Dealing with client direct

[AttitudeAdjuster]

Hi all,

I am doing a private job, independent of main line of work. This job is a web site dev of a fairly simple app but the problem I am finding is that the client keeps changing the requirements. So I will for example redo the code (PHP BTW), to satisfy his needs then along comes another change. In all this I have not done much of the backend DB work as the front end keeps changing!. He is now asking for an estimate to complete but I am going to respond saying that I need to pin down the features before I can oo that. There is also the small matter of migrating from my site to his.

So my question is this: how can I deal with this diplomatically? I have in the past sent a page of 'features' to get some kind of agreement and this is what I need now. Anyone else had experience of this kind of problem?

Thanks for any pointers.

[Cowboy Bob]

Rule no 1 - Do not start work until you have signed off requirements
Rule no 2 - DO NOT START WORK UNTIL YOU HAVE SIGNED OFF REQUIREMENTS

I also state in my T&Cs that all bugs will be fixed for free, but any changes resulting from updated requirements will be charged on a per hour basis. Then I wait for the purchase order before laying a finger on the keyboard.

For your situation I suggest getting the remaining requirements signed off and saying you are unable to proceed until this is done. Otherwise this will be a never ending cycle and you'll never finish - I've seen it before. No need to be diplomatic - be business like and professional, but put your foot down.

[TheMonkey]

I do the same thing except all bugs will be fixed for FREE for a month and then they get charged per incident. Stops the usual "we've not tested it for 2 months and nothing works like we wanted" thing.

Charge hourly with an estimate as well - they can change it as much as they like then.

Also, define a bug precisely!!!!!

[AttitudeAdjuster]

I appreciate your advice, obviously you guys have done more of this than me!

Cheers

[TheMonkey]

Just think of all ways to get screwed and eliminate them one by one. It's the client's job to try and screw you.