Short answer: we do programming.
No problem. We do basic consulting and can help figure out (and then build) exactly you need.
It's based primarily on how many weeks of development it takes, as well as the intensity of the project. We provide an estimate and timeline but it could end up costing a little more or less depending on how many revisions are needed or how much tweaking is done.
Our system is designed to be simple and scalable so we can focus on the code rather than how much needs to be billed. It's hard to predict the future and how a project will go— so we try not to.
Provided we're available (we try to be as accommodating as possible), it works the same as above.
We usually take a 50% deposit (or a week's pay for larger projects) to reserve a timeslot (however long the project will be estimated to take) and get started on the preliminary research and consulting.
Short answer: No.
We are not a bank. We'd rather worry about how to improve the grid or how to make the site look great in IE—rather than having to collect payments and break kneecaps.
No.
If you still have unanswered questions or feel confused, feel free to send us a message and we'll do our best to enlighten you.
We'll also be updating this page over time as we see patterns and recurring questions.