Drupal Job Board

Getting the Job Done - Discuss Details Up Front

Discussing details and maintaining a record of the project's progress will help avoid confusion further down the road. Before the project begins, agree upon payment terms, the work schedule and final deliverables.

· Confirm milestones and payment terms. Decide how you want to be paid and how you will invoice the buyer. Be sure to get the buyer's telephone number and postal address.
· Work schedule and pace. State how you prefer to review the project's progress. Do you want to send daily reports? Weekly reviews? Discuss how your performance and pace will affect payment schedule. (For example, as you complete each stage of the project, you might receive a percentage of the total cost.)
· Get it in writing. It is always a good idea to get agreements in writing. You may offer your own standard contract, outlining the above details.
Keep Track of Communications.
Prompt and clear communication is an essential part of doing business over the Internet. Messages often fly back and forth, and waiting 24 or even 48 hours can make it seem like the other party has forgotten the project altogether.
Make sure you and the buyer are on the right track by communicating often. Provide comments about what your revisions, recommendations, and why you made changes.
· Keep records. Ask the buyer to confirm their understanding of your comments and suggestions.
· Final Deliverable. Once the buyer approves the final version of the project, ask that they send a message approving the final deliverable.