Do Your Homework: Don’t Get Ripped Off

Hiring a web designer can be scary. It’s a bit like going to see a doctor: they have a wealth of knowledge in a field with which you’re unfamiliar, and they use lingo and jargon to describe what they’re doing. It is therefore easy to get taken by an unscrupulous designer or developer and end up paying more than you should.

There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence of web design shops ripping off clients, bilking them for days of development time for simple additions and updates. The single best way to prevent being taken for a ride is to do your homework beforehand. Here are some simple examples:

Agree on a Project Scope
Web design projects, sort of like road construction, are notorious for ending up behind schedule and over budget. Establishing a scope of work before work begins is the easiest way to keep timelines and budgets in check.

This project scope should also include agreed-upon rates for future updates once your website launches. Familiarize yourself with standard hourly rates for the various kinds of updates that may be needed, and agree on them up front.

Get Multiple Quotes
When submitting for proposals for your web design project, don’t take the first offer that comes along. Make sure you get multiple quotes for the job. If the quotes vary wildly, either the designer didn’t understand your requirements or someone is trying to take you for your money. It’s your business, it’s your project: make sure you’re getting the most for what you’re paying.

Get a Second Opinion
If you really have no idea whatsoever about what goes into web design, bring in someone who does. This could be an outside opinion, or it could be an in-house project manager. As a business owner you don’t necessarily need to know every little detail along the way. There is a tremendous security that comes with having someone who has a handle on every step of a project, and who can advise you when you’re unsure.