What's a good way to manage casual development work?

Question

I was recently approach by someone I don't know asking if I wanted to do some programming work for him (on behalf of a client he has). The job is a short term project which involves writing a small visualisation tool in Processing.

Because I don't know this guy I am looking for advice on how to best manage the working relationship. For example, making sure the project stays small, that I get paid, that there are no breakdowns in communication, etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Update: After asking a few more questions about the project it became clear that: a) the client did not really know what he wanted, and b) did not understand that solving his problem using Processing was software development. He thought it was more like using Illustrator. Naturally, I decided not to pursue the job.

Answer 1

Get to know the guy better if you're that nervous. Either you've been burned in the past, or this guy is setting off your warning signals, regardless, try and learn more about him.

If your confident that you can estimate and spec the job fairly, have the guy sign to a set price and well defined guidelines on what the project will entail.

Most importantly sign some form on consulting contract! Don't become liable for something out of your control that can be misconstrued to be in your court, like a client's changing scope and shifting pay scale.

Try to get a 50% down, 50% on completion; generally weeds out the prospective clients who like to procrastinate, also gives them a reason to communicate more, they've already invested!

Answer 2

Contracts, contracts, contracts. Biggest rule of thumb here. Get everything in writing, particularly payables (what/when/how much he pays you) and expected deliverables at payable times.

Be sure that said contracts spell out change management/control, when he is required to pay you (EG, full payment before final deliverable), what your responsibilities are, and indemnification of you for things outside your control.

You'll want/need a lawyer. You can try to "do-it-yourself" with various online resources, but a real lawyer will make sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed, and help you ensure that the contract is fair to both you and the client.

And if you're in the U.S., be sure to put aside a good third of what you make for the tax man. :)

Answer 3

write a proposal, get everything in writing and sign a contract before you get started. everything understood before you start ensures no surprises halfway thru the project.

Answer 4

honestly, this can get messier than it sounds... charge by the hour and have everything in writing.