10 absolute 'Nos' for a freelance web developer - Page 2

tox0tes · November 28th, 2007, 05:32 PM

I think #3 hosting web sites for clients is great to do. I am living off the monthly revenue that I get from hosting web sites. I don't see what the big problem is, especially if the hosting company is reliable.

cosmicbdog · December 3rd, 2007, 04:44 AM

There is a bit of a limitation in not hosting your clients and that is if you do application development there can be a lot of time wasted in getting your code working on different server environments. I personally don't like to have to think about what the server variables are and I only work on projects if the client agrees to host on my own dedicated server where there are less surprises. Over time I've created my own code library and so I can plug in little applications very quickly and build a home in shorter time.

I think the biggest 'no' to consider as a freelancer is the no to the client who perceives you as a monkey with a wrench. Value yourself highly and structure your business your way.

When I first started out 7 years ago I bent over and lubed up nicely for my clients. I stayed up around the clock and thought the more I opened up wide for the member to be inserted the better off I'd be. Actually over the years I've reversed this strategy and I don't fear my clients. I let them IM me if they like and see when I'm online. I respond when I feel to. I don't answer phones. I let emails sit in my inbox for weeks sometimes. Why? Because I'm a well sort after developer who's got a greater demand than what I can provide. Like you, I'm involved in the forefront of change, who sacrifices beautiful days in the ocean and great outdoors so I can plug in bits and bytes for business men and woman who don't want to take the time to do this. I can tell you that the attitude came before the demand.

Remember you're a guru to most people. Don't take complete advantage it and rip people off, but keep it in mind. Leverage it.

frinkky · December 3rd, 2007, 08:24 AM

I arranged hosting for the first few sites I did - all but one paid in advance (she was cute) so I accepted a monthly fee. Sounds bad I know, but regular as clock work she received an emailed invoice with strict instructions to pay within 7 days. She failed to pay once and, as promised, yoink! website was pulled. Didn't happen again.

minute44 · December 3rd, 2007, 08:46 AM

Wow.... you must have 'em lining up.

"Hey, wanna come back to my place? I'll let you pay for your hosting monthly..

"

frinkky · December 3rd, 2007, 09:13 AM

Works like a charm

- no, seriously though, the point was that the option is there, but you have to stand by your guns. I do agree, however, that the best solution is to get them to sort their own hosting out.

minute44 · December 3rd, 2007, 09:17 AM

If you're not careful though, you could just be exchanging one headache for another. If you source hosting you know the company you'll be dealing with at the very least. If they source some random gobsh*tes, then you might have a fight on your hands with their hosts when it comes time for updates or other stuff.

ziggi · December 17th, 2007, 11:54 AM

Does anyone ask for a percentage of the quote given, up-front?

I've found that but not doing this, sometimes you can create 'mock-ups' for nothing.
However, also charging upfront can scare some potential clients away.

-ziggi

simonb · December 17th, 2007, 12:04 PM

Ziggi try the clients section

Lchad · December 17th, 2007, 12:16 PM

I ask for 50% up front. That makes them invest enough money so they don't back out after I've done a lot of work.

weasel · January 14th, 2008, 01:44 PM

Think I might make these 10 golden rules my actual T's & C's ROFL

simonb · January 14th, 2008, 01:56 PM

I don't what to sound mean, Why are you digging up odd topics This is a month old

weasel · January 14th, 2008, 02:16 PM

lol, that's easy.. I've been a member here for a while but I normally just use the forums for a reference, or to search for others issues as a guide to solve my own.. You know, the usual.
So, it's very rare for me to stop and read in a social capacity.
With today being one of those rare occasions I came across the post, enjoyed reading it and left a comment.

Normally, I'm on here once, maybe twice a month. It will be more often now since I have a little more time to devote to my study of programming and web design so I wont be so behind on reading lol.

Kind of a forum ghost, here but not here lol

No offence taken by the way