What if it all goes wrong?

[invision2]

Hi,



We're choosing a shopping cart for a client, and it's between CubeCart and Avactis.



Now, I wonder once set up, what happens if something goes wrong, and the client lose money?



Do we need a contract that excludes us from liability, if say, the server were to crash.

I think using one of the above solutions should narrow the number of 'issues' we have, but are there any contracts that you guys use to cover your backsides



Thank you.

[Romuba]

Surely as with anything, if the reason for loosing money is due to errors on your part or that you should have accounted for then you are liable. If on the other hand a server goes down that is not under your control (unless of course you own the server!) and therefore cannot be held responsible.

As with any contract you should exclude liability for anything that is not directly under your control and/or influence. In South Africa we are currently having major electricity cuts and the provider is not being held liable for the millions being lost by all companies when they are suddenly plunged into darkness! (aka the server going down).

[invision2]

Thanks, that's what I needed to know.
I build sites with CSS, PHP, XHTML, MySQL but it's my first time using an 'off-the-shelf' eCommerce product(Avactis) and so I'm a bit anxious about some of the 'what if' questions.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[shadowbox]

Liability clauses in your contract are a must, but just because your client agrees to them, it doesn't mean they will stand up in court. It is usual for web developers to get professional indemnity insurance, as this is will cover any costs of being sued in cases of negligence and the like.

[mobyme]

Professional indemnity insurance is an absolute must if you intend to get involved in anything to do with e-commerce. Operating without it is akin to playing Russian roulette.

[jt_va]

I suggest you do nothing then bail out when it all goes south.

[dvduval]

I ask myself this question quite often!
You need to think carefully about the important details, and it sounds like you are doing that. This is healthy, and you should feel confident that you crafting a well thought plan for success.

[Fergal]

You might consider contacting your local insurance company / broker to get a quote for liability insurance.