Last minute hosting change cost

[qwaerstd]

Hi
I have built a Wordpress site for a client. It is all built and ready to go but I still have the under construction page up.
It is in the contract that I will host the site, and it was one of the first questions I asked them.
However they have suddenly decided they want to host with someone else. I have not been paid at all, so I am not transferring the hosting until I have been paid for the work.
My question is, would you allow them to change the hosting at this stage, and how much would you charge (£) for the work of transferring the hosting?
Thanks

[TimIgoe]

It depends on what you'd normally charge someone if they asked how much to host the same?

Equally, what you've quoted them as a total fee.

[EastCoast]

Depends if they're overdue with payment, or if there has been other signals that might indicate they're not going to pay. I always have a line in the contract that stipulates all code remains my property until payment is made in full, and isn't transferable until then.

[cpradio]

I have not been paid at all, so I am not transferring the hosting until I have been paid for the work.

Rule #1, setup a payment schedule up front. I personally require at least 50% upfront, then depending how long the project is, may require another 25% at the 50%/75% completion mark, and finally the remainder before any goods are transferred.

My question is, would you allow them to change the hosting at this stage, and how much would you charge (£) for the work of transferring the hosting?

Charge what it would cost you at your hourly rate to transfer the site to a new host, setup any databases, etc. Estimate the best you can and then tack on 10% for unknown cost (that is what I do).

Depends if they're overdue with payment, or if there has been other signals that might indicate they're not going to pay. I always have a line in the contract that stipulates all code remains my property until payment is made in full, and isn't transferable until then.

Same here.