Apps by Ashlee
FAQ & Elephant in the Room
Every question answered. Nothing hidden.
Pricing & Payment
Q: $2,500-$3,500 starting price for a small app is expensive. I want an app but can't afford that?
I completely understand. That's not a small amount of money. That's why I charge by milestone rather than upfront. You pay in stages as work gets completed, so it never hits all at once. I'll work with you.
Q: Who is Apps by Ashlee a good fit for?
Apps by Ashlee is a great fit for businesses and entrepreneurs who need a custom app, analytics solution, or automation tool and want to work directly with the person building it. I work heavily with fitness businesses, but I’m not limited to fitness. If you have a clear problem to solve and need a custom digital solution, I’m open to projects in other industries too.
Q: Who might Apps by Ashlee not be the right fit for?
Apps by Ashlee may not be the right fit if you need a large enterprise development team, a very large-scale platform with many developers working at once, or a project that requires a full agency structure.
The Process
Q: What if the app breaks and I don't have the subscription?
If a feature that previously worked stops functioning properly because of my original development work, I’ll correct it at no additional charge. That could include things like the app crashing, login not working, data failing to save correctly, or a core feature no longer working as intended.
The $100 monthly maintenance plan is for ongoing maintenance, minor updates, and small changes — not for fixing issues caused by my original work.
New features, redesigns, major changes, or issues caused by third-party services, platform updates, or changes outside of my original development scope may require separate development work.
Q: What if the app takes way longer than promised?
I'll communicate any delays immediately. If I miss a deadline without notice, I'll discount 10% as accountability.
Q: What if I don't like the final product?
I make the necessary changes prior to publishing the app. Once I get your signature approving the app, I will submit it for production on the App Stores.
Q: Will the app work on all devices?
Yes. The app will work on both iOS and Android. I build cross-platform custom mobile app with React Native using JavaScript.
Q: What happens when iOS or Android updates and breaks the app?
If the issue is caused by my original development work, I’ll fix it at no charge. If an iOS/Android update or third-party service change requires new compatibility work, it may fall under maintenance or separate development depending on the scope.
Q: Is the app secure? What about my customers' data?
I use established tools such as Firebase and follow appropriate authentication and data-handling practices based on the app’s requirements. I’ll also explain what information your app collects, where it is stored, and what safeguards are being used.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
Q: I don't know you. You could take my idea.
Very true and I respect that. That's why I always encourage clients to research their developer thoroughly - myself included. Before any project discussion begins, both parties sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect your idea and my work.
Q: I don't want you owning the app.
After the app is complete, it is your app. My name is attached because I'm the developer in the app stores. If you want to create your own developer account and want me to transfer the app to the new account, I'll gladly do that.
Q: What if I decide to back out? Will you take my idea?
You can back out any time and I'll stop work and payment on the project. Since an NDA is signed, your idea is protected. The code will be deleted. If you decide to pause the project, that is also an option.
Q: What if she disappears mid project?
I'm not going anywhere. Apps by Ashlee is a registered business and you'll have my direct contact throughout the entire project.
Q: She's a one woman team. What if she gets sick or overwhelmed?
I understand the risk of working with an indie developer. As a one woman team, I am really big on communication. I am very direct and transparent when working with clients. I allow myself two projects at a time, however, I am still open to discussing your app idea, and I will get started once one project is completed.
Q: She's a new indie developer. Is she experienced enough?
I'm newer to running my own business but not to coding and tech. I have a BS and MS in Applied Mathematics, 3 coding certifications and over 10 years in the tech industry. I also have real apps live on the App Store and Google Play you can download and test right now. The business is new - the skills aren't.
Q: How is her communication? Will she be responsive or ghost me?
I will always respond and keep you updated throughout the project. You'll have my direct contact from day one and we meet regularly at every milestone so you're never left wondering what's happening.
What if my app isn’t approved by Apple or Google?
I build apps with current App Store and Google Play requirements in mind and will address any development-related issues that come up during submission at no additional charge.
If the app cannot be approved after reasonable revisions, I don’t want you to feel like you spent thousands of dollars on something you can’t use. We’ll review why the app was rejected and what work was completed.
If the issue is something I reasonably should have identified or prevented during development, we’ll work toward a refund, credit, or another fair resolution based on the circumstances.
If the issue is caused by platform policies, client-provided content, legal requirements, or something outside my control, I’ll explain the situation clearly and we’ll discuss the best next step before any additional work is done.
About the Investment
Q: What if my business doesn't grow even with the app?
An app is a tool to enhance your business but it doesn't replace your hustle. I build the best app I can for your business, but growth ultimately depends on how you use it.
Q: Am I locked into working with her for updates forever?
Not at all. Once your app is delivered and paid in full, you're free to work with whoever you choose for future updates.
Want a deeper breakdown?
If you want to learn more before reaching out, these articles go deeper into some of the questions above:
Still have questions? Let's talk.
Not sure what your app needs or where to start? Reach out and tell me a little about your idea. We can talk through your questions and see what makes sense for your business.
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