Payment Policy
Payment structures, deadlines, late payments, recurring billing, and how invoices and deposits work.
← Back to all policies1. Purpose
This Payment Policy explains the payment requirements, billing procedures, deposits, invoices, recurring services, and financial responsibilities associated with services provided by Sentinel Network Systems ("SNS").
Payment terms may vary depending on project size, complexity, timeline, and requirements. Final payment terms will always be listed in the approved quote, invoice, or written agreement.
2. Accepted Payment Methods
SNS may accept payment through approved payment methods, including:
- Online payment processors
- Bank transfer
- Other approved payment options
SNS may change available payment methods at any time.
3. Quotes and Pricing
All pricing estimates are based on the information available at the time of quoting.
Final pricing may change due to:
- Additional features
- Scope changes
- Increased project requirements
- Additional integrations
- Third-party service costs
- Additional support requirements
Clients will be notified before additional charges are applied.
4. Deposits
A deposit may be required before project work begins.
Deposits cover:
- Project planning
- Reserved development time
- Initial setup
- Design and preparation work
- Development scheduling
SNS is not required to begin work until any required deposit has been received.
5. Payment Structures
Payment schedules are determined by project size and complexity.
Small Projects
Projects under $100:
- Full payment may be required before work begins.
Examples:
- Small website updates
- Minor fixes
- Simple projects
Standard Projects
Projects between $100 and $500:
Recommended payment schedule:
- 50% deposit before development begins
- 50% final payment before delivery
Large Projects
Projects over $500:
Payment may be divided into milestones.
Example:
- Initial deposit
- Development milestone payment
- Testing milestone payment
- Final payment before launch or delivery
6. Invoices
Invoices may include:
- Client information
- Project description
- Services provided
- Amount due
- Payment deadline
- Accepted payment methods
Clients are responsible for reviewing invoices and notifying SNS of any concerns.
7. Payment Deadlines
Unless otherwise stated:
- Project payments are due according to the invoice terms.
- Monthly services are billed before the service period begins.
- Final payments are required before final delivery.
8. Late Payments
If payment is not received by the deadline, SNS may:
- Pause development
- Delay project delivery
- Suspend maintenance services
- Suspend managed hosting or support services
- Withhold final deliverables
SNS may resume services after outstanding balances are resolved.
9. Final Delivery Requirements
SNS may withhold final delivery until all required payments are completed.
Final delivery may include:
- Source code
- Administrative access
- Deployment access
- Documentation
- Production launch
- Project files
Ownership transfer occurs only after full payment has been received.
10. Recurring Services and Care Packages
SNS Care Packages and recurring services are billed monthly unless otherwise stated.
Recurring services may include:
- Website maintenance
- Security updates
- Backups
- Monitoring
- Support
- Hosting assistance
- Technical updates
Failure to pay recurring invoices may result in service suspension.
11. Payment Disputes and Chargebacks
Clients should contact SNS before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback.
SNS will make reasonable efforts to resolve payment concerns.
Unauthorized chargebacks, fraudulent payment disputes, or payment reversals may result in:
- Service suspension
- Loss of access to managed services
- Cancellation of agreements
- Collection of unpaid balances
12. Project Cancellation
If a project is cancelled:
- Completed work remains billable.
- Deposits may become non-refundable after work begins.
- Third-party costs remain the client's responsibility.
- Remaining balances for completed work must still be paid.
13. Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for:
- Providing accurate billing information.
- Maintaining valid payment methods.
- Paying invoices on time.
- Reviewing quotes and invoices before approval.
- Informing SNS of billing changes.
14. Payment Records
SNS maintains records of:
- Quotes
- Invoices
- Payments received
- Outstanding balances
- Project expenses
Records may be retained for business, accounting, and legal purposes.
15. Changes to Payment Terms
SNS may adjust payment requirements based on:
- Project complexity
- Project size
- Client history
- Required resources
- Special circumstances
Any changes will be communicated before work begins.
16. Contact
Sentinel Network Systems
Payment questions should be submitted through official SNS business communication channels.
Website: https://sentinelnetworksystems.com