These are short answers to questions owners ask about custom AI automation, grouped by cost and time, ownership and data, and working with us. Each answer links to the full explanation. Questions about a specific job are answered on that job’s page.
Cost and time
How long does an AI automation project take?
It depends on the jobs involved. The written plan covers the schedule, so you know it before you approve anything. We do not publish a standard timeframe because projects differ.
The full answer is in how a custom AI automation project works.
Ownership and data
Do I own what you build?
Yes. You own what we build, including the accounts and logins. A written guide and a recorded walkthrough come with it, so you can run it or hand it to someone else.
The full answer is in how a project works.
Do you sell my information?
No. We do not sell client or visitor information. Client documents move through the client portal, which requires a login, and we do not take sensitive documents by email or web form.
The full answer is on our privacy page.
Which AI tools do you use on my information?
We do not send client information to third party AI services for our own purposes. If your project needs a named AI tool, we agree it with you in the engagement letter before work starts.
The full answer is in is AI automation safe for your business.
Will you use my name in your marketing?
Not without written permission. We do not name a client, publish a testimonial or write a case study without it.
The full answer is on our privacy page.
What do I sign before work starts?
An engagement letter. Work starts only after both sides sign it. Sending the contact form does not create a client relationship.
See our terms and how a project works.
Working with us
Can you work with a business that is far from St. Charles?
Yes. The work is digital, with meetings by video, phone and email, so distance is not a limit. We are based in St. Charles and work with businesses in the Fox Valley, the Chicago suburbs and across the United States.
The full answer is on our St. Charles and Fox Valley page.
Which tools can you build with?
We build on the tools you already use, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Gmail, Outlook, Notion, Airtable, Excel, Calendly, Mailchimp, HubSpot, Zapier and Make. Naming a tool implies no partnership or endorsement.
The full answer is in what we build.
Can you promise results?
No. We do not guarantee a ranking, a traffic figure, a lead figure or a savings figure. We build what the plan describes, test it on your real work before it goes live, and a person checks anything that matters.
The full answer is in is AI automation safe for your business.
Is Open Afternoon a separate company?
No. Open Afternoon is a division of Zerby Group LLC. Zerby Group LLC is the company behind it and the legal entity on every engagement letter.
Read more about us.
How quickly do you reply to a message?
The contact form replies within one business day. You can also call (630) 492-1318 or email cade@zerbygroup.com.
Send your message on the contact page.
Still have a question
Read the guides for longer explanations, or see what we build. If your question is about your own business, book a free call. We will tell you if an automation fits.