Issues over website build

flooz-ie

I have my own little business.

I engaged someone recommended to me to build me a wordpress ecommerce website. A contract was signed with a completion date of 1st September & I paid the deposit of 50%

The "template" was put up & my logo added to it. I also sent over some pics & the background for the website which weren't used at this point.
About 1 & 1/2 weeks to go, I emailed asking what she needed from me & pointing out how little time was left. Several days later I got a list of stuff.
I sent over the bits I could & pointed out I needed to see the look of the website to help me write words.

The deadline comes & goes. We met up a couple of weeks later, she sets the background & we spend an afternoon going through it.
A week later she wants to spend another afternoon going through it with me - I give her an hour as that's all I have to spare.

So, slowly bits have happened to the website, it's gone "live". The shop part took longer as she said she was working it out.
I point out I need to edit the descriptions of items on there & add more as my Christmas ordering deadline is only a few weeks away. She says she's sent me a username & password & will send me videos on how to edit it. I didn't receive the user name or password.
She also sends me the invoice saying it's due in a couple of days.
I respond pointing out a couple of glitches but also asking about the shop which isn't set up how I asked (several times) & saying I didn't consider it finished until that was done.
She replies saying if I don't consider it finished & pay, I won't get the username & password or videos until I have paid, & that she doesn't know if what I'm asking for is possible on the ecommerce package we have or if I'll need to purchase a plug in.

I've said I can pay for a plug in if necessary & reminded her of my Christmas orders deadline.
Nothing since. She's working on other people's websites but I feel like she's just put mine aside for now. Meanwhile the clock is ticking for me.

What can I do? What comeback do I have?
I'm dependant on her to show me how to use & add items/update it etc after it's finished & provide ongoing support for an initial period (all part of the contract), so if the relationship goes too sour I'm concerned I won't get quality support & training.

Thanks.

JJ_Egan

Business to business what does your contract say ??

stragglebod

Why did you need to see the look of the website before you provided her with the copy? Surely the message you want to get across is the same regardless of the visual design?

If you won't tell her what needs to go on the site it's no surprise that it's behind schedule.