There are four ways developers spend their work time: 1) Communicating with you to learn about your needs 2) Making rapid progress because they know exactly w

There are four ways developers spend their work time: 1) Communicating with you to learn about your needs 2) Making rapid progress because they know exactly what to do and, rather than doing it, tell the computer to do it 3) Being stuck because they don't know exactly what to do, and are trying to figure it out. 4) Sitting around unmotivated because they're not sure they'll be paid for work they could be doing right now. Obviously you want the developer to spend as much as possible in #2. "Rapid progress" is defined in terms of your needs, so #1 is essential also. It's #3 and #4 that you want to avoid. 1. Remove all doubt that the developer will be paid. Don't look for a fixed price contract. If your project is that predictable, someone is offering it as a product, and it will be cheaper to buy that than to hire someone to reinvent the wheel. If it's not that predictable, there's risk in the situation, and foisting it on the developer can still come back to haunt you (see developer activity #4). Pay on time or (better) in advance. Be open about your budget, and the fact that you have a budget. If your developer knows that you don't mind paying money, he'll have no reservations about putting out his best work. This can be scary for you, so... 2. Remove all doubt in your mind that you'll be satisfied. The best credentials are, from most reassuring to least reassuring: ---satisfied clients that you know ---testimonials ---a portfolio of past work similar to what you're looking for ---a killer resume ---they sound smart 3. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in addition to money. The best developers spend their working time on activities 1, 2, and a little time in 3. #1 is irreplaceable. Also, a note---you're not looking for a friend. You're looking for a hired gun. Think "What would Boba Fett be like if he were a programmer?" Look for someone who's polite and professional, not hip and friendly.