How much would you pay to not have to deal with a client? [closed]

Question

A friend of mine came to me with a proposal where I pretty much do all the work (design/programming) and he deals with the client. Hes asking for 50% of the contract for the referral and to not have to deal with the client.

Seems like a lot but at the same time I would get nothing if he didn't bring me the client. I'm wondering what others would do or have done in similar situations. thanks

Answer 1

Just remember that you are still dealing with a client - your friend. When he gets squeezed by the client, he'll presumably be on your case. And, given you have a prior relationship, this could get quite uncomfortable.

Answer 2

Having someone to deal with the business issues related to contract programming might be a good idea if you feel that this is something you don't do well or don't want to do. Paying 50% of the contract for it seems unreasonable, unless it's actually a partnership. If you're thinking of a partnership that would require a lot more thinking about how well you would work together and some reasonable estimate of how much work you would each actually do.

Personally I wouldn't want to put someone between the client and myself with regard to the requirements and priorities. I think that's just a recipe for building the wrong application. I'd advocate for a closer relationship with the client rather than isolating yourself.

If your friend is willing to go out and find business and needs you to actually get the job done, I'd suggest that you might want to contract with him at the rate that makes sense for you do to the work. That is, your contract ought to be with him. He can add whatever premium seems reasonable and the actual client will accept. Personally, I'd insist, though, on being able to deal directly with the client on the technical details.