Question 1

Will this actually be worth the money?

Accepted Answer

Every tier has a clearly defined scope published on the pricing page. You know what you are getting before you start, and the setup fee covers the initial build. The monthly fee keeps the digital side running, maintained, reviewed, and improved. Most clients find that replacing one underperforming freelancer, disconnected tool, or unfinished setup path covers the cost.

Question 2

Are there hidden fees or charges I should know about?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees. Monthly retainers cover what is listed in your tier. If we recommend additional scope or add-ons, we price it in writing before any work begins. Separate costs like ad spend, Stripe transaction fees, premium Shopify apps, product costs, shipping, or professional photo and video production stay outside the retainer.

Question 3

What does the setup fee include?

Accepted Answer

The setup fee is a one-time charge due before work begins. It covers the initial build and configuration: website design and development, DNS and hosting setup, SEO setup, analytics, email capture, and any Shopify or Stripe setup included in your tier. After that, the monthly fee covers ongoing support.

Question 4

Are the monthly prices introductory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foundation, Launch, and Partner are introductory monthly rates for the first 3-month engagement. The retainer is locked during that first term. Near the end of month three, we review scope, results, workload, and business needs before continuing under updated terms.

Question 5

How does the revenue bonus work?

Accepted Answer

Launch and Partner include a 5% performance bonus only after revenue crosses the tier threshold. Launch applies to revenue above $3,000/month. Partner applies to revenue above $5,000/month. The bonus is marginal, which means it applies only to dollars above the threshold, not total revenue.

Question 6

Will I still own my site, store, data, and accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ownership is non-negotiable. Your domain, Shopify store, Stripe account, Google Analytics, Search Console, email list, ad accounts, content, customer data, and payment records stay in your name. Growing Pace manages the work, but we do not use access as leverage.

Question 7

What happens to my site if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Your site, store, accounts, and data stay with you. If the partnership ends, we do not hold anything hostage. We make sure the handoff is clear so you can keep operating with your accounts and customer relationships intact.

Question 8

Who owns the Stripe account?

Accepted Answer

You do. Stripe is set up under your business name or email. Growing Pace configures and manages the integration, but your payment data, payouts, customer billing records, and account access stay yours.

Question 9

Do you own the platform or tools behind the site?

Accepted Answer

Growing Pace owns its internal process, tooling, templates, and platform setup methods. You own the business-facing assets and accounts: domain, site content, customer list, analytics, Shopify, Stripe, email list, and brand materials.

Question 10

How is this different from hiring a freelancer or agency?

Accepted Answer

A freelancer usually covers one discipline. An agency often covers one project. Growing Pace covers the full digital side under one ongoing relationship: website, payments or store setup, SEO, analytics, email, and growth support. You are not left managing the handoffs between separate vendors.

Question 11

Do I really need ongoing support, or can I just do a one-time build?

Accepted Answer

One-time builds are available. But most sites stall after launch. SEO needs maintenance, analytics need review, tools need updates, and small issues appear during ordinary weeks. The ongoing partnership is for owners who want the digital side cared for after day one.

Question 12

Can you really handle both setup and growth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is the point of the tier structure. Foundation handles the website base and ongoing management. Launch adds Shopify or Stripe setup, email automations, and stronger SEO support. Partner adds weekly analytics, active conversion work, campaigns, creator or outreach planning, and ad management.

Question 13

Is there a contract or minimum commitment?

Accepted Answer

Every partnership starts with a 3-month minimum engagement. During that first term, your retainer is locked, you can upgrade anytime, and the initial scope has enough time to settle. After the first 3 months, the partnership can continue month to month under updated terms with 30 days written notice to cancel.

Question 14

Can I upgrade or downgrade tiers?

Accepted Answer

You can upgrade anytime if the business needs more support. Downgrades or cancellations happen after the initial 3-month minimum, with 30 days written notice. That keeps the first build and early operating rhythm from being interrupted halfway through.

Question 15

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

Foundation usually goes live in 2-3 weeks. Launch and Partner typically take 3-5 weeks depending on Shopify, Stripe, email, and account complexity. We give you a specific timeline after reviewing the intake form and the systems already in place.

Question 16

What do I need to provide to get started?

Accepted Answer

Brand assets if you have them, basic business information, current website or store links, and access to accounts you already own. If you do not have everything organized yet, that is fine. We will walk you through what matters first.

Question 17

Do I need everything figured out before I send the intake?

Accepted Answer

No. A few useful details are enough: what you sell, what exists now, what feels broken or unclear, and what support would make the next few months lighter. The first reply is meant to orient the work, not test whether you already diagnosed it.

Question 18

Do you work with businesses outside the US?

Accepted Answer

Growing Pace is built around US-based small businesses right now. If you are outside the US, you can still send the intake form, but we will confirm whether payments, platforms, time zones, and legal requirements make the fit practical.

Question 19

Do I need to already have a Shopify account?

Accepted Answer

No. Launch and Partner can include Shopify setup if Shopify is the right fit. If you already have a Shopify store, we work with what is there. If you do not, we set up the Basic Shopify plan under your email so the account belongs to you.

Question 20

What if I need Stripe instead of Shopify?

Accepted Answer

Launch and Partner include Stripe payment integration when Stripe fits the business better than Shopify. That can include checkout links, payment links, booking payments, deposits, digital products, or recurring billing. Foundation can add Stripe for $75/month.

Question 21

What is included in Shopify management?

Accepted Answer

Launch and Partner include basic Shopify management: product and collection updates, checkout flow monitoring, platform maintenance, and integration upkeep. Partner adds more active conversion work, campaign support, and ad management.

Question 22

Who pays Stripe transaction fees?

Accepted Answer

Stripe transaction fees are separate from the Growing Pace retainer and are paid to Stripe. A common Stripe rate is 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction, though your exact rate depends on Stripe and your account.

Question 23

What revenue counts toward the performance bonus?

Accepted Answer

Revenue processed through Shopify or Stripe in a calendar month counts toward the bonus, after same-month refunds and chargebacks are deducted. If both platforms are active, both are combined. The bonus appears as a line item with a short breakdown.

Common questions, answered clearly.

Pricing and value

Ownership and accounts

The partnership model

Getting started

Shopify, Stripe, and payments

Not ready to send an intake?

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