How working with us works
We work like your own hardware team, in writing by default: e-mail or a shared open-source chat, a weekly written report, a call whenever the project needs one, a fixed price per phase paid in advance, and every file we produce.
From first visit to work starting
Online estimate
Five questions, an indicative budget on screen. Optionally, the detailed estimate by e-mail with cost and time per phase.
Request a fixed quote
One button, on the website or in the estimate e-mail. Free.
Sign our NDA online
Our standard NDA, written to protect you: your information and your IP stay yours, and nothing in it limits what you do next. Read the terms.
Upload your documentation
Through a secure link: design files in any format, code, photos, requirements, notes. The more we see, the tighter the quote.
Fixed quote for the next phase
Within five business days: scope, deliverables, assumptions, schedule and price. Valid for 30 days.
Payment in advance, then work starts
The phase starts when its payment is received. Weekly written reports until delivery.
Delivery and decision
Files, measurements and documentation. You decide on the next phase, or stop and continue with your own engineer.
Always prepaid, always small steps
You never commit to more than the next phase.
Fixed price per phase
For phases with clear inputs: feasibility, schematic, layout, firmware, validation, DFM. Paid in full before the phase starts.
Prepaid bench blocks
For bring-up and fault finding, where the root cause is unknown. Blocks of 10 or 20 hours at €75/h, paid in advance. We report before a block runs out.
Monthly hardware capacity
A reserved number of engineering hours per month for teams with several products, paid at the start of each month. Reduced rate from 40 hours.
When the answer is "it does not work"
Hardware testing is unpredictable. A prototype can fail a test, a component can be destroyed on the bench, and a design, whether we drew it or you did, can turn out not to meet a requirement as it stands. When that happens, the phase still delivers: the measurements, the root cause as far as it can be found, and the options for continuing. The next phases are then re-planned and re-quoted with you. Our prices include an allowance for this risk and for spare boards, so a failed test does not become a surprise invoice.
Communication
All communication is written: e-mail by default, or a shared channel on an open-source chat platform such as Element (Matrix) or Mattermost. Every phase has a weekly written report with progress, measurements, decisions and open questions. Documentation is in English.
Ownership and confidentiality
Everything we produce for you is yours once the phase is paid: schematics, layouts, libraries, firmware source, test data and reports, in native formats. We sign our NDA with you before you send any documentation, and we do not reuse your design for other clients.
Stop whenever you want
Many clients only need part of the chain. A common pattern is to take the proof of concept or the first prototype from us and then hire their own engineer. Our documentation is written for that engineer, so they can continue without calling us.
Invoicing and VAT
Prices are in euros excluding VAT. Companies in other EU member states with a valid VAT number are invoiced under the reverse-charge mechanism. Hardware bought for your project is itemised at cost with a handling fee shown separately.
Questions
Do we need calls or meetings?
Not necessarily. We work in writing by default: e-mail, or a shared chat on an open-source platform such as Element (Matrix) or Mattermost if you prefer something faster. Written communication leaves a record of every decision, and it works across time zones. If a call or a meeting makes the project easier, we set one up.
What happens if the scope changes during a phase?
We tell you in writing as soon as we see it, with the effect on cost and time. Nothing extra is done or billed without your written approval.
Can we stop after one phase?
Yes. Each phase ends with a complete deliverable and full documentation. You can stop, pause, hand the work to your own engineer or continue with us.
Why is every phase paid in advance?
Because hardware work commits money from day one: components, boards, instruments and bench time. Paying the phase in advance keeps our prices low and our queue honest. There is no long commitment: you only ever pay for the next phase.
Send us what you have. We tell you what it takes to finish it.
Answer five questions and see an indicative budget in two minutes. When you are ready, sign our NDA, upload your documentation and get a fixed quote. Everything by e-mail, with a call whenever you prefer.