Hiring coder for first time: Things I should look for?

[thuxen]

I'm looking to hire a coder for first time for a small project on oDesk. Normally with PHP I usually code things myself, but in this case it's a bit complicated and I don't have the time.

Is there any particular things I should ask or look out for?

The job in question is to code a payment module for a shopping cart(ZenCart) to connect with PayDollar(an Asian cc processor).

 

[ocjc07]

Ask them to see some sample code maybe?

I noticed there is already some source code provided on Zen Cart's site: PayDollar payment module, ecommerce shopping cart software by Zen Cart ecommerce solution

I've never used it before so I don't know if it's any good.

 

[Refrozen]

They're honestly basically all retarded. I can't find a single decent PHP programmer on oDesk.

 

[stmadeveloper]

If you usually code your own stuff you should see any problems just looking through their code - odesk has a pretty good sytem for disputes.

I've disputed both bad writing and bad code with no problem. I've also worked with both to fix it once the provider realized I knew more than the average bear - so you should be fine.

Use the interview process to ask them "HOW" they will do it btw. Goes a long way towards finding the right person.

 

[moomycow]

What stmadeveloper says: if they can explain how they'll implement the work, then chances are you'll get lucky.

I do the odd bit of well-paid freelance work on rentacoder, and it always amuses me how much comes from adverts where the buyer says something like "Put the phrase 'Make Monies Online' at the top of your response or I'll ignore your bid" - apparently the shit devs just don't read the advert properly to start with

 

[thuxen]

Thanks for the replies guys, ill just wing it and see how it goes!

I noticed there is already some source code provided on Zen Cart's site: PayDollar payment module, ecommerce shopping cart software by Zen Cart ecommerce solution

Yep, but that module is using the 'Hosted Payment Page', im looking to capture cc details directly on my site.

 

[kblessinggr]

Ask them to see some sample code maybe?

Sample Code? If a client could interpret how good a coder is by looking at their code, why would they need the coder?

 

[mattseh]

Sample Code? If a client could interpret how good a coder is by looking at their code, why would they need the coder?

they are a good coder, but are too busy to code everything, so are outsourcing?

 

[smaxor]

couple things:

1. references on bigger projects that they worked and met deadlines
2. general coding style do they use some subversion, frameworks, OO style, etc

Now keep in mind you don't need all those things for every project. But usually if you get a coder that is a custom to using those things you're going to get a better quality guy then just some hack.

 

[abroms]

While this isn't specific to your issue, there's a really good series of posts on oursourcing here:

Blind Ape Seo How to manage outsourced projects