September 5, 2025

How to avoid getting scammed?

How to avoid getting scammed when hiring a developer? I saw this question on Reddit (r/web_design) and below you will find what I replied.

I am a business owner and web developer at usecue.com. This is my approach: I will build your first project for free or for a reduced price, to keep your risk low. This gives us both the opportunity to get to know each other and see if we are a fit. If we are, I will make sure we both profit equally from every project. I will keep conversation about this topic open. I ask a small fee for building the website and I get a small monthly fee for hosting and for support on the CMS. My prices are in general equal or lower than what your client was paying before, which makes it an easy sell. I have optimized and automated most of my processes (and I have volume). Because of this I can ask relatively low fees and still make enough money. What I do NOT do is have strict contracts. Projects are messy. We both want happy clients. It will be bad for the both of us if we underdeliver EVER. In a good relationship we elevate each others business. Therefore, I will always share some of that risk and add an extra review round or extra functionality without any fuss. I know that nothing works as well as good publicity and word of mouth. A good developer makes sure his designers thrive, so the relationship can be long and succesful. Most of my clients are not only long-term relationships, but they have also become good friends. Find a developer with that attitude. It will not only be good for your company, but it will make your work more fun as well!

()  Joost van der Schee