Ask HN: Contracting – Request payment first or analyze app and submit proposal?

2 points by _skhan_ 4 years ago | 1 comment

I am doing some contracting work on the side and was wondering how others go about a tricky situation.

The client wants me to analyze the application given a set of requirements and then submit a proposal and quote. However, the mere act of analyzing the app / code would basically be working. I know in other fields, a quote is usually given for free. For example, inviting over a contractor to evaluate a site plan.

So, should I pull the code, run the application, analyze the requirements and then submit a proposal or request payment to even begin looking at it?

verdverm 4 years ago |

People do not expect to pay to get a contract together.

If you need to look at it (and possibly run it) to figure this out, don't spend too much time or charge enough on the contract that it makes up for it. But then you might not win the contract, so tread carefully.