very small java project cost

[jago]

i've had an idea for a while now about a program i'd like to write and try to sell (well aware of the pipe-dream aspect). I'm wondering how i'd go about finding a programmer for a very small amount of work, probably three week's worth. I'd be looking for someone to knock up a very specific gui component in swing or swt. i'd provide an api definition and fairly exact spec. I'm not yet decided whether it's something i should just get on and do myself, but my gui skills are probably dated, and i'd prefer to spend any spare time doing the logic side. Hope this is not an inappropriate post - i'm just after general advice, not about to try and hire someone in the short term. What might the cost be, and would i need to get some legal advice to ensure the finished work belonged to me do with what i want? How would i ensure quality, and what would i do if i was unhappy with the completed work? Many Thanks.

[SlidingSideways]

Have a look at the contractors day rates advertised on places like JobServe etc... That should give you an idea of the sort of ball park.

You might however find someone trying to get their foot in the industry who'll do it for "beer money" if you allowed them to add it to their CV?

[slapmatt]

£30 an hour, 8 hours a day for three weeks is about £3600!!!

You're better off recruiting a developer with the offer of a percentage of the profits. I'm sure you'd find someone who'd share your pipe dream with you. I've done development work before (for friends) on a commission basis, ie. they pay me when their business starts earning.

[iaint]

slapmatt said:

£30 an hour, 8 hours a day for three weeks is about £3600!!!

You're better off recruiting a developer with the offer of a percentage of the profits. I'm sure you'd find someone who'd share your pipe dream with you. I've done development work before (for friends) on a commission basis, ie. they pay me when their business starts earning.

It's tough to 'give away' (as it's often percieved) equity in a dream though. Paying out hard £s will keep things simpler. To share the project (i.e. dev for free for share of profits) will require a formal agreement to be in place (i.e. solicitor) to make sure noone gets ripped off.

I'd be wary of entering into this kind of agreement without knowing the other party well. Certainly not with a random person.

jago said:

i've had an idea for a while now about a program i'd like to write and try to sell (well aware of the pipe-dream aspect). I'm wondering how i'd go about finding a programmer for a very small amount of work, probably three week's worth. I'd be looking for someone to knock up a very specific gui component in swing or swt. i'd provide an api definition and fairly exact spec. I'm not yet decided whether it's something i should just get on and do myself, but my gui skills are probably dated, and i'd prefer to spend any spare time doing the logic side. Hope this is not an inappropriate post - i'm just after general advice, not about to try and hire someone in the short term. What might the cost be, and would i need to get some legal advice to ensure the finished work belonged to me do with what i want? How would i ensure quality, and what would i do if i was unhappy with the completed work? Many Thanks.

There's a web site where this kind of project and developers are matched (i.e. post a spec and devs send in tenders). I'll see if I can find the URL.

You'll need a proper contract and you'll need to clearly specify the requirements, deliverables and acceptance criteris (i.e. make sure it's fit for purpose).

Your two routes would be either to hire someone on a T&M basis and it'll cost you what it costs - get a decent dev and you're laughing. Alternatively do it on a project basis and then it's all about the spec. Again, get a decent person involved and you're laughing but it can get messy quibbling over sign-off.

You might be better off going to a small software company (rather than an individual) and see what they'd quote for the work.

[Don]

iaint said:

You might be better off going to a small software company (rather than an individual) and see what they'd quote for the work.

Plenty of us around. We do bespoke development...as well as our product related stuff. Our rates vary, of course, depending on the type of work and who will be doing it. JonRB has a small firm who could probably quote as well.

Its certainly an option.

[jago]

thanks for replies/advice. i like the idea of a going via a small company rather than another individual. I'll keep a note of recommendations/possibilities. I'm not so keen on the equity idea in this instance, mainly because i'd like to keep my idea to myself. it will prob go nowhere, but i'd prefer that than to wonder what if later on. thanks again.

Edited by jago on Tuesday 4th July 12:42