All too often do we hear about another start-up business that has failed due to cash flow problems as a result of poor planning. Setting up a new business does not only require a “good business idea” but also a lot of careful preparation.
Nowadays with the world of e-commerce being the most effective trading tool available to businesses it makes an internet presence a must. A simple Google search will display hundreds of website developers offering a standard form of contract that will allow you to get started almost immediately without further negotiation and/or meeting the designer in person. Some providers even entice you to proceed without there being a written agreement in place. It seems that things could not get any easier, but this is when the trouble usually starts.
There is a great likelihood that your website at this particular point in time will become your company’s greatest asset. It is therefore in your best interest to meet the web designer and to seek independent advice, before signing on the dotted line as this could potentially either make or break your business. It is probable that you have not budgeted for any legal expenses, although no doubt you will benefit in the long term having incurred the additional expense at the outset. As a start -up business it is likely that you have customer/ projects or launch dates lined up and therefore time, amongst other factors, will be of the essence.
A common problem that arises with regard to website development is the time limits in which a website is to be built. The reality of the situation is that unclear instructions given at the outset of the project, or the absence of a binding timescale in the agreement, will lead to delays thereby jeopardising your key project dates. This is usually also what causes frustrations, and at the end of the day disputes between the parties, with the likely result of either party looking to terminate the original agreement.
At this point a number of additional issues tend to arise, such as the question of ownership of the intellectual property, which might leave you in a position where you would have to start from scratch again, having to pay out additional funds to another website developer. Other problematic areas are confidentiality throughout the project and hosting services charges of the website.
If you would like to be prepared and not find yourself in a position whereby you know more after the event, please contact Nicky Androsov for a preliminary discussion on 01689 887859 or see Nicky Androsov's Profile.
