Policies
The terms, in plain words
Written so you can read them before you buy rather than after something goes wrong.
What beta testing is, and is not
Beta testing identifies potential defects, usability problems and user-experience issues. It does not guarantee that every bug, defect or vulnerability will be discovered. Deciding whether and how to address what we report, and what further testing you need before releasing, remains yours.
The testing period
Each package includes one testing period of the stated length, beginning on the agreed start date. During it we may send interim updates about material defects and significant findings.
Critical or high-severity issues that materially affect the product are communicated as soon as reasonably practicable rather than held until the final report.
Retesting and fix verification
You may supply corrected builds during the testing period. Each package includes one limited fix-verification cycle: the originally assigned testers check whether problems we already reported appear to be corrected.
It is not the whole product tested again. The following are additional services:
- A full or substantially new regression test of an updated product
- Testing of substantially new features not in the original assignment
- Testing periods beyond the original window
- Additional testers beyond the number included
- More than one round of retesting
- Testing caused by a substantial redesign, rebuild or major version change
- Any request that materially increases scope, duration or resources
Changes to a project
If you ask for work that materially changes the original scope, we will quote for it before starting. Additional work does not begin until you have approved the charge — you will not receive an invoice for something you did not agree to.
Payment
| Under $1,000 | 50% deposit to begin, 50% on completion |
|---|---|
| $1,000 and above | 50% deposit to begin, 50% on delivery of the final report |
| Larger projects | A milestone schedule may be used |
Tester recruitment and testing do not begin until the initial payment has been received. Payment is by PayPal, in US dollars.
Your product, and your confidentiality
Testers are briefed that pre-release software and anything they see in it is confidential. Builds, credentials and test accounts you give us are used for the assignment and nothing else.
Our testers' privacy
Reports identify testers by label only — "Tester 1", "Tester 2". You receive device make and model, findings, and which days each covered. Names, contact details and payment details are never disclosed. This is set out in our privacy policy.
Questions
[email protected]. If something here is unclear before you buy, ask — that is cheaper for both of us than discovering it later.