FAQ
Getting Started
How do I start a project with PyChicken?
The fastest way is to reach out via our contact form or email us directly at hello@pychicken.com. Tell us what you need — a rough description is enough to start. We'll get back to you within 1–2 business days to schedule a brief kickoff call (usually 30–45 minutes) where we'll clarify the scope, timeline, and budget. After that, you'll receive a clear proposal with no surprises.
Do you require a kickoff call or can I just submit a brief?
A written brief is enough to get started. If the project is complex or ambiguous, we'll suggest a short call to make sure we're aligned before committing to a scope. We don't believe in meetings for the sake of meetings.
What information do you need to provide a quote?
The more detail, the faster we can quote. Useful information includes: what you're trying to build or achieve, your preferred tech stack (or open to suggestions), rough timeline and deadline, budget range (even a ballpark helps), and examples of similar work you like. If you don't have all of this — no problem. We'll ask the right questions.
How quickly can you start?
Typical availability is within 1–2 weeks of signed agreement and received deposit. For urgent projects, we offer a rush option — contact us to discuss availability and applicable fees.
Services
What services does PyChicken offer?
We offer three main service categories. Software Development covers Python/Django backends, REST APIs, React/Next.js frontends, WordPress/WooCommerce, trading systems, automation, and custom integrations. Graphic Design covers brand identity, logos, UI/UX design, marketing materials, and social media assets. DTP & Print Production covers print-ready files for posters, banners, roll-ups, large format, and trade show materials.
Do you specialize in a specific industry?
We have particular depth in FinTech, trading platforms, and e-commerce — but we work across industries. If you're unsure whether your project is a good fit, just ask.
Can you handle both design and development for the same project?
Yes. We frequently deliver end-to-end projects covering design (UI/UX, branding), frontend, and backend. Having one team handle the full stack simplifies communication and typically produces a more cohesive result.
Do you work with existing codebases?
Yes. We can take over, extend, or refactor existing projects. A code review is usually the first step to assess the state of the codebase and plan the work. The cost of the review is counted toward the project if you proceed.
Pricing and Payments
How much does it cost?
Our hourly rate is $150/hr. Prepaid hourly packages offer better value at scale: Starter Pack (10 hours) at $1,500, Professional (50 hours) at $6,500 ($130/hr), and Enterprise (160 hours) at $20,000 ($125/hr). Fixed-price projects and monthly retainers are also available and priced individually based on scope.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit/debit card via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and others), PayPal, and bank wire transfer (banking details provided upon request; work begins after funds are confirmed received).
When is payment due?
For hourly packages: full payment at purchase. For fixed-price projects: 50% deposit before work starts, remainder upon delivery (unless otherwise specified). For retainers: monthly payment in advance, on the first of each billing period.
Do you offer payment plans?
For larger projects, we can structure milestone-based payments. Contact us to discuss options.
What currencies do you accept?
All prices are in US Dollars (USD). Your bank or payment processor handles any currency conversion on your end.
Intellectual Property
Who owns the code and designs after the project is complete?
For most projects: you do. Upon receipt of full payment, all deliverables created specifically for your project are assigned to you — you own the IP outright. This is our default arrangement. For certain projects involving PyChicken's proprietary tools or licensed components, we grant you a perpetual, royalty-free license to use those components as incorporated in your deliverables. If a project will be licensed rather than assigned, this will be explicitly stated in the project proposal and signed agreement.
What about open-source components used in my project?
Many modern software projects include open-source libraries. These remain subject to their respective licenses (MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL, etc.). We'll flag any material open-source dependencies so you know what you're working with.
Can we sign an NDA before discussing the project?
Yes. We're happy to sign a mutual NDA before diving into confidential details. Send us a request at hello@pychicken.com and we'll turn it around quickly.
Project Process
How do you communicate during a project?
We default to async-first: email and Slack (or your preferred tool). We keep you updated with regular progress reports and flag any blockers promptly. We don't disappear for weeks and reappear with something you didn't expect.
How many revisions are included?
For fixed-price projects and design work, revision rounds are specified in the project proposal. Hourly-based work doesn't have a fixed revision limit — each iteration is billed against hours used. We aim to get it right early through a clear brief rather than iterating endlessly.
What happens if the project scope changes?
Scope changes happen. We handle them transparently: any additional work beyond the agreed scope is documented in a written change order with the estimated hours and cost before we proceed. No surprise invoices.
Do you provide documentation?
Yes. Code is delivered with appropriate inline comments and, for larger projects, technical documentation. We believe you should be able to hand the codebase to another developer without a black hole of undocumented decisions.
Legal and Compliance
Which countries do you work with?
We work with clients globally. Due to US sanctions laws, we are unable to provide services to clients in countries or territories subject to comprehensive US sanctions, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and the Crimea/DNR/LNR regions of Ukraine. See our Acceptable Use Policy for the full list.
Are you GDPR compliant?
Yes. We comply with the GDPR for EU/EEA clients. Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect personal data. If your project involves user data, we're experienced in building GDPR-compliant systems.
Can PyChicken sign our company's vendor agreement?
We review third-party agreements on a case-by-case basis. Send it to legal@pychicken.com and we'll assess it. Our default Terms of Service govern all engagements unless a separate agreement is mutually signed.
Quality and Satisfaction
What if I'm not happy with the deliverables?
If a deliverable doesn't meet the agreed specifications, contact us within 5 business days of delivery and describe the issue in detail. We'll work to fix it — we typically offer two correction rounds before a refund conversation begins. We take our work seriously and our goal is for you to be satisfied with what we ship. For subjective creative direction that falls within the agreed brief, we don't issue refunds — but we do aim to understand your vision before we start.
What is your refund policy?
See our full Refund Policy for details. In short: unused hours are refundable, work completed and delivered is generally not. For fixed-price projects, refunds are milestone-based. We handle edge cases with common sense.
Have a question not covered here? Email us at hello@pychicken.com — we respond within 1–2 business days.