how we work together.

the short version

every engagement starts with a paid discovery session. from there, we agree on scope in writing, give you a fixed quote, and build exactly what we scoped. you own what we build. we don't lock you into anything. we're clear upfront about what's included and what isn't.

discovery session

all engagements begin with a paid 2-hour discovery session. this is working time — we map your problem, review your current workflows, and define what a build would actually look like. you leave with a clear scope document and a fixed quote.

the discovery session fee is non-refundable. you're paying for our time and expertise in that session, regardless of whether a project proceeds. the fee will be stated clearly before you book.

scope and quotes

after discovery, we provide a written scope and fixed-price quote. we don't pad estimates. if we quote it, that's what it costs — unless the scope changes.

if you want to add to or change the scope after work has started, we'll discuss it, agree in writing, and adjust the quote accordingly. no surprise invoices. changes are always agreed before we action them.

payment

payment terms are agreed per-project and stated in your quote. typically: a deposit before work begins, balance on delivery. for retainer arrangements, invoices are monthly in advance.

late payments may result in work being paused. we'll always communicate before that happens — we're not trying to catch anyone out.

what you own

the build is yours. the code, the logic, the system — all of it. on final payment, full intellectual property transfers to you. we don't retain rights to what we build for you, and we don't lock you into ongoing payments to keep using it.

the exception is any third-party tools or libraries with their own licences — those remain subject to their respective terms, which we'll flag during scoping.

how we build

we build everything in-house. no outsourcing, no offshore handoffs. one point of accountability. what we scope, we build.

we may use third-party services (apis, platforms, infrastructure providers) as components of the build. these will be identified during scoping. costs for these services are either included in the quote or passed through transparently — we'll always be clear which.

handover and documentation

every build includes handover. we won't drop code in your lap and disappear. you'll receive documentation and a walkthrough sufficient for you (or another developer) to operate and maintain what we've built.

ongoing support

post-handover support is not assumed — it's scoped separately. if you want ongoing support or a retainer, we'll agree that in writing. what's not in the scope isn't included.

cancellation

if you need to cancel a project after work has started, you'll be invoiced for work completed to that point. we won't charge for work we haven't done. discovery session fees are non-refundable regardless.

our liability

we build carefully, but software is never perfect. our liability is limited to the value of the work we were paid for. we are not liable for indirect losses, lost revenue, or third-party failures beyond our control.

if something we built breaks because of our error, we'll fix it. that's a straightforward commitment and we stand by it.

questions

if anything here is unclear before you engage us, ask. hello@blnk.nz