Why can't you give me a price straight away?
Two spreadsheets that sound identical can be completely different inside. Quoting blind means either overcharging to be safe or surprising you later. A quick look lets me be accurate.
When would the buffer actually get used?
Hidden links to other files, data that's messier than it looks, or company IT settings that block macros. If it's needed, I'll explain what I found before any extra is charged.
Do I pay upfront?
Quick fixes: no, paid in full once you've seen it working. Automations: a 50% deposit to start, with the balance once you're happy it works. System builds are split into milestones, so you only pay for what you've seen working, before the next stage begins.
What's the deposit for, and is it refundable?
On Automation jobs, the deposit secures my time before I start. It's non-refundable if you decide not to go ahead once work is underway, for reasons unrelated to my work. If I don't deliver something that reasonably matches your quote, it's refunded.
What does a support plan actually cover?
Quick fixes and genuine faults — the small niggles. If the problem turns out to be bigger than that, or caused by how the system's being used rather than a fault in it, I'll quote for the fix separately. The monthly fee is priced for small jobs; for a larger, higher-value system, it's agreed individually as part of your quote.
What if I change what I want halfway through?
Small tweaks are part of the job. If the scope changes significantly, I'll quote the extra work first, so the ceiling never moves without your agreement.