"Can't we just solve this with an off-the-shelf tool?"
Often yes. I'll tell you honestly in the call if an existing tool fits better. Custom software makes sense when you regularly bend your process to fit a tool, need to connect multiple tools, or a standard CRM costs you more than it delivers.
"We don't have anyone in-house who knows about this stuff. Is that a problem?"
No. You just need to explain what your day-to-day looks like and what's frustrating. I handle the rest. And after handover you get a proper walkthrough, not documentation nobody reads.
"How do I make sure the result is actually what I wanted?"
You don't give feedback at the end — you give it throughout. First working version in week 2. No big reveal, no roulette.
"How long does a project realistically take?"
Depending on scope, 4 to 6 weeks to a first usable version. What kills the timeline: missing material, too many decision-makers, unclear requirements. If you know what you want, we are often done sooner.