It’s 100% not done
So, you’re weeks into the project, and your manufacturer/developer/contractor tells you that the agreed upon contract is finished, when, quite clearly, it isn’t.
Is this your fault, or theirs? Here are some ways to safeguard yourself from it being 100% your fault:
1. Make a contract
If you haven’t made one before, now is the best time to start. There are LOADS of great resources out there with template contracts that you can get verified professionally once you have a go. The key here is to understand the project you’re giving to someone. Don’t go skimming over legalities that you are responsible for!
2. Make a milestone list before they sign the contract.
I made a big mistake with my first project by accepting a flat rate proposal before giving the contractor the milestone requirements. I let them know that it was negotiable until they signed the milestone list, but really, it was bad form.
What do you do about it?
Well, you have two options, really:
1. Accept the fact that it’s finished, and perhaps make the contractor happier, but have a broken product you’re not proud of.
2. Stick to your guns, be a bastard, and tell them it’s not finished. Possibly angry contractor, but better product.
Whatever you do, just don’t listen to the shoulder angel. Listen to your bank account, your partners, your mentors and your investors. Your shoulder angel is the product of your life experience. Ergo, he’s a noob, just like you. If you can afford more time/budget, great. If you can’t, you can stick to your guns.
