How (or where) to find a good developer?

Hello to all.

I am looking for a PHP developer for a new project that I am about to embark on. This is the first time that I have ever requested such services, and I'd like to get some input from the group.

First off, where is a good place to start with this process? I need a completely custom process to use with a proprietary concept.

Secondly, is there a way to do a "background check" on reputable firms or individuals?

Other questions might include:

A) is it a good thing to outsource to offshore companies?
B) how to ensure confidentiality of process?
C) how do I know that my code won't end up in bad hands?
D) what sort of contractual agreements should be made? (non-disclosure, for example - is it common for this type of work)
E) what kind of rates are typical for this type of work?
F) what kind of turnaround time should I expect for a clearly defined project?

I'm just starting to ask questions, and I'll learn alot in the process - but I need a good start. If there is anything else to be addressed, I'd appreciate the input.

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Send me a personal credit report, 2 letters of recommendation, and financial statements for your corporation/LLC for the last 36 months, and I'll tell you if I'm available.

The first step is to ask your questions in the appropriate forum. Moved to Business Help ...

When you're ready to offer/hire, post in Hire A Programmer.

I'm very sorry. I'll make sure that I pick the more appropriate category in the future.

Anyway, back to those questions...

Can anyone please give me some direction on this subject?

Thank you.

Unless you can meet a person face to face, you'll never know how long their shadow is.

What is your ultimate objective? If you are developing a project that is web based and will rely on traffic to generate business then take the attitude of "show me what you've done". You can find a bunch of talented programmers without an ounce of business sense or the ability to optimize your website. I have been developing web projects now for several years and it has been a slow and steady progression. I started with the basics (html and graphics) and gravitated to the more advanced areas such as programming and search engine optimization. If you are looking at a web based project look for someone (or a company) that is well rounded and skilled. Ask them to show you their work to include search engine results. The latter does not lie. I constantly show clients page one afte page one of search results from Google, MSN, Yahoo! etc. After I show them I give them the emails and phone numbers of those clients so they can call them directly and ask for feedback. Hope this helps.

Ask for a real name and "google" it. There are more expensive or time consuming ways to check.


- It is more complicated to enforce a contract.
-You have to be sure there is no language barrier.
- Some people live in a very different time zone.
- There are some unfavorable political views (not the right forum to discuss).
- You have access to a larger number of programmers asking for lower fees.

-contract
-Nondisclosure agreement
-You cannot stop some people yapping around
-make it open source

From $1/day to $200/hour
You can get better deals if you have good functional specifications (or at least clear written idea) and get quotes for the entire project.

Allow the programmers to set the time (if you can). Everybody makes mistake when under pressure. Ask for partial releases so you can keep track of what is happening.


Look for people that really listen and do what you ask.
Ignore people with canned/boilerplate text.
Have proper English (no cuz, l77t, dunno, etc.).
Start the project when you have the money for it.
Keep things simple and than improve on the existing code.
Do not change the requirements after 2 weeks of work (or be ready to renegociate).

googling names hehehehehe... this is not professional... even if you google the name your results are still limited, and there is actually no help at all... the best thing to do is

1: Ask for references.
2: Recent work history.
3: skill's.
4: sense of humor.

and last but not lest... a picture of his/her sister with a g-string bikini on ( Just joking ) that's pretty much you can ask for... all of this is just a matter of taking chances in life.

Two of the best sites :

www.elance.com

www.scriptlance.com (better in my opinion)

No.. dont go there.. they both sux... search devshed and ya will find good stuff

On the contrary I have done 5 projects with 5 programmers with scriptlance who were all top notch and delivered as promised, and who were really cheap.

I posted one small project on scriptlance. Not sure what I'll get just yet, but I figure if I keep it small, and minimize the loss potential, it will be a good way to "test the waters."

Thanks for the advice, by the way. (yoey2000) I knew about elance, and I don't care for it. Scriptlance, on the other hand, was a new one to me, and I like it (in theory) much better, so far.

We'll see how this goes.

Thanks for the advice, guys.