Be Careful_ Deposit Gone!!

[LNON]

As a new comer to this VB forum game, I have had one heck of a time getting a person to help customize my forum for my business. Something that I thought would be a relatively easy and fun process.

Recently after delay, delay and delay, a person that I had hired walked with my deposit. After looking at this person’s website and speaking with him at length I never would have suspected that I would have had this problem.

After posting here a kind soul finally jumped and in less than 24 hrs he had the work on my website. This was a 17 year old kid with more hard working ethics and ability to get the work done, than I have seen in anyone. A true pro!!!

He produced examples of what he had in mind with my input- We then agreed on a price and refund the work. He installed the work on my website and I paid him immediately afterwords with Paypal for each segment completed. Since I run a reputable business with a high profile he knew he was going to get his money.

As for my lost deposit I am filing a complaint with Paypal as well as a complaint with the Texas attorney's Generals office. I will also contact Better Business in Texas.

The bottom line: NEVER pay for work ahead of time in my honest opinion. This means a deposit up front as well. I went through several people before getting to the guy I have now. Money up front is not good at all!!

As for the coders out there ...I can say that there is a problem with this type of thing that hurts all of you. I think there are a ton of reputable people on this forum but my experience was very negative almost causing me to dump vBulletin all together. Since this forum is a main hub for our technical support infrastructure we will undoubtedly spend a ton of money with this current coder to upgrade out feature and hacks over the next couple of years......A sweet account for a 17 year old kid. He will also receive my highest recommendation as well as cross promotion and a testimonial for his website. With the fast growing high profile of our business this will be a boon to him as well.

Be careful everyone!!!

PS: Please feel free to PM me for more info. on this matter.