I've recently had the misfortune of hiring a developer who failed to deliver a working product by the arranged date.
I have the software, but it produces errors on installation. The developer said the product works.
I had wanted to give the developer the benefit of the doubt, but they have ignored all requests to show me a working demo. I set up a website specifically so that they could install the software, but they have done nothing (it should be a matter of uploading the zip and changing a few things in the configuration). They have also ignored all requests for information on their configuration. Actually it is really difficult to get any reply from them at all.
It is almost 1.5 months after the deadline.
Possible ideas
- Have a third party check the software.
- Put in a claim with Paypal (although I think it is too late and
isn't covered anyway). - Make it public (I'm assuming it isn't defamation because it is
true).
QUESTION: What should I do (or not do) about this?
EXTRA
- I've noticed that even if the software was to work there are a number
of features that I requested (prior to their acceptance of the job)
that they have ignored. - I've found comments on the web about the company saying that this situation is
normal for them. They seem to use errors in their software as an
excuse to extort more money from their clients. Actually this was a relief as it backed up my belief that I'd been scammed. - They don't have a phone number on their website.
- The developer is based in the US.
EDIT:
The arrangement was that I paid 25% of the cost of the development. The developer would keep all rights for the product. The product was integrating an already existing open source component with a CMS. I produced icons and did the styling for part of the component (completed). The developer would have the component done with the features I requested by mid December.
EDIT2:
The developer said that they would be able to provide all the features I requested.
EDIT3:
There is no documentation with the software.
Best Answer
From the attitude you have described, I don't think you can comfortably rely on the code you have even if some of the functions work.
The guys don't look professional and I would not use such a software for anything serious. As a result hiring a consultant to look at it won't really work well if the software is large. It is not easy to evaluate the correctness of a software you don't know about without serious work.
I guess it all depends on how much the 25% you paid represent to you...?
If the amount is not that large, then taking them to court may cost you more money and effort than what you have paid. Also, publishing the information may again cost you.
If the amount you paid is not significant, I suggest you leave it at that. This is of course not a happy decision but I think it may be the least expensive in terms of effort and money. You could also ask a lawyer about the expected fee the lawyer would ask for and take that into account. But when it comes to law, consider that you may not win. It is always possible.