Should I pay a programmer before getting the source to my program?

[CunningStunt]

Hired a short term contractor for a week's work - really want to get the source code for the program (especially as he's in a different country) prior to paying him. He's done a good job but never used the guy before so of course trust is zero.

Should have agreed it at the start - wasn't clear enough my end...

Should I pay him and take a risk? I can make his name mud where I found him if he fucks me around, but that's no great shakes if he logs in as someone new.

[DateDoc]

Look at it from his shoes too. He doesn't know you, hasn't worked with you before. He has done the work and shown it to you. Pay him 50% now and 50% on delivery.

[CunningStunt]

Look at it from his shoes too. He doesn't know you, hasn't worked with you before. He has done the work and shown it to you. Pay him 50% now and 50% on delivery.

Good point BP.

[sortie]

Except for fine restuarants and bars, you pay for it before you get it.

Giving somebody software and then expecting them to pay is not smart.

Based on this question alone, I suspect some programmers reading this will never do a job for you.

[k0nr4d]

Look at it from his shoes too. He doesn't know you, hasn't worked with you before. He has done the work and shown it to you. Pay him 50% now and 50% on delivery.

Werd, that's how myself and every coder I know do things, unless its a regular client or a really small job for like $200-$300 or less. I develop on my own server, and deliver code and perform install on their box after payment.

[TheLegacy]

well I assume you have everything on paper - including benchmarks and payment schedule if those benchmarks are paid. Remember, he also needs to trust you to pay him and not fuck off with the program.

[WiredGuy]

Get the compiled code up front and exchange 50%, pay remaining 50% for the source.
WG

[sortie]

Get the compiled code up front and exchange 50%, pay remaining 50% for the source.
WG

What if it's written in perl....

[CunningStunt]

Except for fine restuarants and bars, you pay for it before you get it.

Giving somebody software and then expecting them to pay is not smart.

Based on this question alone, I suspect some programmers reading this will never do a job for you.

I'd never use a programmer who's ever worked here. I am sure I'd be seeing my program all over the web in less time than it takes me to set up a site

It's cool - he's sent the source across just now. Will pay him immediately.

[nikooo]

Look at it from his shoes too. He doesn't know you, hasn't worked with you before. He has done the work and shown it to you. Pay him 50% now and 50% on delivery.

That is a good option..........

[darksoul]

What if it's written in perl....

man perlcc

[WiredGuy]

What if it's written in perl....

Setup a wrapper in perl2exe
WG

[sortie]

man perlcc

That doesn't work 50% of the time and it can be "uncompiled" even when it does work.

[Sydney Sin]

yes, i think partial payment is a good idea w/ a contract.

[sortie]

I'd never use a programmer who's ever worked here.

Actually, I would rather find someone on this board to work with.
If something goes wrong it's more likely to be resolved on this board than on some other board.

people on this board have a "rep" to protect and are working in a smaller, closer knit community. Don't be fooled by all the flames here.
Flames are simply the prefered GFY method of negotiation.

[AdultDeals]

Can do it like a lot of people do transactions if you are using an instant payment service - get him on the phone and do the email/paypal/whatever transaction while you have him on the phone and confirm that everything is done before you get off the phone. It'll be nearly simultaneous exchange and you will have him there in case he tries to scam you.