3. Describe the type of regular status meeting that will work for you, how often, what media, etc.
A difficult question. I prefer status meetings on netmeeting as I have problems with face to face talking. That way I get quick communication through voice, a place to record ideas in text messaging and a scribble board for both parties to play with ideas on. However, that said, this will not work for my project as my partner is extremely busy and rarely online at the same times as myself. Email and a private forum are our means of communication for this project. Not ideal, but sacrifices have to be made (he's looking after his sister's children while his brother in law is off in the Gulf).
4. Identify the risks associated with this project and list proposed contingency plans.
Luckily ther are very few risks until the stock is actually purchased. Until that time, no capital will have been invested apart from our spare time. If we buy the wrong stock, or stock that fails to sell, we will be left with a whole heap of useless stock. Contingency plans for this would be to do thourough market research before buying stock, and having an active ebay account ot sell the stock which is not successful on the website.
5. How can these tools reduce "scope creep?"
By regularly checking on where the project is, compared to where it should be according to the project plan, you can nudge the prject back on track regarding time and budget. Keeping focused ont he end result of the project is the key to this I think.