Need some advice.

Ok I been networking offline, and out of the blue I received this message.

Hi XXXX,
Jxxx Cxxxxxx suggested I contact you.

I'm hiring a web developer for a super-stylish, big-name video game company based out of NYC.

If you are interested in integrating console games, social media and web development, give me a call. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx, or email me at .


I will be calling him in the morning to find out more details and asking about a budget. I do not want to quote him on the phone, and do not think I will be going to New York to meet him face to face. However if he spits out a hell of a budget I could take the 16 hour drive!

Now where I need advice is.

What question should I ask him via over the phone?

So far I am thinking.

Name of the Company.
How do they wish to Tie all the elements of their company VIA online
Is this an hourly based job or is there a budget? (I have a feeling this may be a staffing agency? or maybe a head hunter?)
What type of consoles do they make games for?
Do they want their games integrated into their website?
Are they browser games or console games that need converted into browser based games?
Do they currently have any social media sites up and running if not have they secured their names on any social media sites?
Are they paid games or free games?
Do they plan on having a membership site?
Do they need a customized front end and back end?

Plus anything I can think of well on the phone with him.

Am I approaching this in a good manner? I know I cannot think of anything, but since there is already one middle man in my way of talking to the company as of now I am trying to gain as much info as I can. In hopes that this guy is either knowing what he is doing and understand how big of a project this could be. Or to tell if this is his first go at this as well.

I plan on being like a general contractor and hiring others at a cheaper price to make my money. To be honest if I do not make anything and breaking even if need be would still make my day.

I mainly want to get as much info and notes as I can with my first phone call. Remember this person contacting me, so he seems ready to hire me I am just hoping he is not trying to general contract me and already gave them a bid that's to low! So what would be a fair price to create such a dynamic website? I am think $10,000 bare minimum

My only advice to you, is that if you are going in to it thinking a "$10,000 bare minimum" and planning to outsource it, then you are risking a lot of trouble for yourself, and for the company. What happens when the $10,000 is gone, and the outsources tell you they need more money, or bail on the project half completed? Just something to think about.

For small specific jobs with easy to figure costs, outsourcing is great. But for a big job that will take several weeks/months, you need to be very careful.

Well The people I would be outsourcing to I completly trust, One is currently working out in N.V after spending 8 years in pitt for programing. I would not even consider this type of job, If I did not happen to also know people making games for well known consoles. Matter of fact the person who recommended me did so in hopes of me hiring him.

What I would be out sourcing that I would worry about. would be graphics design, and that Is a small worry as I have worked with a few good ones in the past.

My main worry is under bidding myself. as This would be the first huge project I would be taken on. I do have experience in this but not on this scale.

And I do welcome the advice and hope to gain more.

I am more worried about time management to be honest as my friend who knew he could do all the coding but needs me to do the web design aspect. He basically is throwing me a bone... Only contact I had with my friend who recommended me was an email from him stating he can do all the coding web and non web based if needed. I emailed him back with no response as of yet.

And if needed I would set up an escrow with my own money, always keeping the companies down payment seprate. I have enough I think to pay for this type of site on my own. And would only do so if I recived 25% up front and the other 75% is in an escrow waiting for my compeltion. Doing so could drain me how ever I rather have that safety net in place. As I would never take a job I couldnt pay for myself.(Making a company lose money can destory a business, and if I am going to risk any business it would be my own, gotta risk what you own to make more!)