Firing your Web developer.??

[volcom5799]

Hey guys,
So i have been having major problems with my current web designer and want to fire them. They have not shown me any progress in the sites development for over 5 months and its been ridiculous. I have already paid for 50% of the project which seems standard for many design firms. But with the lack of progress from them i want my money back.

So how would you all suggest going about getting this done? Politley over an email, get a lawyer, file with the better business bureau. Some advice to relax me in this task would be great. I got to get rid of these guys and get a full refund because i have already found a reliable designer that has done great work recently for friends.

[Ergo1]

Welcome to the ugly truth. I learned very quickly that there are a lot of shady web designers. I would suggest calling them and then following up with a written complaint, specifically asking for your money back.

Did you have them sign a contract before you gave them 50%? That would make this whole situation much easier.

[volcom5799]

Yes we had a contract with the estimated price and development schedule. I just get the feeling this is going to be a long process which i dont have time for. I have already wasted a 9 months waiting for them to get a basic model out for the site. I want to start now with this other company but need the money first. UGH

[Ergo1]

Are they local?

[volcom5799]

Well they are based on the west coast of the USA and i live on the east so i cant just walk into their office tomorrow.

[Ergo1]

You can try leveraging the BBB then, although I have never done that and do not know how much time it takes.

Since you have a contract, if you get someone with legal power involved it shouldn't be much of an issue. If it is and you actually have to go to court, then you can at least be compensated justly for your time lost.

[PsiPro]

Change all of your passwords that they have access to (so they can't try to hijack your domain), tell them you want your money back, and move on. If its a significant amount of money get a lawyer involved. If its not a lot of money complain to whoever you can and move on.

[Ergo1]

Good advice, I forgot to mention the passwords, very important.

[Iamnotsatisfied]

Next time try escrow deposits.

A project that takes over 9 months to complete?? I don't think web designers are the ones you're after for that kind of job. Web developers are more specialized in large scale projects because they focus on the coding side of things. Maybe those designers just scammed you into believing that their up for the job.

[volcom5799]

well they are a web development company who specializes in database building and ecommerce. I didnt even think to change my passwords which i am going to do now. Good advice there.

[volcom5799]

would notifying the BBB help me in getting my money back? Or do they just keep track of business complaints and such..?

this is what i am sending them in email and certified mail (the web dev comp) 1st draft

We appreciate your efforts on trying to take on the task of developing our website XXXXXX.com. However what was supposed to be a four to six month job as is stated in the proposal/contract has taken over a year. The only progress we have seen has been the seven basic html pages (home page, company listing, company profiles, user profiles, product listing and product details) sent to us back in October 2008. Furthermore there has been no evidence of any further progress on the sites development since this date October 13, 2008. In December of 2008 we were told you were “working on the database design and soon we will be beginning with the actual front end part of the site” and that you would “follow up either this week or next week (December 15, 2008 - December 29, 2008) an idea on when to expect the first demo”. There was never any follow up and still to this date we have not seen any sort of demo. I have been given numerous reason for the delay in progress from sickness to being out of town but still with the time that has passed there is no reason why there should not be a functional demo of our site. Because of the importance of this project to our company we need to see something materialise as soon as possible. If you do not believe that you can stay true to your deadlines and complete this project within a reasonable timeframe which we can further discuss then we will need to terminate this project with your firm and expect a refund on our monies spent. Please contact me immediately at xxxxxxx@gmail.com so we can resolve this situation quickly.

i have saved all the emails that i have recieved from anyone related to this company so that is good as well i guess. they are really giving me the run around.

[Lambo]

good write up.....you need to be more aggressive in your approach from now on in....business is all about learning.

[website_designer]

If you have someone who has a good team it should'nt go that way. Freelancers sometimes bite more then they can chew but a larger team can handle more. If you need a site done I have a team that consults with you over the phone and a design team. We build CMS sites so you can update and manage them on your own, which can free you from dealing with website developers.

anyway im not trying to spam I do wish to contribute to this forum but if I can help you with anything send a PM.

[volcom5799]

ok well i just heard back from them and they have told me they will get back to me by monday while they look at the options. Let you know how it goes

[stand856]

well they are a web development company who specializes in database building and ecommerce. I didnt even think to change my passwords which i am going to do now. Good advice there.

Keep in mind that a good developer always makes backdoors for themselves.