Payment & Protection

Payment Structure

Recommend milestone-based payments:
- 25% upfront (secure timeline)
- 50% at midpoint (ensure quality)
- 25% on completion (incentivize finish)

Never pay 100% upfront - major red flag.

Payment Methods

• Credit card
• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Escrow service (provides protection)

Contract Essentials

Before work starts, have written agreement:
- Scope of work
- Deliverables
- Timeline
- Payments and schedule
- Revision policy
- IP rights
- Cancellation terms
- Support duration

Escrow Services

Provide buyer protection:
- Money held by third party
- Released when work completed
- Dispute resolution included
- Fees typically 2-5%

Managing the Project

Communication
- Weekly updates
- Regular check-ins
- Clear feedback
- Document decisions

Track Progress
- See work-in-progress
- Test features regularly
- Approve components step-by-step
- Don't wait until end

Give Timely Feedback
- Respond quickly to updates
- Make clear decisions
- Provide constructive feedback
- Be specific about issues

What If You're Unsatisfied?

1. Document issues clearly
2. Communicate with developer
3. Request revisions (within agreed scope)
4. Escalate if not resolved
5. Leave honest review

Dispute Resolution

If major disagreement:
- Escalate to TNCFlow
- Mediation attempt
- Formal dispute if needed
- Escrow holds funds during dispute

Intellectual Property

Clarify ownership:
- Developer owns code/design
- You own final product
- You own your content
- Agree on usage rights upfront