The Nth Monitor

4:12 PM

> Oh, what's that? A missile backpack? Well, I guess you'l be alright if a fucking bird attacks!

I love Epic rap Battles.. lol

4:46 PM

I have an acquaintance who has recommended me to a local business to fix up their website (what is wrong with it right now is quite nebulous). They might expect me to do it for free because I was recommended by the acquaintance. How can I politely ask for remuneration in the event that they do so? It's my first time accepting an independant contract (if I do so), so I'd like some advice.

Phrancis

@DanPantry I remember once I was on the phone with a contractor (not programming related, but doesn't matter) and after explaining what they could do for me, they asked politely "May we discuss remuneration?"

So, basically, just be forthright about it?

@Phrancis That's almost an ideal situation.

I have no idea what is wrong with the website currently, other than a MySQL issue I spotted.

And the fact there is a link to their admin section on the public-facing website

So it could really range from "can you move the logo 1px to the left" to "implement ecommerce" lol

Phrancis

@DanPantry Yes, I'd say so

4:50 PM

@DanPantry Ouch, that looks amateuristic.

@DanPantry you should be clear about what exactly they want

Website in question

because only then can you estimate how much time you may sink into this.

@Vogel612 that's true. I wont know until Sunday anyway

Indeed. Make sure all parties agree to the same thing.

4:50 PM

Just wanted some advice on how to be firm, but welcoming.

I can't really afford to give time away for free, especially seeing as I have to move in a couple of months

Then be honest.

But I am also aware that my acquaintance may have given the opinion I would do work for free, which would be an issue (And I do not want to put him in the doghouse).

You don't need to say "I'll be moving", because they don't need to know

Of course not

That site isn't too bad though.

@DanPantry Ask him what he said.

4:52 PM

@Mast Except for the admin section being visible, wtih a login link and all of the links for administration actions on a public-facing portion of the site.

Also you can log in to the admin panel, though you'll get a MySQL error

Initial contact: Just say you were recommended by whoever it was, and ask if they'd be potentially interested in re-working their site

@DanPantry Yea, I already mentioned that. That's pretty bad. But if you remove that part, it doesn't look too bad.

I expected worse.

If they are, set up a time for a proper conversation

@Zak Oh, no, they approached me.

@DanPantry What did they say, exactly?

4:53 PM

"Hi, X said that you might be able to help me with my website. Could you come to our shop and discuss?" (paraphrase)

Not much more than that.

@DanPantry Then skip straight to "Arrange a time for a conversation"

No need to mention anything more at this point

Done so, I'll be there on Sunday. I'm happy to give a free consultation, of course.

Because I'm not an asshole. glares at dentists.

In that conversation, you can talk about what they need/want and whether it's worth what your time is worth

Alright. Thanks guys :) Much appreciated.

Much like most professional services. Happy to have an initial, free, consultation. Where you lay discuss what they want, what you can do and what it might cost. And then it's up to them if they want to take you on.

Generally in that order

4:56 PM

I'll discuss what he needs done, and then I'll mention after discussing what needs to be done - if I feel I can do ti in an acceptable time frame - the price tag

I already have a rapport with the shop itself, I used to visit them.

And the acquantaince knows me very well and has recommended me for many positions before including one in London ,for some reason...

My consultations are always free. But I give away too much, so you probably don't want to take me as example.

@Mast I wouldn't be writing any code without guarantee of payment ,that's for sure

Of-course, you may even want to include a contract and downpayment. Depending on how major the work is going to be and all.

You should set up a contract

If it's something minor, I don't think I'll set up a contract. Legal fees would absorb the remuneration.

BTW.HomeTime. I'll read any messages when I get back.

5:02 PM

You can write a contract yourself, can't you ?

sure it's not as good as a contract vetted by a lawyer, but there should be some templates around ...

You don't need a lawyer to write a contract indeed.

Just a summary of what you're going to do and two signatures.

And the price should be on the contract, of-course.

Feel free to drop it here if you need a review.

1 hour later…