Is this against the ethics?

[USA282]

Okay, so I *kind of* hired a guy for some work. After finalizing the payrate and everything, I told him that I'll provide all details about the assignment once I receive the details from my client. We didn't sign any contract but I verbally assured him that I'll assign him the work.

Meanwhile, some other guy also applied for that position who is wayyy better than the first guy in terms of quality of work and he also agreed upon the same payrate.

I'm usually a man of my word so I might feel guilty if I hire the second guy, but since the quality of work is my top priority, I'll go with the second guy.

Should I feel guilty about this situation?

 

[Scorpion Ghost]

No guilt. All is fair in money

But if you promised the first guy the job it would be nice of you told him the job is off as soon as you know for sure. Maybe he is waiting on it and it's preventing him from looking for a different job.

Not that thats your problem, but you know.

 

[davids355]

You could look at it another way; if the first guy is chargin you the same rate for a lower quality of work then he’s trying to over-charge you. So he’s in the wrong rather than you.

 

[nakamura]

Go with the second one. Don't think in terms of your principles or ego, think about whats good for your business.

Also, I hope you learn the lesson: Never make promises you can't keep. Its better not to jump into conclusions asap. Always keep a distance.Its better to say something like "Thank you, I will consider working with you. I will let you know later"

 

[DE_GAME]

I would go to the first guy if I had promised and assured him of the job and show him work of the second to achieve the same quality, he might put in a lot of hope getting the job from you.

But if you told him something like I would get back to you, I would go for the second.

 

[USA282]

I would go to the first guy if I had promised and assured him of the job and show him work of the second to achieve the same quality, he might put in a lot of hope getting job from you.

But if you told him something like I would get back to you, I would go for the second.

hmmm. I admit that I shouldn't have promised him. This would serve as a lesson for me to be careful in the future. His hopes are definitely high about this but what can I say, that's a part of life. I might end up being a dick but I think it's sometimes important to be a dick I think it would be a bigger mistake to let go off the second guy knowing that his quality of work is significantly better.

 

[Xdfffninja]

Fuck no! It's business.

 

[xReminisce]

Put it this way,
I would go with your personal gut feeling.
Even if it is putting person 1 in a shitty position, its a life experience to improve.
You never know, maybe person 1 would be worth it a few months down the line, outperforming person 2 if he only got a shot at it.

 

[Jopeyes]

Sometimes you got to be 'selfish' in business(to some extent). In your case it's not really bad, do what's best for your business.

 

[SpawneR]

I would pick the second guy, BUT...

I would be very clear to the first guy why I ditched him, and tell him maybe how to upgrade his work, or change pay rate accordingly.

That's something I would like to hear from someone ditching me for a job, which is, by the way, really normal in the business world.

 

[USA282]

I would pick the second guy, BUT...

I would be very clear to the first guy why I ditched him, and tell him maybe how to upgrade his work, or change pay rate accordingly.

That's something I would like to hear from someone ditching me for a job, which is, by the way, really normal in the business world.

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. He'll be pissed off anyway, so better if he knows the reason.

 

[Stuffedegg]

Obviously, we have no details about pay, job, the time it will take, etc. However, Why not reason with him? Say you have had another offer, and the work seems better, or they are offering more or charging less, or whatever.

So, as a test, pay both a small amount to do part of a job (if that is possible) tell them both that you are putting them up against each other, both of them with the knowledge that the winner takes the job.

Again, not sure if it is possible with this job, but I am pretty certain that some people will have other peoples work as examples. So it could be that you will find the second guys work is actually no better.

It may cost you slightly more at first, but you will be in a better position to figure out who is best. Plus, if the second really is better, the first will know there is a possibility of being dropped before it happens.

 

[EroMediaBV]

not sure what the work is for but if the guy gets a lot of customers/clients he wont even notice that you didn't go with him. I have a design business and can track how many customers didnt pull the trigger on my businesses services from my number of pending paypal invoice requests. Usually 70+ a month it doesn't even bother me it just is what it is.. maybe they went with someone else, decided they didnt need it, etc. If he is someone with not much work in his line of business maybe he will really pester you about it since he will be desperate for the money from the job.

 

[imanseptian]

If you feel guilty, then you still a human being.

 

[rrokotele]

No

 

[Deleted member 15724]

If you feel guilty, then you still a human being.

This. As far as business ethics go, you have to do what's best for you.

When you break the news, just remember the second (better) candidate might not work out, so make sure to keep a good relationship just in case.

 

[M1ila795]

it's business nothing personal goy

 

[Sound777]

motivation to be the first to improve quality)

 

[Lukadruy]

If I were in this situation and I have the money to at least pay for the time wasted for the first guy, and be transparent about it(found someone else). Time is money as I think you will agree on this, I suggest to just pay some kind of fee to the first guy for compensation of the time being wasted. I think this would been the best option if you feel bad about it, the price doesn`t have to be huge or something. About the first guy he probably had plans to delay due to the promise you made your probably can see where I am going with it. Good luck do what you think its best!

 

[AdmiralKunka]

If i promise someone something i will keep my word. If i didn't i would feel guilty and i hate feeling guilty for not keeping my word.

I had almost same situations with two designers and i ended up hiring the the first guy which his work appeared to be less attractive but when the job was done i was so satisfied with his work. Later i tried the second guy who had some great samples and in the end i was disapointed by his work.