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 we’re for. If you’re running on a mix of apps, spreadsheets, texts, and workarounds — or your current software almost does what you need — 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 us what you do anyway. If there’s a better way to run it, we’d love to hear about it. We 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 talk to us. Scheduling here, customers there, a Google Doc for notes, texts for the rest — we 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?
- We 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 we keep the upfront cost lower than traditional custom development.
- 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 wireframes, a tech checklist, or the perfect software plan. Tell us how things work now, what’s annoying, and what you wish existed. Figuring out the software part is our job.
- Can you help me figure out what the app should do?
- Yes. That’s the discovery call. We’ll learn who does what, what happens when, which tools you use, and where things get messy — then map 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. We can help 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. Our model keeps the build more attainable because we maintain the software and you license use monthly, instead of paying for a giant handoff.
Still wondering if this is for you?
Tell us how your business works. If we can help, we’ll say so clearly. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll say that too.