Ask these 4 things before you pay a developer

We hear this story very often.

A business owner paid for a website two years ago. It worked fine. Now they want to make some changes. They call the developer. The developer does not pick up.

Then they find out that nothing is in their name. The domain is in the developer's account. The hosting login is with the developer. They do not have the files.

The website they paid for is not really theirs.

This does not happen because the developer is bad. It happens because nobody asked the right questions at the start.

So ask them. Before you pay any advance. A good developer will answer these clearly and will not feel bad. If the answers are not clear please wait and ask again.

Ask before you pay

1. Will the domain be in my name? It should be bought from your account with your email and your phone number.
2. Will I get the login and the code? You should get all the logins when the work is complete.
3. What is the cost every month and every year? Domain, hosting and support. Get it in writing.
4. If something breaks how fast will you fix it? Ask for a time. Same day or in two days.

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying the full amount before the work starts
• Agreeing on phone with nothing written
• Choosing only by the lowest price
• Not asking to see two or three live websites they have made

Ask for a simple one page agreement. What will be made, in how many days, for how much and what you will get at the end.

It protects you. It protects the developer also.

What to do in the next 7 days

• Day 1: Check in whose name your domain is today.
• Day 2: Ask your developer for all the logins and keep them in a safe place.
• Day 3: Ask for the yearly cost in writing.
• Day 4 to 7: Make a one page agreement for any new work you start.

You can ask us the same questions. Message us on WhatsApp

Did you ever face a problem with a developer? What happened? Your story can help someone.