I wanted to set up a test env, agency called it extra work

I felt relieved reading this answer, so it's not just me. Everyone rushing into test environment setup gets stuck at the same point.

This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

If I understood correctly, you're saying: Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

If you don't write this down from the start, it leads to arguments later. Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

Let me share my experience. Weekly written progress reports are much more useful than asking for dates.

Hope this helps.

Saved. Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

You're right. The biggest time-waster for us was not knowing who had the final say.

Good luck with that.

This is exactly what we experienced. If scope grows, either time or budget must grow. There is no third option.

Here's how it went for us. If you don't write this down from the start, it leads to arguments later.

I'm also curious if anyone does it differently.

I feel the same way. When making a decision first look at what data you have on hand.

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

Exactly, and not many people know this. People defend habits, not processes. Resistance comes from there.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'd appreciate it if you shared the outcome.

I've been dealing with this for a long time. When we decide without measuring, we always end up in the same place.

Access credentials should be opened in the company's name, not personal accounts. Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

There are three things to check when doing this. Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

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

I'd say don't rush. When making decisions, write down the worst-case scenario too, not just the best.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

saved.

Let me speak from the other side; I'm on the supplier side. Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

This is my opinion I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.

I have an objection here. like the answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

I went through the same thing.

The answer above hits the nail on the head. Access credentials should be opened in the company's name, not personal accounts.

When we decide without measuring, we always end up in the same place.