Question 1

Who owns the code and data when the CRM is done?

Accepted Answer

You do. The code, the database, and the data are all yours, in writing, from day one. There are no per-user licences and no lock-in. Any competent developer can pick it up if you ever move on from us.

Question 2

Where is our data hosted?

Accepted Answer

On Canadian hosting, built with PIPEDA in mind. You control who on your team has admin access.

Question 3

What if Plainwork disappears?

Accepted Answer

Because you own the code and the data, anyone capable can pick it up. We use mainstream tools and clean structure specifically so this is straightforward, not a marketing line.

Question 4

How long does a first version take?

Accepted Answer

A small first version usually takes a few weeks. A fuller first version with a portal and integrations usually lands in six to ten weeks. We give you a real timeline after one scoping call, not before.

Question 5

Do we need to know exactly what we want?

Accepted Answer

No. Most clients arrive with a pain, not a spec. The free scoping call is where the spec comes from.

Question 6

How is a project organised?

Accepted Answer

Discovery, plan, build, review, launch. Weekly written updates. A working link to click as soon as there is something to look at.

Question 7

What if we already use spreadsheets?

Accepted Answer

Most of our builds start from a spreadsheet, or five of them. We import your existing data, clean up the duplicates, and map your columns to real fields, so your history comes with you.

Question 8

What if we already use Jobber or Housecall Pro?

Accepted Answer

We export your customer list, job history, and active jobs and land them in the new CRM. Nothing about your history gets left behind.

Question 9

Can it connect to QuickBooks, Gmail, or our website forms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Integrations are usually part of the first build, not an afterthought.

Question 10

What happens after launch?

Accepted Answer

Two weeks of free support is included with every build for anything that is not quite right. After that you can request changes as needed or pick up an optional care plan for hosting, small changes, and new automations on a flat monthly fee.

Question 11

Will the CRM keep improving?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you want it to. Most clients add small things every quarter as the business shifts. Nothing is baked in stone.

Question 12

Do you work with clients outside BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are based in the Fraser Valley and most of our clients are BC service businesses, but we work remotely with clients across Canada. Same time zone helps, but is not required.

Question 13

Will we ever meet in person?

Accepted Answer

For BC clients, often yes. Kick-off visits and morning ride-alongs are some of our best design sessions. For clients further away, we do the same work by video.

Question 14

What does a custom CRM cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on scope: number of user roles, integrations, portal or no portal, and data migration. Every project gets a fixed quote before the build starts and the first scoping call is free. See the pricing page for the shape of the ranges.

Question 15

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Typically a deposit to start and the balance at launch. Larger projects break into milestones. Always agreed in writing before we begin.

The questions small business owners actually ask us.

Who owns the code and data?

How long does a first version take?

What if we already use spreadsheets or Jobber?

What happens after launch?

Do you work with clients outside BC?

What does it cost?

Still on the fence?