15
votes
My client wants me to use pirated software. What should I do?
Client wants me to steal secret plans from the CEO of his competing company.
He sent an email today detailing where I can find the plans, how to break into his offices, and a schedule for when the ...
- 17.5k
9
votes
Accepted
Should I become a freelance web developer or a freelance software developer?
I think you should shoot high. The sky is the limit for you. You already have a lot of skills for your age. I think it is totally possible to make some money with freelance web development to pay ...
- 114
8
votes
Accepted
Should an agreement with software engineer contractor include a clause that the engineer is not liable of any company's losses?
Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to have unlimited liability.
The phrase used in contracts to prevent this is usually of the form:
'You shall indemnify and hold the Developer harmless ...
- 1,227
8
votes
Should I charge the client when I get stuck on stupid mistakes
I couldn't help but leave my own insights on this matter as two existing answers are all implying a client shouldn't be charged for his employee's mistakes.
If this question is about the right of ...
- 181
6
votes
Complicated situation with client and a never ending project
Why do you allow being treated like this? "Calling me every 2h and messaging every 15min + threatening" - WFT bro????
I would never, NEVER, N E V E R allow being treated like this.
Now, aside of ...
- 14.4k
6
votes
Accepted
Should I charge the client when I get stuck on stupid mistakes
Delays which are due to your business/working practices are typically not the clients responsibility.
Let's look at the situation with a similar scenario.....
You're working along on a client's ...
- 17.5k
5
votes
My client wants me to use pirated software. What should I do?
If you really need the job I'd look for comparable software that would be legal to use.
Personally, I'd drop the project like a hot potatoe.
- 435
5
votes
Accepted
How much do I charge to build a web app?
Pricing is notoriously difficult as it depends on several factors:
Your own desired hourly rate
What the client typically pays
The perceived value to the client
Whether the project is similar to ...
- 3,822
5
votes
How much do I charge to build a web app?
This really tells us nothing about what the application will actually do or its complexity. AND we're not here to do that for you anyway.
You can go about this two ways:
1) Pick an hourly rate that ...
- 5,323
5
votes
Accepted
Freelance programmer's monthly fees, expectations too high?
Ah, the good old fashioned "stuff works and never breaks" assumption from a non-it manager.
First up, DBA requirements. Advise them that if they do not wish to procure DBA support from you, they will ...
- 1,030
5
votes
Accepted
What should I do if a project fails?
Since you are using Upwork I suggest you try to resolve this with the client. This way both will be happy.
You made a big mistake. You continued to work although you knew that something is not ...
- 14.4k
4
votes
Accepted
How to handle computer processing time when billing client?
A way to do it, is to estimate the value of the CPU processing time against your gross margin on a regular (monthly/yearly) basis, versus a previous period (month/year).
Example:
Last month you've ...
- 96
4
votes
Accepted
If using Gumroad, is there still a need to become self employed in the EU?
Yes to the question title, no to the question in the text. Gumroad simply deals with the EU VAT paperwork for you, nothing else. Registering as self-employed, filing taxes with HMRC etc. is all a ...
- 284
4
votes
Accepted
Should I keep my IC wages the same even though I have a salaried job?
No. If you're charging less than "market", then clients may get the impression that you're taking on work for cheap because you're not very good at it. The other side of the situation is that your 9-...
- 5,323
4
votes
Starting a startup?
Let me start with the easy answer: "Hard work and commitment almost guarantees success?" No. All that does is to give you either bigger muscles or callouses on your hands. I recommend ...
- 1,555
4
votes
Accepted
Does anyone know of any free time tracking and invoicing software geared toward freelance software developers?
I've been using an MS Access app i put together to track hours, clients, create invoices from hours entered, payments, etc. Since last year i have it connected to MYSQL backend in cloud.
- 84
3
votes
Accepted
How to write technical offer?
Not sure what you mean by a technical offer. Perhaps this will help.
You write down what you are going to do, how long it will take, what the customer will get delivered at the end of it. This is ...
- 1,750
3
votes
Accepted
Creating a startup
How do I go about getting a group of members together for no pay, but
a share of the profit if we receive any.
Realistically, you either
bring along a bunch of close friends who are experts in ...
- 1,660
3
votes
Desktop software for time tracking
This might not solve directly your billing time needs, but it's really helpful to track your productivity and see where you spent your working time: RescueTime.
You install a small application that ...
- 31
3
votes
I'm converting a desktop software as a cloud service. Is there any ratio between their prices?
I doubt there is a standard ratio. Unless your product is unique, its pricing and licensing structure should be designed to compete with similar products and any alternatives to using those products. ...
- 169
3
votes
What is implicit common practice in licensing software (client Javasript) for evaluation?
OK. Your client doesn't want to sign a licensing agreement. Here's how to look at this:
If the work has not already been performed, and you do the work, it's technically a work-for-hire, and the ...
- 5,323
3
votes
Should I keep my IC wages the same even though I have a salaried job?
There are some ethical implications where your industry is concerned, in addition to personal implications.
If you wish your industry to thrive and be a viable source of income, you really shouldn't ...
- 17.5k
3
votes
Accepted
Ensuring software modules I build aren't used for illegal purposes?
...how can you ensure that they do not use it for any illegal
purposes? Especially when their work is used in multiple countries?
You cannot. But if someone asks me to write a module that secretly ...
- 1,750
3
votes
Accepted
Should I charge my clients for software fees?
The cost of doing business should be calculated as your overhead when figuring out your rates.
The tools you need to complete your work should never be directly invoiced to clients.
If you hire ...
- 17.5k
3
votes
Accepted
Is it compulsory to mention my postal address in an invoice I create?
In order to create a legal business entity in the United States a location (address) must be on file and is public record.
With the above in mind, what additional harm could come from putting that ...
- 17.5k
3
votes
How to specify a "deliverables after payment" clause?
It is common and completely reasonable. At least the source code delivery part. The "not do anything with it" isn't really common. If clients aren't permitted to do anything with the source code, don'...
- 17.5k
3
votes
How to become a freelance programmer without knowing much about Web Design?
To be honest, in my experience Web Development is already a highly saturated market (lots of people doing it plus lots of 'build your own website solutions available to the general public). It's ...
- 131
3
votes
Does anyone know of any free time tracking and invoicing software geared toward freelance software developers?
Clockify, Timecamp, and MS Access are all tools that support time tracking for developers. However, since many developers use Slack nowadays for communication, the Slack API and “slack-based work ...
3
votes
I am about to start bidding for SQL Server/database projects on Upwork/Fiverr but not sure if my software is compliant
Not a licensing expert, but here's my take and what I usually do:
The common practice is, if you're selling the software as a service, you are required to have an actual license (professional, ...
- 563
2
votes
Service charge per unit for basic computer repair/maintenance
I presume you're doing this as a freelancer rather than being employed? Are you thinking of starting up your own PC Support business where you react to client calls?
If so, you need to get a clear ...
- 51
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