Refund and Cancellation Policy

This Refund and Cancellation Policy explains how cancellations, changes, and refunds work for services provided by BARTONFREE ("BARTONFREE", "we", "us", or "our"). Because our work is delivered as a professional service rather than a physical product, refunds are handled on the basis of the work performed. Please read this Policy carefully; by engaging our services you agree to the terms described here, together with the terms of your specific proposal or Service Agreement.

1. How our services are structured

Our engagements are generally offered in one of three forms: fixed-price projects, hourly work, and recurring monthly plans. The cancellation and refund terms that apply depend on which of these forms your engagement takes and on how much work has already been performed at the time of cancellation. Where a signed Service Agreement or accepted proposal contains specific terms, those terms take precedence over the general terms below.

2. Deposits

Many project engagements require a deposit before work begins. The deposit reserves our time and covers the initial planning, review, and setup that take place at the start of a project. Unless stated otherwise in your proposal, deposits are non-refundable once we have begun the preparatory work they are intended to cover, because that time cannot be recovered or reassigned. If we cancel a project before any work has begun for reasons within our control, we will refund your deposit in full.

3. Cancelling a fixed-price project

You may cancel a fixed-price project at any time by notifying us in writing. If you cancel after work has begun, you will be charged for the portion of the work completed up to the date we receive your notice, including any deliverables prepared and any time reasonably committed on your behalf. If the amount you have already paid exceeds the value of the work performed, we will refund the difference. If the value of the work performed exceeds what you have paid, the balance will be invoiced to you.

4. Hourly engagements

For hourly work, you are charged for the time actually worked. You may pause or stop an hourly engagement at any time by notifying us in writing, and you will be billed for hours worked up to that point. Hours already worked are not refundable, as the service has already been delivered.

5. Recurring monthly plans

Recurring plans are billed in advance for each monthly period. You may cancel a recurring plan at any time, and the cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing period. We do not provide partial refunds for the unused portion of a billing period unless required by law or agreed in writing, because our capacity for that period has already been reserved for you. After cancellation, you will not be billed for further periods.

6. Changes to scope

If you wish to change the scope of an engagement after it has begun, we will discuss the impact on timeline and fees and confirm any changes in writing before proceeding. A reduction in scope does not entitle you to a refund for work already performed, and an increase in scope may result in additional fees.

7. Refunds for service issues

We stand behind the quality of our work. If you believe a deliverable does not meet the agreed scope, please notify us within the review period stated in your engagement and describe the specific issue. We will work with you in good faith to correct the problem, which is usually the fastest and fairest resolution. Where a defect cannot reasonably be corrected, we may offer a partial refund proportionate to the affected work. Refunds are not provided for dissatisfaction that arises from a change of mind, from circumstances outside our control, or from the performance of third-party platforms.

8. How refunds are issued

Approved refunds are issued using the original method of payment where possible, within a reasonable period after the refund is agreed. Any transaction fees charged by third-party payment providers may be deducted where permitted. We will confirm the amount and timing of any refund in writing.

9. Cancellations by BARTONFREE

We reserve the right to cancel or decline to continue an engagement, for example where continued work is not feasible, where required cooperation is not provided, or where continuing would place us in breach of our obligations. If we cancel for reasons within our control and unrelated to your conduct, we will refund any amounts paid for work not yet performed.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Refund and Cancellation Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date above and will apply to engagements entered into after the change takes effect. For active engagements, the terms in place when you accepted the engagement will continue to apply unless we agree otherwise in writing.