Question 1

What makes Scalater different from a typical development agency?

Accepted Answer

We engineer scalable infrastructure. Instead of patching problems, we solve the root bottlenecks that limit growth.

Question 2

Do you work with early-stage startups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're pre-revenue but have a clear product vision and funding runway, we scope an MVP that gets you to market fast without overbuilding.

Question 3

Which platforms and systems do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with Shopify, EHR platforms (MD Integrations, Beluga Health, OLA Digital Health), ePrescribing routes (DoseSpot, DrFirst, Surescripts), and pharmacy fulfillment (Lifefile, SmartScript, VortexRx). If your stack isn't listed, we build custom connectors.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll learn about your project, confirm fit, and outline next steps. There's no obligation.

Question 5

What do I need to have ready before the discovery call?

Accepted Answer

A rough idea of your goals, current systems (if any), and a budget range. If you're under NDA or have technical requirements documents, those help us scope faster but aren't required to get started.

Question 6

Can I get a free quote before starting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We believe in transparency. You'll receive a detailed, no-obligation quote based on your specific needs, so you know exactly what to expect before making any commitment.

Question 7

How long does discovery and scoping take?

Accepted Answer

Most projects get a scoped proposal within 48 hours of the discovery call. Larger custom builds may take a few additional days for a detailed breakdown.

Question 8

How do you communicate during the build?

Accepted Answer

You'll have a direct line to your project team via Slack or email, with regular check-ins and milestone updates. No relaying messages through layers of account managers.

Question 9

Will I have visibility into the code while it's being built?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You get access to the repository from day one, so you can review progress, run the code locally, or bring in your own team at any point.

Question 10

What happens if the scope changes mid-project?

Accepted Answer

We'll flag the change, estimate the impact on timeline and cost, and get your sign-off before proceeding. We build in checkpoints specifically so scope changes don't derail the original plan.

Question 11

Do you provide support after a project is completed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer Retainer support packages so you always have a dedicated team by your side for updates, maintenance, and growth initiatives.

Question 12

What does the Retainer include?

Accepted Answer

The Retainer (starting at $2,800/month for 40 hours) includes bug fixes, webhook monitoring, API updates, emergency support, and monthly technical reports. At 160 hours/month, you get a full dedicated team: engineers, PM, and QA, the same people who built your platform, already familiar with your codebase.

Question 13

What happens if something breaks after launch?

Accepted Answer

We architect fail-safe systems from day one: retry logic, dead-letter queues, and real-time alerting. If something does break, our team is typically notified before you are. Retainer clients get priority emergency support.

Question 14

What is the minimum project budget?

Accepted Answer

Shopify pharmacy integrations start at $6,000. ePrescribing integrations start at $8,000. Custom healthcare platforms start at $15,000.

Question 15

How long does a typical project take?

Accepted Answer

Shopify integrations typically take 2–4 weeks. Custom healthcare platforms typically take 4–10 weeks depending on scope. We provide a detailed timeline estimate after the discovery call.

Question 16

How does billing work?

Accepted Answer

Fixed-price projects are billed in milestones (commonly 50% at kickoff, 50% at delivery). Retainers are billed monthly based on the hours tier you choose.

Question 17

Is your architecture truly HIPAA-compliant?

Accepted Answer

We build HIPAA-ready architecture, meaning we implement the technical safeguards required by the HIPAA Security Rule: encryption at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3), role-based access controls, audit logging, and BAA-backed infrastructure. We recommend you also work with a HIPAA compliance advisor for full organizational compliance, since that depends on your full organizational posture, not just the codebase.

Question 18

Do we own the code after the project ends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. We deliver full ownership of the codebase, documentation, and all infrastructure configurations. No licensing fees, no vendor lock-in. The code is yours from the moment it's shipped.

Question 19

Do you sign an NDA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're happy to sign your NDA before any detailed discussion, and a mutual NDA is standard practice before we receive sensitive project information.

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