The first phase: what it asks, who it is for, and what stands behind it.

It runs about a week. It asks for two to three hours of your time, in a few conversations, plus whatever you can pull together about the problem.

It ends in a written report with a recommendation. The recommendation may be that you shouldn't build. The report is yours to take to anyone.

This is for you if:

• You have a problem you can feel but can't yet name or measure
• You want an honest answer even when the answer is "don't build this"
• You can give me two to three hours

This is not for you if:

• You already know exactly what you want built and you just need implementation (your money is better spent building in that case)
• You want me to pick a tool for you
• You can't spare two to three hours

If you go on to the next phase, the $2,500 comes off its price in full. It is applied automatically on that phase's first invoice.

The credit holds for as long as my quote for the next phase is valid: 45 days from the day I issue it. I can extend it once, by up to 30 days, if nothing about the scope has changed. There is one credit per first phase. It can't move to another project or another company, and it has no cash value.

If you don't go on, the $2,500 pays for the first phase and the report. The credit is part of the price of the next phase and not a deposit.

Before I start, I give you in writing a list of what the report will contain. The list is the same for everyone. Every item on it can be checked on the page: it's there or it isn't, and every conclusion points to the evidence behind it.

If an item is missing from the report, tell me in writing within 15 business days of delivery, and name the item. I answer within 3 business days, either showing you where it is or fixing it. I make the fix within 10 business days. That is one round.

If the item is still missing after that, I refund the $2,500 in full within 10 business days, and you keep the report.

What the guarantee doesn't cover:

• The conclusion itself (you may disagree with what the report recommends, including a recommendation not to build)
• Anything after the first phase
• Missing requested information