I hired DevRoot Consulting to create a fairly straightforward software application. It had a few minor twists but was not complex and I provided detailed specifications so that all I needed was someone familiar with the technology to do the work.
I came across DevRoot who, through great email conversations assured me that he could do the work with no problem. Even after his bid, I asked again "are you sure that you can do the work required?" They confirmed it could be done in the time frame he estimated which was a few weeks.
Once I approved them for the work, they did not contact me for a week. I should have realized then that this was a bad sign. I had to contact them and ask why no one has contacted me. So then began the apologies which would continue throughout this nightmare.
Once we finally did connect, they needed me to talk on the phone with their coder. Even though my spec was VERY CLEAR, so I complied and wasted time explaining everything we had already discussed again. Again they confirmed they could do the work within the allotted time frame and cost.
Moving on, they required me to sign all kinds of ridiculous paperwork including some agreement stating that "they maintain the rights to common code that they create". That bothered me at first, but at this point I just wanted them to start working and get this thing done. So I signed the agreement and paid my initial work deposit.
I provided access to my server and any additional information they required including more samples of what I need and clarification on the specs.
A week went by, and I did not hear from them. Two weeks went by and I sent an email to the rep Christina. She assured me that she contacted me last week and that I would hear from them EACH WEEK.
Three weeks went by, I did not hear from them. So once again I emailed them, and they apologized and gave some excuses and promised to show me some work within the day.
Well. That day turned into 1,2 then 3 days and still nothing.
Finally, 4 days after that promise they showed me some basic interface. Now, I'm not a newbie with regards to coding. So I know that what they showed me would only really take 2-3 hours of work.in fact, most of the code was what they call "recycled code". Meaning most of it was already written and they pieced it together for my software interface. So it took them 3 weeks to actually do any work on this project.
Now I did not have a problem with this, BUT at this rate development would take a great deal of time. I was flexible and told them that the deadline is a soft deadline I just wanted the work done and done well.
The next week or so saw some work on the project and I was happy, but Steve still did not really understand the work. How someone can work on a project and not really know what it's all about is beyond me, so once he got into the actual specifics of the project, he lost interest.
I don't know if it was beyond his ability even though they assured me it was not, or they no longer cared that we had a contract and I have already paid them.
Again they wanted to talk on the phone. Another waste of time.
We are about 7 weeks now with no end in sight. This is where they disappeared the first time.
At about 12 weeks, they totally stopped working on the project, but neglected to notify me of this. When I confronted them about this Christina said that they had agreed to stop the project because it was taking too long - mind you this is their problem not mine.
Out of integrity Steve agreed to finish up my requests and fix the existing system the best he could. Great, at least I could have something to give to another coder to complete.
After a couple of weeks they disappeared again. And this was the last I heard from them.
So here I am, 7 months later, and nothing. For a project that should normally have taken 2-3 weeks MAX!
After repeated email attempts they have refused to respond to me, provide me with at least what I have paid for or refund my money.
Moral of this story: Buyer beware.US programmers can scam you!
0 comments