How Website Cancellation Works

The 12-Month Commitment (And Why It Exists)

When you sign up, you're committing to the first 12 months. This isn't a money grab—it's protection for both of us.

Here's why it protects me: I invest significant time and expertise building your custom website before you've paid much of anything. Without this commitment, I'd be vulnerable to businesses that need a website for just a few months—think seasonal shops, short-term events, or startups testing ideas who plan to pivot quickly.

Here's why it protects you: I'm looking for committed business partners, not people trying to game the system or get a quick website they can copy. The 12-month commitment filters out non-serious clients and ensures I'm working with businesses that value long-term professional relationships. You get my full attention and investment because I know you're serious about your web presence.

After your first 12 months? You can cancel anytime, no questions asked. It goes month-to-month, and I'll never hold you hostage.

If You Need to Cancel

Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Cancellation

Scheduled Cancellation (30+ days notice): You give me advance notice that you want to cancel on a specific future date. This lets me plan the transition properly and offer full transition courtesies. We can continue making changes to your site until 2 weeks prior to the effective cancellation date.

Unscheduled Cancellation (immediate): You want to cancel at the end of your current billing period with minimal notice. Totally fine, but I can't offer the same level of transition support. Once I receive an unscheduled cancellation request, I have to begin the export and decommission process immediately—no more site changes can be made.

During Your First 12 Months

You can cancel, but you're still responsible for payments through month 12. Your website stays live as long as you keep paying, but once your 12-month commitment is fulfilled, the cancellation process begins.

Important: If you stop paying during your commitment period, your site gets suspended immediately, but you still owe the remaining balance through month 12.

After 12 Months

Just shoot me an email. That's it. I'm not going to try to talk you into staying—I don't have the skills to do it anyway.

What Happens Next

Timeline

• You submit cancellation: Takes effect immediately upon confirmation of receipt, or on the scheduled effective date depending on cancellation type
• End of final billing period: Decommissioning process begins
  • First 12 months: After your 12-month commitment is complete AND paid
  • Month-to-month: At end of current month
• Site goes offline: Happens quickly once decommissioning starts
• Domain transfer: Process begins within 5 days of going offline
• Content export: Delivered within 7 days of going offline
• Grace period: Up to 7 additional days available with verification that your new developer is actively working on your transition

Your Domain

I'll transfer your domain wherever you want it—usually to your new developer or hosting company. I'll handle the technical stuff and keep you posted on the process.

Important: Some domains have transfer restrictions (like new registrations that can't be moved for 60 days) or technical issues may arise during transfer. If that applies to you, I'll explain exactly what's happening and we'll work together to get the transfer completed as soon as possible.

Your Content Export

You'll get an export of all the content we're using on your site—text, contact info, business details, and any images you provided. It'll be in a clean, readable format like markdown or structured text that another developer can work with.

Important: This isn't a DIY-friendly export. You'll need another developer to actually use it. It's a professional handoff, not something you can drag-and-drop into a website builder.

What You Don't Get

This is important: you don't get my code, design structure, or website framework. You're paying for a service, not buying a product. When the service ends, so does access to the proprietary system that powers it.

Think of it like canceling Netflix—you don't get to keep their streaming platform when you leave, and you can't buy it from them either. The platform is optimized for their operations, not for individual ownership.

What You Own vs. What I Own

What This Means

Another developer can absolutely rebuild your site using your content export and domain, but they'll need to code it from scratch or use their own framework. You're not starting over from zero—you have all your content and your domain—but you're not getting a carbon copy of the site either.

Important Fine Print

Domain Ownership & Control

At signup, you'll designate who has authority over domain transfers and decisions. Domain transfers will only be initiated at the request of that designated person. If that person changes, we need written notification from the current designated owner.

Client Abandonment Policy

If you stop paying and become unresponsive (no reply to emails/calls for 30+ days), standard cancellation terms apply. Your site goes offline, domain gets transferred to the last known registrar preferences, and content export gets sent to your last known email address. You're still responsible for any outstanding balance through your commitment period.

Return Customers

Changed your mind? I'm happy to work together again, but it requires a new 12-month commitment. No exceptions—even if you were month-to-month when you left.

Payment Issues

• Late/missed payments: Site gets suspended immediately, but can be reactivated when payment is received (plus late fees)
• Early cancellation during commitment: You still owe through month 12, even if you cancel earlier
• Month-to-month billing: No prorated refunds for partial months