FAQ
Questions worth asking before you trust someone with your business.
Especially the ones about what happens to your system if we're ever not around. Search, or scroll — it's all here.
Trust & ownership
What happens to my system if Surdel Systems ever shuts down?
Nothing breaks. Every system we build runs on infrastructure registered under your own accounts, not ours — you're never locked out, and your system keeps running whether we're involved or not.
Who actually owns the code and data?
You do, outright, from day one. We do the building and maintaining, but the code repository, hosting, and database are all set up under your ownership — never held by us.
Can I switch to a different developer later if I want to?
Yes, anytime. Because you own the code, infrastructure, and documentation, any competent developer can pick up where we left off — you're never stuck with us by default.
Is there a long-term contract locking me in?
No. You can cancel the ongoing support plan anytime. The only commitment is to the fixed price of whatever you've asked us to build.
You mention building faster with AI — is that actually reliable?
AI tools help us build faster, but every line of code is reviewed and tested before it ships, same as any professional development process. Once a system is built and deployed, it runs as completely ordinary software — it has no dependency on any AI tool continuing to exist.
Pricing
How much does a custom system actually cost?
It depends on scope, but most initial builds run $1,500–$12,000 as a fixed price, quoted upfront before any work begins — never an open-ended hourly bill. Ongoing support after launch is a flat monthly plan, typically $150–$400/month.
Do you bill hourly?
No. Every build is quoted as a fixed price before work starts, so you always know the total before committing to anything.
What's included in the monthly support plan?
Hosting, bug fixes, and small ongoing improvements. It's what keeps your system running and current without needing a brand-new project every time something needs to change.
Are there hidden costs — hosting, licensing, add-ons?
No surprise fees. Hosting and infrastructure costs are included in your monthly plan or clearly broken out upfront — you'll know the real number before you commit to anything.
Process & fit
How long does a build actually take?
Most first versions are ready in 2–4 weeks, depending on scope. You'll see working software early and often, not just a presentation at the end.
I don't know exactly what I need built — can we still start?
Yes — that's what the free consult is for. Describe the problem, not the solution, and we'll figure out what to build together.
Will this replace everything I currently use, or just part of it?
Usually just the part that's actually broken. Most systems we build sit alongside what you already use, or quietly replace one piece at a time — we rarely ask anyone to rip out their whole workflow on day one.
Will you bring over our existing data from spreadsheets or our old system?
Yes — migrating your existing customers, jobs, and history is part of every build, so you're not starting from zero.
Do I need any technical knowledge to use the system day to day?
No. Everything we build is designed for the people who'll actually use it — your staff, not developers. If it needs a manual to operate, we haven't done our job.
Do you only work with businesses in Metro Vancouver?
We're based in the Surrey–Delta area and prioritize local businesses, but we work with businesses remotely too — location isn't a barrier.
My business is pretty niche — does a "custom" system really fit?
That's the entire point of custom. We build around your actual process, not a generic template — niche businesses are usually the ones who benefit most, since off-the-shelf software rarely fits them well either.
Can the system grow as my business grows?
Yes — most systems start focused and expand over time as you find more uses for them. Nothing is built as a dead end.
Support & security
Is my business data secure?
Yes — we use industry-standard hosting and database providers with encryption in transit and at rest, the same category of infrastructure banks and large SaaS companies build on, not a custom or unproven setup.
What if something breaks after launch?
You're on a support plan specifically for this — reach out and we fix it. No ticket queue, no outsourced support team.
Do you sign NDAs or handle confidential business information?
Yes, happy to sign an NDA before any detailed discussion if your business needs that.