Don't tell the agency 'finish the project, I'll pay later' — what should the payment plan look like?

let's separate the concepts they're getting mixed up. tbh the answer vraies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

prroven by experience.

Timely topic. I mean when making decisions, write down the worst-case scenario too, not just the best.

You're right, I've been down that road too. Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate.

Proven by experience.

Three different views emerged, they all complement each other. Code without setup documentation isn't yours, even if you have it.

Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

you're right, I've been down that road too. the answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

hope this helps.

Do you think this works at any scale? Implementing a change request process doesn't slow things down, it speeds them up.

Good luck with that.

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. When you try to change everything at once, nothing settles.

That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

I've been down this road, let me tell you. Weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more. This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

You're right.

exactly like that. i mean the harder it is to reverse a decision, the sloer you should make it.

hope this helps.

Noted, thanks.

Yes, that's exactly how it is with payment schedule. Mistakes made on the payment schedule side are usually reversible but expensive.

Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.

I'll argue the opposite, don't get mad. The real issue isn't the number, but what it's based on.

If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.

Saved.

I have a question, don't want to go off-topic though. If scope grows, either time or budget must grow. There is no third option.

Good luck with that.

Exactly like that. Start with a small trial; don't commit to everything at once.

Just leaving this note it might be useful.

You're right. Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later.

Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way. Correct me if I'm wrong.

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. If scope grows, either time or budget must grow. There is no third option.

Implementing a change request process doesn't slow things down it speeds them up.