First-version scope and a prototype in front of captains
We agree with Nora and Sam what goes in version 1 and what waits, show a clickable prototype to real captains and customers before any code, and set up accounts in Saltmarsh Charters' name.
- First-version scope agreedEnd of week 1
- Prototype tested with 3-5 captains and customersEnd of week 3
- Build plan signed offEnd of week 4
A startup's biggest risk is building the wrong thing, so the first month is about deciding and testing, not coding.
Kickoff and first-version scope
A working session with both founders to list everything the marketplace could do, then sort it into version 1, soon after launch, and later. Version 1 is only what a captain and a customer need to complete a paid booking safely.
Accounts in Saltmarsh Charters' name
The app, its data and the Stripe platform account belong to the company from day one, not to us.
Clickable prototype first
The main screens from search to booking, a captain's profile and dashboard, and a weather reschedule, filled with sample captains and trips. It looks real but nothing is coded yet, so changing it is cheap.
Founder decisions on fees and policy
The numbers the app has to enforce. Booking fee percent and who pays it, deposit percent, when the balance is due, and the cancellation rules for customers, captains and weather.
Test the prototype with captains and customers
Short sessions with 3-5 real people, at least two captains and two people who have booked a charter before. Each one tries to do their main task while we watch and take notes.
Terms of service and privacy policy
The marketplace needs terms for customers, an agreement for captains and a privacy policy before the first real booking. These come from your lawyer; we make sure the app matches them.
Month review and next plan
What the prototype tests changed, the final version 1 build plan for sign-off, and the board for Month 2.