The Underscore Archives

Evening all,

I took a client on a few weeks ago who later accepted my quote to build his
website.

A significant chunk of the development time (around 70% of the overall cost)
was for ActionScripting which I don't do, so I arranged a freelancer to do
that piece of the work.

Now cut to a few weeks later - admittedly slightly behind the client's
unrealistic deadline - a first proof of concept of the flash app (functional
rather than designed) was sent to the client for first feedback. The client
failed to see the functionality was there, and threw toys out of pram
suggesting that the functionality does not match his brief (it does... and
he signed off on that brief). All attempts to reason with him/implement his
feedback/changes have failed.

Situation now is he's saying he doesn't want to proceed, has no faith that
end product will meet his needs etc etc.
I'm saying that cost to date will be charged. He's responding with 'no, I
want my deposit back' and see you in court if you think that's the case
style antics.

Now the crunch. Obviously my company has to pay the actionscripter we've
used down in Brighton - he's done his job, it does match the spec and it's
obvious he's put the hours in to it...

Now (shout fool now) I don't issue a formal contract, after legal advise
suggested that they rarely pay for themselves, but the client has (by email)
accepted the statement of work, signed off on the brief, and paid a 20%
deposit. Do I have any comeback, or is this something that realistically
will not stand up and cost more in fees to try and fight?

Any tips/suggestions/get over it statements welcomed...


Cheers,

Steve