first time contract job - please advise. 2

[jsanbor1]

The job is to build an SQL relational database with Access for the front end.

> What do I need to know as this will be my first contract type of job?

> Do I need to have some kind of contract already made up?

> Is this type of jo typically by the hour or paid 1/2 now and 1/2 upon completion?

> I think I would prefer hourly, but I'm not sure. What would be a reasonable hourly rate for this type of service?

 

[VBACT]

What do I need to know as this will be my first contract type of job?

Make sure that output specifications are discussed with your client before you start devlopment. Develop user teams with individuals that will actually be using your end product. Make sure that their are specific milestones in your project plan and that you are accounting for user testing. If your devlopment is going to replace an existing application make sure that you do parellel testing to ensure validity of your output

Do I need to have some kind of contract already made up?

If this is an independent contract where you are dealing directly with the end client...the answer is YES. If you are subcontracting thru an agency, NO. If you are independent, make sure you cover yourself with clause regarding payment of invoices, and client profitability.


Is this type of jo typically by the hour or paid 1/2 now and 1/2 upon completion?

Go with an hourly rate. Unless user specs are extremely specific and you have the ability to estimate all functions and cost you may cut yourself short. If you do decide to go on the basis of total project cost, as opposed to hourly, make sure you build in a +20% buffer for contingency.

Finally, your hourly rate will depend on the size and scope of the project. Depending on where you live, market demand may affect your rate.

Hope this helps

 

[chiph]

You might want to check out

http://www.realrates.com,

which is a site for contract workers. It covers things like a statement of work, billing, and what is a reasonable rate to charge the client.

Chip H.


If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first

 

[jsanbor1]

thanks guys!

 

[johnwm]

Isn't it great to see that the job market in some places is so buoyant!

Round here it would be great to be able to dictate your own terms on a contract to learn a whole new skill set!

________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first

'People who live in windowed environments shouldn't cast pointers.'

 

[jimoo]

Make sure you have a document in hand stating your hourly rate and/or the price you are charging for the job.

List the problem, solution & estimated time. Allow yourself an to readjust the estimate if you, after getting into the project, determine it is going to take much longer than anticipated. Allow the vendor to cancel if they do not like you new proposal. This protects both of you.

Jim Osieczonek
Delta Business Group, LLC

http://www.deltabg.com

 

[muppet123]

Classic problem. I did some work for a friend of a friend and did not set up a contract. Now upon completion they are not paying, is there any way I can get them to?

 

[fredericofonseca]

Having created a new thread would help...


Depending on the country you are in and the amount involved you may have several court options, but without that detail it's hard to say.

You can always resolve to M.U.S.C.L.E.

Regards

Frederico Fonseca
SysSoft Integrated Ltd

http://www.syssoft-int.com

 

[LoaferMan]

Charge by the hour.
Invoice every two weeks.
Show your progress every week.
State in your contract that your liability is limited to the amount that you are compensated for your work.

This will protect you and the person that is contracting with you.

LoaferMan - There is no practice life. This is it. (Billy Crockett)

 

[DeanConsulting]

I concure with LoaferMan's response. But, in some cases by the hour may not be the best choice. More and more firms are looking for the whole package price. If this is the case then you can figure up what you think that it might cost in total number of hours and multiply it by your hourly rate. After getting this base flat rate then you need to about about 5-20 hours padding to it for a safety cushion.

Hope this helps.
Noble


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Noble D. Bell

http://www.noblesoftware.com

http://www.noblebell.com