Advice for Commissioning Software

• The clearer the idea you have, the more chance you will get what you want and avoid overspend.
• Look at the competition and what else is already on the market. Find websites you like the look of, if appropriate. It is a great help to a developer to see examples rather than have descriptions.
• Focus on the process, be clear what happens at each stage. Consider exceptions, what happens if data is not complete etc.
• Keep things as simple as possible, and focus on the essential functionality you require.
• Staged approach is much better, add refinements later. This will contain and spread development costs.
• Dont under estimate the time and resources you and the business need to put in to successfully implement a new project. The developer can't do everything for you.
• Ensure the whole team or company are involved and give them oportunities to contribute. The more people involved better chance something essential is not overlooked.
• Request to see progress regularly.
• Stop if you dont think you are getting what you want.
• Insist on copyright, its your ideas, and you are paying.
• Get answers to all concerns : What happens if the developer is run over by a bus?