FAQ
Straight answers, in plain English
No consultant speak. Just the questions small business owners usually ask before they talk to us.
- How much does a custom business app cost?
- Small builds can start around $1,000. Simple internal tools often land around $1,000–$2,500. More involved systems often fall in the $4,000–$15,000+ range. The price follows what we agree to build — we’ll spell that out before development starts.
- Can you build an app for a small business?
- Yes. That’s who this is for. You’ll work directly with me — a small-business owner in Southern Maine who builds the software. If you’re running on a mix of apps, spreadsheets, texts, and workarounds, you’re probably a good fit.
- What kinds of businesses does Hey App Works work with?
- Service businesses, shops, studios, field teams, offices — lots of shapes. The industry pages are examples, not a closed list. The better signal is the problem: too many tools, awkward workarounds, or software that doesn’t match how you work.
- What if my industry isn’t listed?
- Tell me what you do anyway. I care more about how your business works than whether it matches a menu item.
- Can you replace our spreadsheets with an app?
- Often, yes — especially when a spreadsheet has become the real system everyone depends on. We’ll look at what the sheet is doing, what needs to stay simple, and what deserves a proper app.
- Can you combine several tools into one app?
- That’s one of the most common reasons people get in touch. Scheduling here, customers there, a Google Doc for notes, texts for the rest — I can bring the pieces that matter into one place built around your business.
- Can you work with software we already use?
- Sometimes. If a tool already does one job well, we may keep it and connect around it. Other times it’s cleaner to replace the messy middle. We’ll be honest about what makes sense.
- Can you build a mobile app too?
- Depending on the project, yes — a companion iPhone or Android app can be part of the plan. It’s not automatic on every build. If it fits, we’ll include it clearly in the proposal.
- Do I own my data?
- Yes. Your customers, jobs, schedules, notes — that’s your business information.
- Who owns the software?
- I own and maintain the software. You pay to get your version built and a monthly fee to keep using it. That’s a big part of how the upfront cost stays lower than a traditional custom build.
- What does the monthly fee cover?
- Hosting, access, keeping things running, and support. More users, integrations, or heavier systems can mean a higher monthly — and we’ll say so up front. Plans often start around $100–$150/month.
- What happens if I want another feature later?
- Totally normal. We’ll quote the additional work before building it. No surprise invoices.
- Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?
- No. You don’t need to know anything about software. Tell me how things work now, what’s frustrating, and what you wish existed. I’ll translate that into a plan.
- Can you help me figure out what the app should do?
- Yes. We’ll figure out what’s actually frustrating you before we talk about what to build — who does what, what happens when, and where it gets messy — then I’ll write a clear proposal.
- What if I’ve already built part of an idea using AI?
- Cool. AI tools are great for drafts, prototypes, and little helpers. I can turn the bigger idea into a complete app your business can use every day — with accounts, data, workflows, hosting, and ongoing care.
- How long does it take to build a custom business app?
- It depends on scope. Smaller focused apps move faster; bigger multi-role systems take longer. Your proposal will include an estimated timeline based on what we’re building.
- Is Hey App Works cheaper than traditional custom software development?
- Often, yes — especially up front. Traditional custom development can run far outside a small business’s budget. The build stays more attainable because I maintain the software and you pay monthly to keep using it, instead of paying for a giant handoff.
Still wondering if this is for you?
Tell me how your business works. If I can help, I’ll say so clearly. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll say that too.