Source Code to New Website?

Hi,

I'm in the market for an e-commerce website for my business. I'm in talks with several different developers, and I have a couple of questions. First, is it important to have or own the source code for the site? If I ever went to another designer/programmer, would they be able to do anything?

Second, this is my first website, I have yet to read all the articles on this site. But, what words of wisdom do you have out there, pitfalls, things to look for in a developer or in the contract.

Right now I'd like to say thank you to anyone who posts a reply to this.

1. It all depends on what your contract says, generally source code will belong to the web dev company but get them to clarify this before signing the contract.

2. Make sure and check their portfolio, anyone can say they can develop amazing sites but you need some proof. Get them to draw up a development plan and ask for feedback along the way. Perhaps suggest a couple of meetings at key points in the development to make sure you're happy with the way the site is going.

Out of interest, what criteria are you using to choose a web dev company?

We always give the source code, png files, etc to the customer at the end of the contract. It's only fair IMO.

I'm like arathra - I always give ownership of the source code and images (but not PSDs, if any). However, I do specify that while they have ownership of that copy of code, I, as the original developer, can still use pieces of that code in the future.

Usually when I'm developing a site for someone, I come up with a better way to do something and I like to be able to use that method in the future.

I feel that granting them the source code shows that I truly care about their business because if they feel they can get a better deal elsewhere to make changes to the site, then they should be free to. However, I'm confident that my clients usually like to return to me in the future. If the only way you can retain return business is by locking down the source code to yourself only, then you probably aren't a business that they *want* to hire, but one they feel they *have* to hire.

If your services are any good, then they'll *want* to return to you.