Small automation
One script or integration
From $199
Comparable freelancers: around $290 ≈30% less
One task automated: a Sheets script, a file job or a simple API connection.
- Written scope
- Script and scheduling
- Error alerts
- Documentation
When no tool does it out of the box
Custom Automation Scripts & APIs
Some tasks don’t fit a ready-made tool: an old system without a connector, a spreadsheet that runs the business, or a report nobody wants to build by hand. I write small, documented scripts and integrations that do exactly that job.
- 6Automation services
- 5Countries served
- 3+Years experience
// At a glance
What custom automation covers
- SpreadsheetsGoogle Apps Script for Sheets, Gmail and Drive
- APIsConnecting systems without a ready connector
- ScriptsPython or Node scripts for data and files
- DocumentedClear notes so anyone can maintain it
- PriceFrom $199, about 30% below typical rates
Not sure it’s the right fit?Ask me
// In short
Do you need custom automation?
Choose Custom Automation when a task can’t be handled by n8n or Zapier connectors, for example an internal system with only an API, complex spreadsheet logic, file processing or a report that needs custom rules. If the apps already have connectors, n8n Automation is usually faster and cheaper; for WordPress features, Plugin Development. MD Shamim Mahmud writes Google Apps Script, API integrations and Python scripts that are documented, tested and owned by you.
By MD Shamim MahmudUpdated
- Provider
- MD Shamim Mahmud · automation specialist
- Based in
- Bangladesh, working remotely
- Tools
- Google Apps Script, Python, Node and REST APIs
- Ownership
- Code and documentation are yours
- Price
- From $199 · about 30% below typical freelance rates
- Start with
- Free check on WhatsApp
// Who it’s for
When a custom script is the answer
Custom code makes sense when the task is specific and repeated, and no connector exists.
Your business runs on Sheets
Formulas and copy-paste across tabs every day.
A system has no connector
An internal tool, ERP or portal with only an API or exports.
Files need processing
Invoices, PDFs, CSVs or images handled in bulk.
Reports built by hand
The same report assembled from several sources each week.
// What’s included
What every project includes
Every project includes these. Paid API usage and cloud hosting, if needed, are paid by you directly.
Written scope
What the script does, inputs, outputs and limits.
Clean, commented code
Readable code with sensible names and comments.
Error handling
Clear errors, logs and alerts when something fails.
Scheduling
Runs on a schedule, a trigger or a button.
Testing
Tested with your real data and edge cases.
Documentation
How it works and how to change it.
// What changes
From manual to automatic
Most custom automations replace a routine someone has done by hand for years. Here’s a typical before and after.
Runs on scheduleError alertsDocumented
Before
- Orders exported, cleaned and pasted into a sheet every morning
- Invoices downloaded and renamed one by one
- A weekly report built from three systems
- Prices updated in two places by hand
- Mistakes found only when a customer complains
After a custom script
- Orders arrive in the sheet automatically, already cleaned
- Invoices saved and named in Drive as they arrive
- The report emailed every Monday at 8:00
- One price change updates both systems
- An alert when data looks wrong
// How it works
From task to running automation
You approve the plan before anything is built, and test it with real data before handover.
Free call
The task, the systems involved and example data.
Day 1Map & quote
The steps, apps, data and a fixed price.
Before work startsBuild
Built in your accounts, step by step.
During the projectTest
Run with real data; edge cases handled.
Before handoverHandover
A short video guide and notes on what runs where.
Delivery day
// Pricing
How much does custom automation cost?
Fixed prices from a written scope, about 30% below what comparable freelancers charge.
Larger automation
Several steps or systems
From $599
Comparable freelancers: around $860 ≈30% less
Multi-step automations across systems, with logging and admin controls.
- Everything in a small automation
- Several systems connected
- Logging and retry logic
- Handover call
Internal tools
Dashboards or small apps
Quoted
After a free call
Internal tools, dashboards or small apps around your data.
- Internal dashboards
- Small web apps
- Written quote after a free call
- Runs in your accountsWorkflows, bots and data stay in accounts you own.
- 30 days of free fixesIf something I built breaks within 30 days, it’s fixed at no cost.
- Direct support on WhatsAppTalk to the person who built your automation.
How payment works
- 1Written proposalScope, price and timeline agreed before any payment.
- 250% to startYou get an invoice, and a receipt once it’s paid.
- 3Test it with real dataRun the automation with your own data and ask for agreed changes.
- 450% at handoverThe second half is due only when it works as agreed.
Progress updates, invoices and receipts are shared with you in one place, so you always know where the work and payments stand.
Paid API usage, cloud hosting and software licences, if needed, are paid by you directly. Market comparison based on public freelance price lists, October 2026.
Returning client, or referred by one? Ask about your discount
// Before you decide
Custom script or n8n workflow?
If the apps have connectors, n8n is usually quicker. Custom code fits when they don’t, or when the logic is very specific.
| Custom script (this service) | n8n workflow | |
|---|---|---|
| Best when | No connector, or very specific logic | Apps already have connectors |
| Changes | Edit the code (documented) | Edit visually |
| Running cost | Often free (Apps Script) or tiny | n8n plan or server |
| Starting price | From $199 | From $179 |
What you’ll need to share
- A description or recording of the task
- Example input and output files
- Access to the systems or APIs involved
- Where results and alerts should go
Missing something? We can sort it out together on the first call.
// FAQ
Custom automation questions
What owners ask before commissioning a script.
How much does custom automation cost?
A small automation starts from $199, and a larger multi-step automation from $599 (USD), about 30% below what comparable freelancers typically charge. Internal tools are quoted after a free call.
How do payments work?
You pay 50% to start and 50% at handover, after you’ve tested it with real data. Every payment comes with an invoice and a receipt.
Will I own the code?
Yes. Code and documentation are yours after payment.
What if something changes in the other system?
Changes in APIs or file formats can need updates. Small fixes within 30 days are free; later ones are quoted.
Is Google Apps Script free?
Yes, for normal Google Workspace or Gmail accounts, within Google’s quotas.
Can you work with our internal system?
Usually, if it has an API, exports or a database you can give access to.
Is my data safe?
Access is limited to what the script needs, credentials are stored securely, and nothing is copied elsewhere.
How long does it take?
Small automations often take 2–5 days; larger ones one to two weeks.
A task no tool does? Let’s script it.
Describe the task and attach an example file. I’ll reply with how I’d automate it.
Often added to this service
n8n Automation
Visual workflows when apps have connectors.
WordPress Plugin Development
Custom features inside WordPress.
Email Automation
Automated emails triggered by your data.
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