I would list out a bunch of demands on what you would need done, with a timeframe, and be as specific as you can.
All of what "sm media" wrote is very true. However you can eliminate most of it by going through outsourcing outfits such as Rent A Coder(RAC) or Elance.
Here is what I recommend.
1. Go to RAC or Elance. Search for projects already posted by someone, which is similar in scope and magnitude as yours. Read their description to understand how to clearly spell out your project requirements. Also look at the price range.
2. Now, post your project for bids. Describe your requirements as clearly as you can. Include attachments if needed in Word or Excel to better express your ideas. Ask the programmers to include their past project samples when they submit bids.
3. Wait for people to bid. Shortlist programmers based on their feedback score. Review only those programmers with the best feedback score. Among the short listed bidders, read their feedback. How did they react to negative feedback if any? What are their past projects? Are these projects similar in scope and magnitude as that of yours?
4. Ask some pertinent and specific questions to the short listed bidders. See how quickly and clearly they communicate back to you.
5. If your project is very unique, then ask them if they can do a mock-up or a sample to make sure they understand your needs properly. Some may not comply with this request, but some would. This is another opportunity to further shortlist your bidders.
6. Once you are happy with everything, pick your programmer from among all the short-listed bidders. Don't just look at the price. Use the combination of factors (their Price + their feedback score + their bid request details + how they responded to your questions etc) to make your final decision.
7. Once you select your programmer, setup clear milestones for the project with dates and the corresponding expected payment. Here is a possible break-up
a. Initial payment = 10%
b. Implementation of all features (you can further break this up if needed) = 30%
c. Deployment = 20%
d. Testing, verification and Validation = 20%
e. Final Approval = 20%
At any point, if the milestone is not properly met, you have the power to cancel the project and get back your money.
Good luck.:smx19:
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