matching: ip2location seems like a good solution (not to expensive either). However, since I can accept alternatives, should I leave the choice of an appropriate tool/IP database/service to the programmer and just tell him what I need and what I am willing to pay?
Thanks for your input.
- Lupi
2) You should have your own server and also have in your outline the requierement of updates and contact. Once every day is reletively common, but don't harp on your programmers. Usually these guys take on an enormous amount of jobs, not that they should but they all do.
3) Expect average work, the people on these sites work for penny's on the dollar. My initial US quotes for work were anywhere from 2500-10,000. Which I accomplised for 1200 for pretty decent results.
4) Always assume that they will do what you want. But realistic with your budget. If you undercut them, you will get crap work AND they will bail on you. Even if you pay more than you thought you would via freelancing, you'll pay an enormous amount less than you would going to an actual design\programming\web firm.
oh and
Dont ever leave feedback or finalize payment until the project is done.
EVER
We have some experience out-sourcing via freelance sites; the majority of bidders want to build what they want, and not what you want. We immediately decline any bids that don't say "we can follow your specification exactly", or similar.
On the same line, some bidders offer copies of previously completed projects. If you don't want this to happen to yours, make sure it is clear the you will own all the rights on payment.
Never accept the lowest quote, and always use providors with consistantly high feedback.
Don't pay too much money up front.
Finally, always make sure you can both understand each other, particularly is the project is complicated or critical.
I would also suggest to get NDA with a freelancer before outsourcing a project to them to minimise risk.
