Am I scamming my client?
Posted by AdditionalReaction52@reddit | programming | View on Reddit | 10 comments
Hiya,
Strange one. Built essentially entire ERP system for client as solo-dev (outsourced some of it to friends). Client does use the system, but he’s a one / two man flooring contractor. He keeps asking for new features and does pay, but there’s something going on.
He brought on a Marketer around a month ago. No work has been done, no ads put live. That’s all good, but then he tried to isolate my client. Strange, but that story is not the reason for the post. That’s a whole can of worms in itself.
The point is, I’ve just had a scare myself. The promise of something I wanted, which seemed to be true and backed up. A little like the Church of Scientology - people back them - but for finances.
I built the system they asked for, they use it, but the doubts from this new marketer and my own experience. More funding would always be great to add more and more features (of the clients wishes). What is this? This isn’t imposter’s syndrome, and I feel I’m doing wrong by my client. I’ve delivered what they asked for, but what if software is a bit of a cult? Something to fill the void? I’ve been writing code for years, I love all things IT. Have I been indoctrinated? Am I vulnerable? Wtf is this s**t??
I’m professionally employed in the industry, been a Sys Admin, Dev, starting as SRE on Monday, and this is the first time I have encountered this perspective. Little help would be greatly appreciated. Not looking for validation; just thoughts, perspectives, and opinions.
Many thanks,
Timo
programming-ModTeam@reddit
This post was removed for violating the "/r/programming is not a support forum" rule. Please see the side-bar for details.
RepresentativeYam281@reddit
What? Me no understando the problemo very mucho.
AdditionalReaction52@reddit (OP)
Apologies. Please read other comment
RepresentativeYam281@reddit
Oh weird it didnt load those comments at first, now I see
trcrtps@reddit
lmao
ehtio@reddit
The problem is that OP thinks he is getting paid too much for what he thinks is not a very hard job.
AdditionalReaction52@reddit (OP)
No. Not complaining about pay. In fact I keep leaving places for roles with greater responsibilities, more interesting tech, and better pay.
This is about my client. Thinking from his perspective, he now has an ERP system - fully functioning to requirements and in prod) that this sham Marketer (not yet proven, but no work in a month) has made my client AND me doubt.
Client asked and paid for everything I built. It’s just that, paired with this other scam which I myself ran into this time is making me question everything, but I’m starting to feel a little better by writing everything out and answering you. Really appreciate you. Thank you.
Client paid for everything. Custom, tailored features like room-planning software, client notes, invoicing, reporting etc all in one place. Additional scraping of supplier website for their perusal. All sounds good, but to be used for one - two customers a month? Maybe this is just the point where I charge properly, large amounts upfront? Companies I have worked for charge £120k for software sometimes, and have yearly contracts for £800k with other companies. Obviously not saying I am at that level, but would help. Really strange right now, but thank you
ehtio@reddit
Just think that if a client could pay less for the same he is receiving, he will. He is not doing that because you are giving him what they want for a price they can afford. That's all.
Perhaps they would even pay more, but you won't know that.
Also, if they are paying you is because they are getting their money back times fold.
It's just business.
PS: I was half joking about you complaining about getting paid well. I absolutely understand what you mean.
trcrtps@reddit
I feel like you've done your best to describe wtf you're talking about, but more contest in def necessary. I have no idea what you're saying. Specifically between "for finances" and "i'm professionally emplyed" if that makes sense. that paragraph is hard to follow.
AdditionalReaction52@reddit (OP)
Hiya,
Yes, thank you, just a little upset.
The for finances was me. Adjacent life situation that I almost fell into (debt management) which I fell into. The people they warned me about, gave me there side, obviously I listened to all and did my own research. It’s just you don’t see believers reviewing things negatively due to indoctrination and cognitive dissonance. Brain is not braining currently and causing this uncertainty. It sounds uncertain and hard to follow because I’m not.
The professionally employed is, I am an SWE. Well I was and went self-employed (UK) for three months. Now starting SRE position. All large, reputable companies with major contracts with major brands and software in prod. Writing that part makes me feel better.
The issues are not with my career or experience, but whether I’m doing right by my client. Writing now, it sounds stupid. Just horrible situation.
Apologies.
Many thanks