Frequently Asked Questions

For quick updates and minor tasks, when you checkout:
There will be a place for you to include a detailed description of the “quick update or minor task” and attach the corresponding file. All attached files are directly uploaded to a highly secure (FedRAMP High and HITRUST certified) storage platform. IMPORTANT: Strongly recommend all sensitive data is sanitized (i.e., removed or replaced with dummy / non-sensitive data).

For all non-quick updates and minor tasks, when you checkout:
There will be a place for you to include a detailed description of your project and attach any relevant files. Please try to be as detailed as possible and include any raw data, data sets, and sample files. All attached files are directly uploaded to a highly secure (FedRAMP High and HITRUST certified) storage platform. IMPORTANT: Strongly recommend all sensitive data is sanitized (i.e., removed or replaced with dummy / non-sensitive data).

My normal hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT), Monday through Friday. All deadlines, including "within 2 business days" requirements, are based on these hours.

All versions. I build in Microsoft 365. When you purchase a service or request a custom offer, you will fill out a form that includes a question about what version of Excel you use. There you will tell me which version you use. This ensures I know when to use backwards-compatible logic for older versions of Excel, so the workbook functions perfectly on your specific version.

I utilize "Low-Code" automation. Instead of complex VBA, I create user-friendly macros with 'Form Control' buttons. This ensures your workbook is easy to use without technical errors.

I use a secure file-sharing platform (FedRAMP High and HITRUST certified) to receive and share (no email attachments) all Excel files. Only users that the client authorizes will have access to their files within the secure file-sharing platform.

I strongly recommend all sensitive data to be sanitized (i.e., removed or replaced with dummy / non-sensitive data) on files provided, but regardless, I treat all client data as proprietary and can sign NDAs as needed.

As a CISSP professional, I leverage my extensive experience and expert knowledge of cybersecurity to ensure your files remain secure.

All initial charges are “manually captured”. This means that after the charge is authorized by the card-issuing bank, it must be manually finalized ("captured") by me. 

In other words, if I don't "manually capture" (i.e., finalize) the authorized charge, then your credit card account is not formally charged, and the funds do not transfer.

Why? Because it allows me to do a preliminary review of the requirements and file(s) submitted and ensure the service selected matches your specific needs.
• I work with you personally, either in a scheduled meeting or other means, if I see a potential discrepancy.
• If confirmed that a service purchased does not meet your specific needs, then I simply cancel the non-captured charge – No fees, no charges, no funds transferred.

This protects you from being charged for something you didn’t intend to purchase, or charged for a service that doesn’t apply to your needs.

1) Quick Updates / Minor Tasks: The initial charge is the final charge. No final invoice – just the amount listed in the service. 

Before I "capture" (i.e., finalize) the Quick Updates / Minor Tasks charge:
• I confirm it is indeed a “quick update or minor task”.
• If not a “quick update or minor task”, I’ll schedule a quick meeting with you.
• If it is a quick update / minor task but I need to clarify something, then I will reach out to you.
• Once the quick update / minor task instructions are confirmed, then I turn around the work ASAP (by end of next business day).
 o As noted in service, if client 1) provides clear instructions, 2) includes necessary file(s), and 3) order is received before 11 AM CDT. Then same-day service is guaranteed. 
• After the file is delivered, then I “capture” the charge.

**All other services: Whether it’s my Standard Services (non-quick update / minor task) or a Custom Offer, they all have a 25% non-refundable engagement fee that is applied to the total project price (but if client doesn't pay final invoice, 25% is still non-refundable).
• The initial charge that you pay at checkout is the 25% non-refundable engagement fee.

2) Standard Services (Non-Custom Offers):
Before I "capture" (i.e., finalize) the 25% non-refundable engagement fee charge:
• Required; Brief 15-30 minute initial meeting with a person(s) who is authorized to approve the SOW is required within 2 business days to discuss and confirm project details.
  o The Post-Order Form will prompt you to schedule this meeting, and the meeting scheduler is 'hard coded' with the allowable hours and synced to my calendar so you can schedule at your earliest convenience.

IMPORTANT NOTE – if we do not meet within 2 business days after purchase, I will *cancel the non-captured charge*.
 o Again, the Post-Order Form will prompt you to schedule this meeting, and the meeting scheduler is 'hard coded' with the allowable hours and synced to my calendar so you can schedule at your earliest convenience.

**If you’re concerned about this, simply request an offer, and we can meet beforehand at a date and time that is more convenient for you to discuss an appropriate service or custom offer.

If we do not agree in the initial, 15-30 minute meeting to move forward with a Statement of Work, then I will immediately cancel the non-captured charge – no fees, no charges, no funds transferred.
• If there is not a match between the client requirements and standard service scope:
 o I will suggest another option such as a cheaper service or custom offer.
 o Then I will immediately cancel the non-captured charge – no fees, no charges, no funds transferred.

If during the 15-30 minute meeting we mutually agree to move forward with a Statement of Work, then I capture the 25% non-refundable engagement fee immediately after the meeting.

3) Custom Offer
This process is more simple because no charge is made until after we meet and agree to move forward with a SOW.
• Client fills out the Custom Quote form and includes all the relevant project details.
• In the Custom Quote form, the client will be prompted to schedule a meeting at their earliest convenience (No 'within 2-business day' requirement).
• We meet and confirm requirements, custom quote amount, and if we will move forward with a SOW.
• If there is no agreement to move forward with a SOW, then I wish you the best and there is no charge or fee.
• If we do move forward with a SOW, then I send you via email an engagement fee invoice for the 25% non-refundable fee, along with the total agreed upon price.
 o The 25% engagement fee invoice will be valid for 3 business days.
 o Unlike the Standard Services, once the charge is made, it is immediately captured because we already met and agreed to move forward with a SOW.
• After the charge is captured, then I will create a draft of the SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix and send (usually sent within 2 business days) them to be reviewed for approval.

IMPORTANT NOTE #1: The 25% engagement fee is earned upon capture and is strictly non-refundable, even if the client does not sign the SOW.

IMPORTANT NOTE #2: All meetings are securely recorded and transcribed. This allows me to go back later and confirm requirements, and also ensure a reliable audit trail. The video and transcription stay within my highly secure (FedRAMP High and HITRUST certified) storage. 

The final invoice is sent after the UAT file receives final client approval and the final, locked file is uploaded to the dedicated secure folder for immediate download.
• See Delivery & Warranty for information on this process, including the locked file and when the password is provided to unlock the file.

2 friendly reminders:
1) This fee is applied to the total project price and is not an additional cost.
• For example: $500 for interactive dashboard.
 o At checkout, pay $125, which is the initial non-refundable engagement fee of 25%.
 o $375 is the final invoice for the remaining 75%.

2) The fee is only captured (on applicable Standard Services) if we meet within 2 business days (see Billing FAQs for definition) and agree during the initial meeting to move forward with a Statement of Work (SOW). Otherwise I cancel it. On Custom Offers, I only capture it after you pay the invoice for the 25% engagement fee (this assumes we already met and agreed to move forward with a SOW). Though the engagement fee is strictly non-refundable once captured, even if the client does not sign the SOW.

The non-refundable engagement fee covers initial project review, creation of the SOW / Technical Requirements Appendix, and administrative setup (dedicated chat channel and secure storage) of our secure work space. That is why it is still non-refundable even if the client doesn't sign the SOW.

No, for quick updates and minor tasks. As noted above, these are turned around ASAP and you’re provided with a receipt for the work finished.

Yes, for all other services If we agree in our initial meeting to move forward with a SOW, then I will create a SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix (usually within 2 business days after our initial meeting) and have both uploaded to a dedicated folder on my secure file sharing platform for client review and approval.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not start development work until the SOW is signed.

All SOWs in draft form (i.e., prior to sign-off) are valid for 5 business days from the point that I notify you that the SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix are ready. This gives you time to review, suggest changes, or simply approve and sign off at your earliest convenience.
.

3 minor revisions (aesthetics, labels, variables) are allowed before you sign the SOW.
• Any changes due to misunderstanding (e.g., I misunderstood a type of chart to use or misheard a color) are unlimited.
• I will update the SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix with all revisions and upload the new versions to the dedicated folder.
 o Post-SOW signing NOTE: After the SOW is signed and I begin the development of the Excel project (i.e., dashboard, template, etc.), I include 5 free additional minor revisions of the Excel file during development because sometimes clients need to ‘see’ a draft of the dashboard or template before confirming any minor revisions (e.g., color, font size/type, etc.) should be made.
   See Development & Communication for more information on the development process.

Feature or structure changes, such as additional or different data sets, new or changed metrics, structural logic changes, etc., require a Revised SOW and Revised Technical Requirements Appendix, potentially updated pricing (depending on the change), and a Re-scoping Fee as determined by me, to cover the costs of the additional engineering and documentation time.

5 Business Day Review Time Reset: Upon new versions of a draft SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix–whether due to a confirmed revision or client signs a revised SOW due to a feature / structure change–the 5 business day review time will re-start on the day the client is notified that the new versions of the SOW and Technical Requirements Appendix are uploaded to the secure file sharing platform.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not start development work until the SOW is signed.

It depends. The standard services give rough estimates of how long it will take to complete the work:
 • Quick Update & Minor Tasks in Excel – By end of next business day. Same day service is guaranteed if 1) Request received before 11 AM CDT, 2) Instructions are clear, 3) Includes necessary file(s),
 • Enhance Your Existing Excel Spreadsheet / Template – 2 business days.
 • Made-to-Order Automated Excel Template – 3 business days.
 • Made-to-Order Excel Interactive Dashboard – 5 business days.

IMPORTANT NOTES on Delivery Estimates:
• I do not start development work until the SOW is signed – so the rough estimates are after the SOW is signed.
• Even with a signed SOW, any delayed data samples (data sets, files, etc.) could potentially delay delivery date.
• Prompt collaboration during project work – This is essential for meeting any estimated delivery timeline.
 o I will be creating a dedicated chat space (see below under Communication) and dedicated secure folder to help facilitate this.

Quick Update / Minor Tasks: As already noted, I try to turn those around and get those back to you ASAP (by end of next business day).
• See Billing for detailed information on communication process.

All other services: I leverage a highly communicative and iterative approach on all projects. 
• Communication: To make the process as efficient as possible, I ensure we have direct lines of communication on all projects. 
 o I use a secure chat to ensure immediate communication.
• Development: I use an iterative process for User Acceptance Testing (UAT), meaning you might receive multiple drafts to ensure I am building your product according to the agreed-upon requirements.
 o I provide functional locked workbooks during UAT to ensure source code is protected.
 o As noted above, I use a highly secure file sharing platform to share files quickly, easily, and securely.

Standard Services: 
• As noted above, 5 free additional minor revisions (aesthetics, labels, variables) are allowed for the working copy of the Excel draft during the development and UAT phases.
 o Revisions will be confirmed via chat or email and appended to the Technical Requirements Appendix to ensure no confusion.
• Feature or Structure Changes: Any request that alters the fundamental architecture of the workbook—such as adding new data sets, modifying core metrics, or changing structural logic—deviates from the signed Technical Requirements Appendix and requires a SOW Amendment.
• The Amendment Process: The SOW Amendment must be signed off by the client and Re-scoping Fee (see following 2nd bullet point) paid prior to completing the work. This update to our agreement will include:
o Any Updated Pricing: Reflecting the new engineering requirements.
o Re-scoping Fee: A one-time administrative fee (as determined by me) to cover the cost of re-engineering the logic and updating the project documentation.

Custom Offers: The Standard Services revision and feature / structure requirements apply unless negotiated otherwise in the Statement of Work.

After UAT is complete and file is approved, the following occurs:
• The final invoice will be sent for the remaining 75%.
• A locked final file will be uploaded to the dedicated secure folder for immediate download.
• Once final payment has been remitted, the password is provided immediately.

Upon payment release, I provide the password to completely unlock the file, and 100% ownership of the file is transferred to the client.
• Note on Retained Rights: I retain the right to reuse my Excel-based formulas, logic, and all other Excel-based methods on all my Excel-based work both now and going forward.