Setup project + optional retainer for ongoing care

Every automation project is different, but most of my work fits into three tiers. You pay a one-off build fee for the initial system, and can optionally add a monthly retainer for updates, support, and small improvements.

The figures below are typical ranges for small businesses I work with – trades, property services, and similar. You'll always get a concrete quote after a short discovery call.

Why the retainer discount?

Systems live in the real world. People change their process, forms evolve, new edge cases appear. A retainer gives us room to keep your automation healthy instead of treating it as a one-off "install and forget" project.

  • With retainer: lower setup fee, priority support, ongoing tweaks.
  • Without retainer: setup is ~30% higher and aftercare is limited.

All pricing is ex-VAT if applicable. Larger or unusually complex projects may sit outside these ranges.

Three Levels of Automation Support

Pick the tier that feels closest to where you are now – we'll then tailor the exact scope and quote to your workflow, tools, and team size.

Tier 1

Essentials

For smaller teams who need one core workflow automated: quote → sheet → schedule, a basic booking flow, or a focused dashboard.

Setup with retainer: £750 – £1,500
Typical retainer: £120 – £220 / month
Without retainer: setup is ~30% higher, with 1-month post-delivery support period for defect resolution only.
  • One main workflow or department automated end-to-end
  • Build on top of tools you already use (Sheets, Forms, Monday.com, etc.)
  • Clean handover and light documentation
Good fit for: solo operators and small teams replacing complex spreadsheets and manual emails.
Most Common
Tier 2

Growth

For businesses where multiple tools need to talk to each other – forms, Sheets, Apps Script, calendars, dashboards, and internal boards.

Setup with retainer: £1,500 – £3,000
Typical retainer: £220 – £420 / month
Without retainer: setup is ~30% higher, with 1-month post-delivery support period for defect resolution only.
  • Multiple workflows joined up (e.g. quotes → schedule → reporting)
  • Custom logic for routing, grouping, and capacity rules
  • Operational dashboards for owners/managers
Good fit for: turf-laying style setups, small property operations, and teams juggling several systems day-to-day.
Tier 3

Operations Partner

For businesses treating automation as part of their long-term operations strategy: multi-branch setups, franchises, or evolving platforms.

Setup with retainer: £3,000 – £6,000+
Typical retainer: £420 – £850+ / month
Without retainer: setup is ~30% higher, with 1-month post-delivery support period for defect resolution only.
  • Multi-workspace / multi-branch architecture (e.g. HQ + franchisees)
  • Ongoing iteration roadmap and regular improvements
  • Closer collaboration on process design and scaling
Good fit for: franchises, multi-region teams, or owners building a repeatable, sellable operations model.

How the Retainer Works

You don't have to take a retainer, but most clients do. It keeps your system healthy, protects you from surprise issues, and lets us make small upgrades without spinning up a new project every time.

What's Typically Included

Exact details depend on your tier and setup, but a retainer usually covers:

  • Bug fixes and stability improvements
  • Minor tweaks to logic, forms, and dashboards
  • Support when your team gets stuck or something looks "off"
  • Small feature additions or improvements each month

For bigger new features (e.g. a whole new workflow), we can either extend the retainer for that period or treat it as a mini project with its own quote.

The retainer covers maintenance and incremental improvements within the existing system scope; substantial new workflows or integrations are scoped and quoted separately.

With Retainer vs One-Off Only

With Retainer

  • Lower setup fee (discount vs one-off only)
  • Priority support and response
  • Room for gradual improvements over time
  • System stays aligned with how you actually work

One-Off Only

  • ~30% higher setup fee
  • 1-month post-delivery support
  • New changes quoted as separate mini projects
  • Best suited for very simple or short-lived setups

Not Sure Where You Fit?

Send a quick outline of your current workflow and I'll work out which tier makes sense. You'll get a clear proposal with scope, timeline, and pricing.

Ask About My Pricing See Example Projects