Is there a cool tool you’ve been dying to add to your site? Do you need a database built, and quick? If you can’t afford an in-house programmer, check out Scriptlance and Elance.

They are auction sites: You submit a description of your project, and programmers bid on it. You can review a programmer’s rating and look at his or her previous jobs. Projects go for as little as $10, though most average a few hundred. Elance, which is more user-friendly than Scriptlance, also offers the services of designers, writers, accountants, and more.

On HighRankings.com, Web consultant Scottie Claiborne, who has used Scriptlance several times, offers good tips for making sure a project goes well  But take a look at the comments too; other folks have been less pleased.