They requested my assistance in developing a chatbot for a specific website, where it would generate pre-programmed responses.

In the past, when creating bots for VK, I would upload scripts to my hosting, and they functioned without any issues. Now, should the customer provide the script code and handle the hosting themselves? It is unlikely that they would prefer this arrangement since any server malfunction or failure to pay could cause their script to stop working. However, on the other hand, the customer may want to avoid dealing with hosting altogether.

What would be the optimal approach? Should I develop the script, hand over the necessary files, and leave it at that? Or should I include the cost of hosting in my pricing, upload the files onto their server, and provide them with login credentials to manage it independently?

The optimal approach will depend on various factors, including the specific needs and preferences of your customer. However, here are a couple of options you can consider:

1. Develop the script and provide the necessary files: In this approach, you can develop the chatbot script and provide the customer with all the required files. This way, the customer can handle the hosting themselves and have full control over their own server. They can upload the files to their preferred hosting provider and manage it independently. This option may be suitable for customers who already have their hosting infrastructure set up or prefer to have full control over their hosting environment.

2. Include hosting in your pricing: Alternatively, you can offer a package that includes the cost of hosting in your pricing. In this case, you would upload the necessary files onto the customer's server and provide them with login credentials to manage it independently. By offering this option, you take care of the hosting-related concerns, ensuring that the chatbot continues to function even if the customer faces server malfunctions or fails to pay for hosting services. This option may be suitable for customers who want a hassle-free experience and prefer not to deal with hosting on their own.


keep in mind:

1. Technical expertise: Assess the technical expertise of your customer. If they are comfortable managing hosting and have experience with it, they may prefer the first option where they handle hosting themselves. If they lack technical expertise or would rather focus on other aspects of their website, they may prefer the second option where you include hosting in your pricing.

2. Support and maintenance: Consider whether you're willing to provide ongoing support and maintenance for the chatbot. If you include hosting in your pricing, you might also need to offer support for any hosting-related issues that arise. This can be an additional value-add for your customers, but make sure to factor in the time and effort required for such support when determining your pricing.

3. Scalability and performance: Evaluate the potential scalability and performance requirements of the chatbot. If your customer anticipates heavy traffic or needs to scale up their server resources, they might prefer to have control over hosting so they can make necessary adjustments independently.

4. Cost implications: Assess the cost implications for both options. If you include hosting in your pricing, consider the costs associated with maintaining and managing the server infrastructure. On the other hand, if your customer handles hosting themselves, they will need to bear the hosting costs separately.

When starting a web project, it is important to inform the customer about the need for a specific hosting server. There are two options: hosting it from within your own infrastructure, which costs 3 rubles, or purchasing a separate hosting service for 30 rubles.
While it is possible to explain these requirements at the end of the project, it can give the impression of additional charges, as they were not included in the initial cost.

Do it as the customer desires. Each customer has unique situations, so there is no definitive "correct" approach. If possible and the customer agrees to pay, then the chosen option is right. Sometimes the customer provides a specific technical specification for deployment, while other times they ask for detailed instructions. Anything can happen. However, if it is unclear what the customer wants, it's important to ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.

If the customer lacks understanding in the subject matter, take some time to explain the main options to them. You can silently include this additional time in the deployment price or consider it an investment in advertising, for example.

If you are unable to effectively communicate the options to the customer, regardless of whose fault it may be, it indicates a problematic order in any case.