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Outsourcing Update
By Brick | January 10, 2008
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In a previous post, I had outlined a strategy where I had identified a candidate to whom I might outsource some programming work. This strategy is based on the use of popular programmer forums. As I had mentioned, the benefit of this approach is being able to understand a programmer’s skills up front as well as their particular subject matter expertise.
Since I had identified a virtual coder (VC) candidate first, I had to go back and create a description of the programming work I wanted to outsource. A best practice is to make such descriptions as specific as possible. Here is what I came up with:
What I need done: Create a simple .NET 2.0 component, preferably written in C#, that can convert html tables to an excel file. This component must have the ability to create Excel 2000 workbooks, and to be able to specify which worksheet will contain the converted table. The component should not require third party components to run (except, of course, the MS Foundation Class Libraries). I expect to get a running version of the component that demonstrates how it can meet these requirements and all source code, including all rights to the source code.
What I already have versus what the provider will build: I can provide a sample VB6 project that converts html tables to Excel files. I am willing to provide the full source code for this component. I retain all rights to this original component and may ask you to sign a NDA.
Other context/requirements that providers will need to know: The component’s interface/API should be simple and intuitive. It should be designed on solid OO principles, the code should be well documented and as a general rule on style, methods/procedures should not exceed 50 lines (i.e. large methods should be refactored).
Specific expertise that I am seeking: You should have intermediate to advanced level .NET programming experience. Experience with programming Excel and html would be an added plus.
Timeframe for delivery: I need this component within 2 - 3 weeks.
Note: This is not exactly the actual programming task I want to outsource, but by way of illustration, this description is of the same format and level of detail as the actual programming task I outlined.
I then sent this project description to Ajay, the candidate I had identified on Planet Source Code. I also posted it on Elance based on The Four Hour Trial man’s advice. Note that there is a video from none other than Tim Ferriss himself right on the Elance home page extolling the virtues of the service (now I am wondering if the guy has shares in the company!):
If you have never posted on Elance before, it was pretty easy to set up an account and post the project for bids. It does require a $10 deposit which is supposedly refunded to you within ten days. We are told that this refundable deposit process helps them qualify “serious” posters. When posting the project I selected to use the payment escrow service:
Elance Escrow protects both the buyer and the provider. Buyer’s funds are held securely until the services are provided satisfactorily. The provider can begin working on a project knowing that the buyer has provided project funding into the escrow account.
Source: Elance.
I have read that using this service may help you get more bids on the work. I am requesting a fixed price proposal from both Ajay and Elance. I emailed Ajay and posted on Elance yesterday. So far no bids and no response from Ajay. It has only been a day, so I will wait until Monday. In the mean time I may try posting on Rent A Coder and perhaps GetaFreelancer as well.
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Topics: Outsourcing |
January 31st, 2008 at 7:37 am
[…] a previous post I described my first attempt at outsourcing. I was diligently trying to ship some software […]