Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with 84EM -- services, pricing, process, security, and more.
What does 84EM do?
The work covers websites (including WordPress), apps, software, AI integration, website security, agency partnerships, and taking over stalled builds.
Much of it is work where mistakes are expensive: money moving through a system, personal data sitting in it, or a business that stops when it breaks.
Who does the work?
Andrew Miller, 84EM's principal software engineer, scopes the project, designs it, builds it, and ships it, and is the point of contact and the accountable party throughout.
Larger and cross-discipline projects add developers, designers, and specialists from 84EM's partner network of agencies, with code review and final sign-off by Andrew.
How projects scale has the details.
What does an agency partnership look like?
Agencies have brought 84EM in on their most technical work for decades, as a named partner or white label, whichever fits the client relationship.
Your process stays intact: send a scope, or bring 84EM in early to help write one. See Agency Partnerships.
What does a project cost?
Small tasks are billed hourly with no minimum. Defined projects get a fixed-fee quote, with paid discovery first when the scope is complex. Ongoing work runs on a retainer.
Past engagements have ranged from a few hundred dollars to six figures. How Pricing Works has the details.
How long does a project take?
Every project is different, but here are some examples:
- Small fixes and hourly tasks: a few business days.
- Plugin builds or focused integrations: a few weeks.
- Custom applications or platform integrations: 2 to 4 months.
- Enterprise engagements: 6 to 12+ months.
Who owns the code?
The client. All custom code is owned by the client, with full repository access, documentation, and no lock-in.
What happens after launch?
30-day free post-launch support period. After that, monthly retainers cover development, consulting, support, maintenance, and security. See Website Security.
Is WordPress always the right choice?
Not always. WordPress powers over 40% of the web and is flexible, well-supported, and cost-effective for most sites, but it is not ideal for highly interactive applications or specialized performance needs.
84EM recommends based on requirements, not platform preference.
Can 84EM take over a project already in trouble?
Yes. Stalled builds, vendor abandonments, brittle codebases, and half-finished platforms, on any platform or stack, including stalled AI builds.
84EM assesses what is salvageable and builds a plan to ship. See Project Rescue.
How do I start?
Contact 84EM with your requirements, timeline, and budget. No commitment required. Get in touch.
Still have a question?
Didn't see it covered here? Send your project and you'll get a straight answer.
Folks we've helped.
