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So the core idea is: When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you

by erikb 10y ago

So the core idea is: When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you taking a cut. Sounds shady! Why not make money on the side by providing additional values? E.g. if you write a plugin that enables the customer to deliver his service, don't charge a fixed price but a yearly license fee, including updates to the software and the ability to write you an email if a question occurs. In the end being honest is always paying off more in the long run. If you do shady stuff like that it will work in the short run, but will cost you customers who just find other developers.

jermaustin1 10y ago
> When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you taking a cut. Sounds shady! What is this in regard to? I was always a product builder (I haven't done client work in nearly a decade) and if I could utilize someone else's product inside mine to not only save me development time but provide a better experience and charge more, I will do that ever time. There is nothing dishonest about that. When you get a cab from point a to point b, you are paying more than just the gas/depreciation, you are paying for the fact that someone is doing something for you. Same with every product.
- erikb 10y ago
  Yes, but if you write an app that helps me get a cab, you get a share from that one business with the cab and me. You don't get a share of the next 100 cabs I use or the next 100 customers the cab gets without your app. The service you provide should be paid well. But recurring income without telling any side of the business may even be illegal.
  - jermaustin1 10y ago
    >But recurring income without telling any side of the business may even be illegal. I am still very confused by your meaning. If you could expand it further, that would help me possibly better get my point across. I think there may be a miscommunication.
    - erikb 10y ago
      Look, you have a payment processor A and implement it in website of business B. You take a share of all the trades, have I understood that correctly? And you didn't tell either company A or B about it? I think that is probably stealing money. Don't wonder if one side figures that out that they sue you.
      - jermaustin1 10y ago
        Oh, I understand now. If your small business goes to Stripe/Square/etc you will be quoted a 3% + 30cents transaction fee. By pushing volume through them, they lower your transaction fee. As far down as 2% + 0cents. This would allow you to add value while profiting from the spread. And to your stealing money comment, all business is stealing money. You take a service that is less than you sell it for. If you were doing it any other way, you wouldn't be in business for long.
marcosdumay 10y ago
> When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you taking a cut. You mean, the customer is hiring a service from you but does not expect you to take a cut?
taco_emoji 10y ago
A "side project" is something you build on the side. If someone is paying for your labor then that is a job, not a side project.

by erikb 10y ago

jermaustin1 10y ago

> When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you taking a cut. Sounds shady! What is this in regard to? I was always a product builder (I haven't done client work in nearly a decade) and if I could utilize someone else's product inside mine to not only save me development time but provide a better experience and charge more, I will do that ever time. There is nothing dishonest about that. When you get a cab from point a to point b, you are paying more than just the gas/depreciation, you are paying for the fact that someone is doing something for you. Same with every product.

erikb 10y ago
Yes, but if you write an app that helps me get a cab, you get a share from that one business with the cab and me. You don't get a share of the next 100 cabs I use or the next 100 customers the cab gets without your app. The service you provide should be paid well. But recurring income without telling any side of the business may even be illegal.
- jermaustin1 10y ago
  >But recurring income without telling any side of the business may even be illegal. I am still very confused by your meaning. If you could expand it further, that would help me possibly better get my point across. I think there may be a miscommunication.
  - erikb 10y ago
    Look, you have a payment processor A and implement it in website of business B. You take a share of all the trades, have I understood that correctly? And you didn't tell either company A or B about it? I think that is probably stealing money. Don't wonder if one side figures that out that they sue you.
    - jermaustin1 10y ago
      Oh, I understand now. If your small business goes to Stripe/Square/etc you will be quoted a 3% + 30cents transaction fee. By pushing volume through them, they lower your transaction fee. As far down as 2% + 0cents. This would allow you to add value while profiting from the spread. And to your stealing money comment, all business is stealing money. You take a service that is less than you sell it for. If you were doing it any other way, you wouldn't be in business for long.

marcosdumay 10y ago

> When doing a job for a customer, use that time to resell other people's stuff with an increased price and don't tell the customer about you taking a cut. You mean, the customer is hiring a service from you but does not expect you to take a cut?

taco_emoji 10y ago

A "side project" is something you build on the side. If someone is paying for your labor then that is a job, not a side project.