Hello,
A customer is asking for a source code escrow to protect themselves due to a previous bad experience with another developer. Is anyone in here familiar with these, and know how one would be set up with a bubble app?
Thanks,
George
You cannot provide it for a Bubble app. Only for a plugin that you have created.
Thanks. That’s what I was afraid of. How do I get around that concern?
You cna export the app as JSON. But the user will not be able to do a lot of thing.
If he want to be sure to keep ownership of the app: Ask him to buy the Pro and add you as collaborator. I think it’s the best way.
I would say…
code doesn’t Matter if he is going to another developer. he is leaving you because he want to add new features that you can not provide or maybe you are expensive. Or perhaps he is not comfortable dealing with you.
Now the new developer most probably will not use old code instead will write a new one. Because it is easier and faster than understanding/maintain the old code.
Now what matters are database/media/workflow (photos,information, app behavior) which you will provide once he decided to leave you. You can also support the new developer to understand the functionality/workflows of the app and database structure.
You suppose to be
1.faster in developing.
2. Less expensive
3. Providing maintenance
Basically you are an IT partner rather than a guy who build/dump the app to client.
Tell him you can download the database anytime you want. And that he have tried classic way of doing things.
Let’s him try new concept don’t worry about your code worry about how you want your app to function and i will make it happen. Let him pay for service you are providing think of it as renting a quality service.
Think of buying a house. You have to maintain that house will get old with time.
But renting a house with an option to maintain and when get old (because business evolve and way you work will definitely change) you will revamp/refresh it for him… he can keep the furniture (db,data,media) because it his. But the house is yours
New way new concept.
Tell him i am using bubble or platform that use code took a lot of time and efforts to be written which worth a lot to be given away. It allow me to build apps easier and faster. So this what i am providing for you.
I highly recommend/suggest you start building a demo or draft to show him how fast you are.
The issue is strictly because they’ve gotten burned in the past. They’re very happy with my work, but if I fall off the Earth…then what? They’re paying me monthly for the subscription on top of what I build.
Basically this is a custom-build SAAS structure. I want the monthly revenues. If I give them direct-ownership of the subscription, there’s nothing to prevent them from easily going to some other bubble developer.
I understand the reasons why a standard escrow won’t work. I’ll just have to be creative I guess.
Give them the json code (export app) + DB export. I think it’s the best option. If you leave, they can restart the app on their own account.
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Just put the login and account details in escrow, so if anything happens that activates that escrow they get full access to the details and not before.
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What is escrow?
This might help, incredibly useful for any number of different reasons. A good explanation but would apply to IP or in this instance details about the app including login details. https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-escrow-315826
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I see… a contractual pay pal for businesses 
Yeah that is one use but an escrow can also hold IP or documents to be released should a particular event happen, such as a business ceasing operation.
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Let them create and own the Bubble account
Simon