Problem with paid services, looking for input

[JacquiiDesigns]

Originally Posted by TNCclubman

There are always people that are willing to get paid for the job at the end.... [blip...]

Stick with coders that you pay only AFTER you get the job done. Like that everyone wins.

I disagree with that as well - I generally charge 50% deposit on any jobs over $100 - 100% payment for any jobs below $100 --- As for being scammed - The OP was not scammed - Obviously there was some sort of communication error, as the person who did the job obviously did not think that skinning was part of the deal he undertook. Why the hell he/she would think that when the title of the post clearly says Need Magento installed and skinned is beyond me. But he/she did install the application - so 50% of the work was done - 50% of the work was paid for.

Someone said chalk it up to a learning experience - I will agree with that assessment. @ the OP - next time you hire someone for any type of online consultation/freelance work (especially for any large jobs) - be absolutely sure that you are communicating exactly what you want from the person who hired - and be sure that the freelancer knows exactly what he/she is doing for the money you are paying. Requiring some type of email invoice and/or requiring your freelancer to invoice you from PayPal with the exact services being performed in the "Message" area are both good ideas. Also - It's a very good idea that you establish some sort of relationship via Instant Message chats or skype (or even phone if your freelancer does phone consultation) --- This is good because there is a relationship established - Someone willing to chat you up on all aspects of the job is likely someone who will perform the job to your standard requirement

Jacquii.

[TNCclubman]

I wasnt saying everyone should only charge at the end, there are people that require 25, 50 75 percent deposits. I was just suggesting to him since he got burned, let it be a lesson learned and do whats possible to make it the only time it happens. If he gets burned again... well you know how the saying goes. I read posts like his before I ever made my first paid mod request. I learned from others mistakes and thank god havent been burned. Found great modders that get paid at the end. Again, not saying you guys arent great, please dont read that as what Im saying.

[JacquiiDesigns]

Well - that's just it - the OP didn't get burned - he received the Magneto installation. He just didn't get the skinning completed. I believe the 2nd post of this thread was on point - installing and skinning for $75 is a ridiculously low price - so the OP paid a bit high for the installation is all. Again (as I said in my post) -- Communication is key when dealing with online consultation/freelance. Obviously there was some communication error... Demanding that someone do work THEN be paid for it is not a reasonable solution to the communication error - But if you can find someone to do hundreds of dollars of work for you without a nominal deposit = good for you

At anyrate ==> Yes - I agree - chalk it up to a lesson learned.

I will also add - The OP stated something about having received quotes to install AND skin Magneto for $75 --- 1 last suggestion: Beware of what I like to call "Lowest Price Assassins" --- The recommendations/suggestions I listed in my post still stand

Jacquii.

[metalguy639]

Most designers worth their salt that do not rip you off will charge you a hell of alot more than $75.00 for an install & skin of anything magento, vbuleltin, ipb, smf etc. They will also ask for a deposit usually because in most cases you are paying far more than that. As stated above you'll find most will ask for different deposits through out the work progress. You will not find many reputable designer/coders that will offer a mock up design and a psd before getting any kind of payment or that will just go ahead on your say so and start a project without receiving any money at all. Designs & coding take many many hours to do & complete and most are not going to waste their time doing something without getting a payment of some kind.

It unfortunate that you did not get what you wanted but sometimes its best not to go with the cheapest price quoted. Unfortunately its sometimes a you get what you paid for kinda thing.