Last year after losing my job due to closure I decided to try and set up my own business even though I never had much finance at all, I still prefered this to signing on the Jobcentre.

 

I contacted a web developer who agreed to make a website for me and he would be paid in full when completed. My plan was to generate enough income from the business while website was being developed to pay for it. Unfortunately due to medical problems stopping me from working as much as I wanted and the designer also adding things to the site that looked bad for business, I was unable to raise the finance.

 

There was other problems including 4 weeks without any contact, wrong info being added to site and site not completed by due date.

 

He is now demanding I pay the full amount and I was wondering where I stand as we had never signed any contract. I know many people on here will hate me but all I was trying to do was set up a business to support my family, i had never any intentions of not paying at the start.

the designer also adding things to the site that looked bad for business, I was unable to raise the finance.

 

Could you elaborate?

I guess the other question is what would you do if you did have a contract?

I guess the other question is what would you do if you did have a contract?

 

.. was going to be my response!

I'm afraid without a contract you are both at fault. The reason we insist on contracts as professionals is to protect both parties. Apart from that I'm weary to comment as we're only hearing one side of the argument here and in these circumstances It's normally both parties at fault.

 

If you can elaborate then Mayne we can offer a more concise point of view.

If the web developer delivered a working site then you probably should just suck it up and pay him. Unless a contract otherwise stipulates, all the developer likely has to do is prove that you agreed on the arrangement via email and you'd be forced to pay in small claims court.

 

Obviously, there is only one side of the story here and without a contract it's murky, but from the information provided I fail to see any place the developer didn't complete his end of the bargain.

If there is any kind of proof that you agreed to the cost etc, then you will more than likely have to cough up I will imagine.

 

I would hesitate at going down the legal route, the costs involved could leave you with a serious big bill to pay, even if you won.

Did you also tell him that you would only pay him "if you made enough money from the business" or did you make it seem like you had the funds already and would pay him on completion?