Service & Payment Policy
A quick read that makes our work together smoother from day one.
Important Reading
Payment for sessions or project down payment/signed agreement constitutes acknowledgement of reading & agreement to this policy. More information in the Frequently Asked Questions under the What to Expect menu.
Service Terms & Payment Policy
Last updated: March 2026
Consultation First
All services begin with a brief 10–15 minute consultation.
This allows me to confirm I’m the right fit, understand your goals, and determine the best path forward before any payment is accepted.
My approach is not just to fix problems, but to help clients become more confident and independent with their technology. All skill levels are welcome.
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Session Rates & Payment
Tech Support Sessions: $100 per hour
Website / Hybrid Sessions: $140 per hour
• Payment is due before the session begins (same-day payment allowed after consultation)
• Payment accepted via PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp
• Time is reserved once payment is received
Sessions are billed for reserved time.
If a task is completed early, remaining time may be used for related questions, training, or small adjustments during that session.________________________________________
Scheduling, Rescheduling & No-Shows
• 24 hours’ notice required to reschedule
• After a second missed appointment, payment is forfeited
• Late arrival shortens the session but does not reduce the fee
• Sessions end at the scheduled time unless extended and paid for
This keeps scheduling fair for everyone.
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When a Task Falls Outside My Scope
If during a session it becomes clear that the issue requires a specialist, vendor, or service outside my expertise:
• I will help identify the next step or appropriate provider
• Recommendations are based on prior collaboration or professional reputation
• Responsibility for third-party performance rests with that provider
Session time spent diagnosing or guiding next steps remains billable, as this work still provides value and direction.
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Website Project Payments
Website projects are estimated based on scope, timeframe, and level of customization, and are paid as follows:
• 50% deposit to begin work
• 50% balance due prior to launch, transfer, or publication
Work begins only after deposit is received.
Access, files, or launch occur only after final payment.
Ownership of completed work transfers only once full payment is made.
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Project Timelines & Client Delays
Projects depend on timely client participation.
Clients are responsible for providing content, access, and feedback within agreed timeframes.
If materials are delayed:
• A two-week grace period applies
• After that, projects may incur a $250 per week timeline extension fee
This keeps projects moving and protects reserved production time.
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Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for:
• Providing accurate information, content, and login credentials
• Supplying licensed images, fonts, plugins, or software when required
• Maintaining backups unless backup services are contracted
• Managing hosting, domain, plugin, and software fees
• Updating payment information with service providers
Third-party fees (hosting, domains, email services, plugins, apps, etc.) are billed directly by those providers to the client’s chosen payment method and may auto-renew.
If you receive suspicious emails about your domain or hosting, verify with your provider first or contact me for guidance.
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Intellectual Property & Ownership
Clients retain full ownership of their domain, hosting accounts, business content, branding materials, and the final website once full payment is received.
• The underlying design approach, structure, layouts, custom visual concepts, and creative methods developed by Beth A. Smith remain protected by copyright and may not be duplicated, resold, or reused in other projects without written permission.
• This protection does not limit your use of your own website — it simply prevents unauthorized copying of the design for other purposes.
• With your consent, I may display completed work in my portfolio or request a testimonial.
Upon final payment, the completed website is yours to operate, modify, and maintain as you choose.
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Third-Party Services, Security & Platform Issues
I am not responsible for outages, data loss, policy changes, hacking attempts, spam attacks, or failures involving:
• Hosting providers
• Domain registrars
• Email systems
• Website builders or CMS platforms
• Themes, plugins, integrations, or updates
However, I can assist in diagnosing or resolving these issues during a booked session.
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Results Disclaimer
I provide guidance and technical implementation based on experience, but cannot guarantee:
• Search engine rankings
• Traffic levels
• Sales or revenue
• Platform performance outside my control
Websites are living tools that require ongoing maintenance and strategy.
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Refund Policy
Because time and expertise are reserved specifically for each client:
• Session payments are generally non-refundable once work begins
• Project deposits are non-refundable after work starts
Refunds may be issued where legally required or at my sole discretion.
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Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, liability for any claim related to services provided shall not exceed the amount paid for those services.
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Respectful Communication & Right to Decline Work
I reserve the right to decline or discontinue work if:
• Payment is not received
• Requested work is outside my expertise or ethics
• Communication becomes abusive or uncooperative
Completed work up to that point remains billable.
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Acceptance of Terms
Booking a session, submitting payment, or beginning a project constitutes acceptance of these terms.
These policies exist to protect your project, your time, and mine — and to ensure every client receives focused, reliable support.