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Frequently Asked Questions
I'm in America, you're in Australia. How can I hire you?
Pretty easily. I bill in US dollars, take US checks and credit cards, and I'm equipped to work from home. Telephone calls and email should be all that's necessary to work out goals and strategies and negotiate the work.
What about taxes?
Like all consultants, I attend to my own taxes in line with the laws of my country. You aren't taking on an employee. You're buying a fixed, limited service, much like that of a plumber or tailor. Australian clients will be charged Goods And Services Tax (GST), but this does not apply to services rendered to clients in other countries.
What about consumer protection?
You will be a consumer for the purposes of the NSW Trade Practices Act, which entitles you to remedies from the Department of Fair Trading. The Department aims to be accessible to consumers, and small business claims can be settled by mediation or an inexpensive tribunal hearing. You should not need any representation in Australia in the event of a dispute. Consumer protection is still available to you as it would be when hiring a consultant in your own country.
What can I expect when I hire you?
Initially, I "meet" with the client (whether in person or by telephone or some other means) to establish their goals and needs in having a web presence. We will discuss specifics of timetable and other expectations at that time. I will supply an end product - usually a functioning website (depending on the specifics of the work). You will receive a copy on CD with documentation, and if we have agreed that I will find hosting for you, it will all be ready to go. (Alternatively you can make your own arrangements when you're ready). Depending on what's been agreed, I will either maintain it for you or train you and/or your staff to maintain it yourselves.
What happens with payment?
I require a deposit, usually 50% of the quoted price, before I begin work. For small jobs I require full payment on completion. For larger jobs, an installment schedule will be agreed on. Continued work depends upon continued progress payments. In certain circumstances I will accept other forms of payment; for instance, a financial interest in an independent film in part or full payment for its web presence. I am also more flexible for charitable organisations.
Do I need to know about the web to use it in my business strategy?
Not really, although a good knowledge of the web will help you to make the most of it. You don't have to understand the technology but it would be good to understand the dynamics of how people use the web in their day-to-day lives.
How much of the work will you do?
As much as you like. I can manage a project from start to finish. I can just make graphics. I can get you started with templates and let you take over. There are lots of levels of involvement. We're flexible. After all, this is for you.
Will you be able to do my job?
Not always. Sometimes I get more work than I can handle. But if I can't, I can usually refer you to someone who can, and I will usually be able to give you a yes/no inside of 24 hours.
Will you do non-web work?
Yes. I'm equipped for freelance writing, graphic design, some IT training and consultancy, and more. Just ask.
So what do I do next?
Just drop me a line, and we'll go from there.
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