I just recently hired a freelancer on those e-lance websites... Upwork/Odesk to build an MVP for my app. I thought to myself, he's cheaper than what I have been quoted by others. He's has presented work, his bio seems believable, lists extensive experience, and what not.
Things seemed to go very smooth from the start. Detailed Layout and Functionality instructions were sent, all seems well, lets get started... But, there was a catch.
Yes, this guy had experience in coding. I can see from the screenshots. But not only did he not read my instructions, he completely lacked the ability to DESIGN the App! I had to hold this F**king freelancers hand the whole time during the project.
Luckily, I got lucky. Upwork notified me and mentioned to me that there seems to be a problem with his account. Possibly something fraudulent. He contacted me and I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but it happened again the next day. 42hrs into my project (at $35 an hr) My funds were reimbursed (Thank god!!). Freelancer fired.
What is wrong with these people!? You try to give somebody work and they're playing games with you.
Now, what did I learn??
1) Be Prepared! In every way possible. Negotiate an "Example" before you commit to the full project. Also,
vague instructions will not cut it. Every little detail must be listed. EVERYTHING! I noticed this while viewing the build.
2) Be Aware! Productivity levels listed were shown as very productive. But screenshots seemed to tell an opposite story. After viewing the screenshots a little closer, I noticed is using 2 screens. Screenshots are only captured from one. Who knows what he could've been doing on the other screen. 42hrs into the project and nowhere near completed.
3) This is Business! (And my money). I gave him the benefit of the doubt once after his explanation, but not again. Your problems should NEVER be my problems. Especially when it is potential fraud! Its business, leave your emotions at the door.
4) Communication! This person lacked the ability to properly communicate with me. I asked if he read the instructions and understands the project, all I got was a simple "Yes". Thats it?? You seriously have no questions?? This was my pet peeve! Yes, I provided him with detailed instructions, but I don't even think he read them completely. Establish SOLID COMMUNICATION! ALWAYS!!
2 weeks wasted... Moving on... Need to get this MVP ASAP!
Things seemed to go very smooth from the start. Detailed Layout and Functionality instructions were sent, all seems well, lets get started... But, there was a catch.
Yes, this guy had experience in coding. I can see from the screenshots. But not only did he not read my instructions, he completely lacked the ability to DESIGN the App! I had to hold this F**king freelancers hand the whole time during the project.
Luckily, I got lucky. Upwork notified me and mentioned to me that there seems to be a problem with his account. Possibly something fraudulent. He contacted me and I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but it happened again the next day. 42hrs into my project (at $35 an hr) My funds were reimbursed (Thank god!!). Freelancer fired.
What is wrong with these people!? You try to give somebody work and they're playing games with you.
Now, what did I learn??
1) Be Prepared! In every way possible. Negotiate an "Example" before you commit to the full project. Also,
vague instructions will not cut it. Every little detail must be listed. EVERYTHING! I noticed this while viewing the build.
2) Be Aware! Productivity levels listed were shown as very productive. But screenshots seemed to tell an opposite story. After viewing the screenshots a little closer, I noticed is using 2 screens. Screenshots are only captured from one. Who knows what he could've been doing on the other screen. 42hrs into the project and nowhere near completed.
3) This is Business! (And my money). I gave him the benefit of the doubt once after his explanation, but not again. Your problems should NEVER be my problems. Especially when it is potential fraud! Its business, leave your emotions at the door.
4) Communication! This person lacked the ability to properly communicate with me. I asked if he read the instructions and understands the project, all I got was a simple "Yes". Thats it?? You seriously have no questions?? This was my pet peeve! Yes, I provided him with detailed instructions, but I don't even think he read them completely. Establish SOLID COMMUNICATION! ALWAYS!!
2 weeks wasted... Moving on... Need to get this MVP ASAP!
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