At SparkleCharge, we structure every software engineering engagement around clear scopes, transparent milestones, and verifiable deliverables inside your Client Portal. This Refund Policy sets out fair, predictable terms for project-based services.
1. Project-Based & Milestone Billing Model
Unlike off-the-shelf retail products, custom software development and architectural consulting require immediate allocation of senior engineering time, discovery research, and system design. To protect both the Client and SparkleCharge, projects are divided into clearly defined milestones.
2. Initial Project Deposits
- Before Work Commences: If you cancel a project in writing before discovery, architectural planning, or code development has commenced, your initial deposit is eligible for a 100% refund (less any non-recoverable payment processor or wire transfer fees).
- After Discovery & Architecture Begin: Once project discovery, wireframing, database schema design, or environment setup has begun, the initial deposit covers the engineering hours and resources already committed and is non-refundable.
3. Milestone Payments & Deliverable Sign-Off
- Completed & Approved Milestones: Payments for milestones that have been delivered, demonstrated on staging, and approved by the Client are non-refundable.
- In-Progress Milestones: If a project is terminated mid-milestone by the Client without cause, any advance payment for that specific milestone will be prorated based on the percentage of documented engineering work completed up to the cancellation date, and the unspent balance will be refunded.
- Unstarted Future Milestones: Any prepaid funds corresponding to future milestones that have not yet started will be refunded in full (100%).
4. Quality Assurance & Remediation Guarantee
If a delivered milestone does not conform to the written specifications agreed in your approved project proposal, SparkleCharge will remediate and resolve any verified defects at no additional cost during a 30-day post-delivery warranty window. If SparkleCharge is unable to deliver an agreed core requirement and no mutually acceptable alternative is reached, the Client is entitled to a refund for the affected milestone.
5. Duplicate or Erroneous Payments
If an overpayment or duplicate payment submission is made in the Client Portal, 100% of the excess amount will be refunded promptly or, at the Client's election, credited toward the next open invoice.
6. How to Request a Refund or Billing Review
To request a billing review or refund under this policy, please message us directly through your Client Portal or email [email protected] with your Invoice Number and project details. All billing inquiries are reviewed within 3 business days, and approved refunds are processed within 5–10 business days.