# Archon Foundry for startups, founders, and entrepreneurs

Canonical page: https://archon.tools/for/startups
Industry solutions: https://archon.tools/for

> Foundry is the Start path within Archon.tools. Choose an optional business-in-a-box path or bring your own idea, build your launch plan and connect your website, customer hub, booking and permission-based follow-up, with Archie guiding your setup.

Plan the foundations, set up your offer, test the customer journey and refine follow-up in Workspace with one of several guided starting paths.

## Suggested selection and platform breadth
Suggested four categories: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Booking & calendars; Follow-up & campaigns.
This is a starting selection, not a fixed niche package. Additional categories can replace a selection or be included with the full suite; they are not included automatically in a four-category plan.
- Website & forms [suggested selection]: Give the offer a clear home. Explain what you sell, who it serves and the next step, then review pages and forms before sharing.
- Customer hub & inbox [suggested selection]: Keep early conversations organized. Track contacts, conversations and pipeline stages as you learn what customers need.
- Booking & calendars [suggested selection]: Make consultations easier to arrange. Offer appointment times around your availability and connected calendars when a conversation needs a meeting.
- Follow-up & campaigns [suggested selection]: Follow up with permission. Prepare relevant messages and campaigns around documented consent, contact preferences and clear pause controls.
- Courses & communities [additional category choice]: Package expertise for members. Organize your original courses, digital resources and community spaces with access rules you control.
- Reporting [additional category choice]: Review the signals that matter. Use available activity and agreed measures to see how inquiries and follow-up are progressing.
- Reviews & retention [additional category choice]: Build a thoughtful feedback habit. Plan feedback requests for eligible customers and use supported review destinations.

## Suggested integrations
These are connection options, not installed apps or enabled connections. Confirm availability, permissions, compatibility and pricing for your business before connecting.
### Printful — Marketplace app
Connect Printful directly to a Workspace store for print-on-demand products and order handoff.
Scope: Product titles, images, variants and prices sync. Add descriptions manually. Orders go to Printful; its settings determine automatic or manual production. Review the connection and test the complete order path before accepting orders.
Costs: You need your own Printful account and cover fulfillment charges. Product, shipping and provider costs are separate from Workspace.
Related Workspace guide: https://archon.tools/guidance/connect-print-on-demand

### Printify — Marketplace app
Connect Printify directly to a Workspace store to sync designed products and route orders to your provider account.
Scope: Product imports publish live by default; check each product's destination and provider exceptions before importing or publishing. Review order push and tracking behavior with a test order.
Costs: You need your own Printify account and cover provider fulfillment charges. Provider and product costs are separate from Workspace.
Related Workspace guide: https://archon.tools/guidance/connect-print-on-demand

### Shopify — Marketplace app
Use Shopify as an optional external storefront when its separate commerce setup fits your business.
Scope: Supported selected products, collections, contacts, orders and transactions depend on the connection and granted OAuth scopes. Scope varies. This does not guarantee complete commerce, tax mapping or fulfillment management; test the fields and events you rely on.
Costs: Shopify plans, app charges and payment processing fees are separate. Review current terms and permissions before connecting.
Related Workspace guide: https://archon.tools/guidance/connect-shopify

## Workflow playbooks
These recipes need your content, settings and tests. Reading or downloading one does not install or activate a workflow.
### Services path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-services
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-services
Goal: A clear service page and tested booking journey
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Booking & calendars; Follow-up & campaigns.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Service offer and scope brief; Reviewed business setup checklist; Service page and inquiry form; Inquiry pipeline and discovery booking; Delivery checklist and tested follow-up recipes.
1. Define the offer: Choose a focused service and set expectations a customer can understand. Write a one-sentence offer and name the best-fit customer. List included work, exclusions, delivery window and capacity. Choose a pricing approach and the questions that need a conversation. Done when: A draft offer states its audience, outcome, scope, boundaries and pricing approach.
2. Plan the business basics: Review applicable setup requirements before taking paid work. Review official formation and registration guidance. Check tax registration, licensing and local requirements for this service. Record questions for an accountant, attorney or relevant authority. Done when: A checklist names the official sources reviewed and the remaining decisions or adviser questions.
3. Build the service presence: Create a focused page and a simple route for a qualified inquiry. Add an offer headline, outcomes, scope, process and clear boundaries. Add an inquiry form and a confirmation that sets a response expectation you can meet. Create inquiry pipeline stages: New, Reviewing, Call booked, Proposal, Won, Closed. Done when: The page explains who the service is for, what happens next and how an inquiry is handled.
4. Set up discovery or estimates: Configure a meeting type for conversations that need scheduled time. Set appointment name, duration, buffer and availability. Connect a calendar only after reviewing access and conflict behavior. Add preparation notes and reschedule or cancellation instructions. Done when: A sample booking shows the expected duration, availability, confirmation and cancellation path.
5. Map service delivery: Make the handoff from agreement to completed work understandable and repeatable. List kickoff, work-in-progress, review and completion checkpoints. Prepare an editable welcome message and a project status update. Assign an owner and a manual fallback for missed or delayed milestones. Done when: A one-page delivery checklist names each milestone, owner, customer input and completion evidence.
6. Test the customer journey: Walk through inquiry, booking, proposal and delivery using sample data. Submit a sample inquiry and confirm it appears once in the correct stage. Book and cancel a sample meeting; inspect notifications and calendar behavior. Review the proposal and delivery handoff with a colleague or checklist. Done when: A dated test note records the inquiry, booking and cancellation results plus any fixes.
7. Prepare permission-based follow-up: Configure useful drafts and verify eligibility before any live send is enabled. Create the recipes below in draft or disabled state. Check consent, suppression, duplicate and manual-takeover rules. Run the test contact through every branch and review the resulting activity. Done when: A test record proves the intended messages and stop rules, and an owner has approved any later activation.

### Appointments path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-appointments
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-appointments
Goal: A tested appointment path with clear customer expectations
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Booking & calendars; Follow-up & campaigns.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Appointment service menu; Requirements checklist; Booking page and focused intake form; Availability and operations checklist; Tested reminder and post-visit recipe specs.
1. Choose services and customer expectations: Describe a manageable appointment menu and the people it serves. Name each service in plain language and set its duration. Write what is included, what is not, preparation needs and cancellation terms. Set a capacity limit and a manual response path for special requests. Done when: A reviewed service menu includes duration, scope, customer preparation and capacity.
2. Check business and licensing requirements: Review official formation, tax and professional rules for the service and location. Review official formation and tax registration guidance. Check professional, facility and local permits that may apply. Ask a qualified adviser or authority about unresolved requirements. Done when: A requirements checklist records official sources and open questions.
3. Set up services and availability: Configure appointment types and the hours you can reliably honor. Set service durations, buffers, availability and booking horizon. Connect only the calendar needed and review conflict behavior. Define a manual process for closures, late arrivals and rescheduling. Done when: A sample week shows correct availability, buffers and conflict handling.
4. Create intake and booking: Ask only for information needed to prepare and deliver the appointment. Build a booking page with service scope, duration, location and expectations. Add focused intake fields and explain why each is requested. Set confirmation, cancellation and rescheduling instructions. Done when: A test booking can be completed without unclear terms or unnecessary sensitive questions.
5. Plan appointment operations: Prepare the staff view and customer handling steps around each visit. Write a daily appointment checklist and owner handoff. Draft editable confirmation, change and post-visit messages. Define who resolves booking conflicts and how unavailable slots are handled. Done when: The appointment checklist identifies an owner, customer instructions and a fallback for each exception.
6. Test confirmations and cancellations: Check the customer and staff experience with sample appointments. Book, reschedule and cancel a sample appointment. Check page copy, reminders, calendar entries and staff visibility. Verify a duplicate booking and a full calendar receive the intended response. Done when: A dated test record covers booking, reschedule, cancellation and conflict outcomes.
7. Prepare opted-in reminders: Draft reminders and return-visit follow-up with clear consent and stop conditions. Build the recipes below disabled until reviewed. Check opt-out, cancellation, reschedule and duplicate appointment behavior. Review a test run before enabling any customer-facing message. Done when: A test record shows eligible reminders, suppressed contacts and cancelled appointments handled correctly.

### Knowledge & digital products path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-knowledge
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-knowledge
Goal: A structured digital offer and reviewed member experience
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Courses & communities; Follow-up & campaigns.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Learner and outcome brief; Original-content and rights inventory; Offer page and module outline; Member access and support plan; Tested learner journey and recipe specs.
1. Define the learner and outcome: Choose a specific audience, a useful outcome and an honest scope for your expertise. Write who the offer serves and what it helps them do. Set a realistic learning outcome and exclusions. Choose a format: course, resource, cohort or membership. Done when: A one-page brief defines learner, outcome, format and claims the content can support.
2. Plan the business basics: Review official formation and tax information, then record questions for qualified advisers. Review official formation and registration guidance. Check tax and any content or professional requirements that may apply. Ask qualified advisers about unresolved legal, tax or rights decisions. Done when: A checklist identifies official sources reviewed and unresolved adviser questions.
3. Prepare original learning materials: Organize content you created or have permission to use for this offer. Create a module outline with a clear sequence and learner actions. Keep license and attribution evidence for third-party materials. Prepare accessible lesson text, files and completion criteria. Done when: A lesson inventory lists each module, its source or rights basis and its learner activity.
4. Build the offer and access plan: Explain what the learner receives and how you will review access and support. Write an offer page with inclusions, schedule, access period and support boundaries. Choose a manual or supported enrollment process and its owner. Keep payment, refund and entitlement decisions with the selected commerce provider and reviewed policy. Done when: A learner can see what is included, when access begins and where to get help.
5. Set up the learning space: Organize modules and access rules before inviting a learner. Create the course or member area structure and navigation. Set access criteria and a manual review step for exceptions. Draft welcome, progress and support messages with editable placeholders. Done when: A test learner can locate the first lesson, understand the next step and find the support route.
6. Test the learner journey: Review the offer, enrollment, content, support and access-ending cases. Walk through enrollment and lesson access using a test account. Check unavailable, expired or manually revoked test access. Confirm refund or cancellation decisions are handled by the designated commerce owner. Done when: A dated test note records allowed and denied access outcomes and the owner for payment or cancellation exceptions.
7. Prepare consented learner communication: Configure useful onboarding and completion messages without taking over billing or access authority. Build the recipes below disabled pending content and permission review. Check duplicates, opt-outs, replies and access changes. Test with sample learner states before enabling messages. Done when: A test record shows onboarding and progress communication stopping on opt-out, completion or access revocation.

### Print-on-demand path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-print-on-demand
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-print-on-demand
Goal: A reviewed Workspace store and fulfillment setup
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Follow-up & campaigns; Reporting.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Product-line and rights brief; Business setup checklist; Reviewed product catalog and store policies; Provider and landed-cost review; Controlled order test and message recipe specs.
1. Define the product line: Pick a focused audience and a small set of products you can review and support. Choose a narrow product range and the customer need it serves. Confirm artwork is original or licensed for the intended product, sales and promotion. Write a pricing worksheet that includes provider and delivery assumptions. Done when: A product brief names the audience, initial products, rights basis and cost assumptions.
2. Plan the business basics: Review official formation and tax resources and identify local requirements. Review official formation and registration information. Check tax, product labeling and local sales requirements that may apply. Record open questions for qualified legal or tax advice. Done when: A dated checklist records sources reviewed and decisions still needing advice.
3. Build the Workspace store: Prepare product information and policies, then configure a reviewed provider connection. Create product pages with accurate variants, materials, sizing, price and delivery expectations. Review checkout, payment-provider setup, costs and refund/support ownership manually. For Printful, enter descriptions manually; for Printify, review each imported destination because imports publish live by default. Done when: A private or controlled product review confirms each listing, destination, price and fulfillment setting before customer traffic.
4. Qualify fulfillment and costs: Confirm products, shipping destinations, order handling and funding before accepting orders. Review provider product, print area, shipping and fulfillment settings. Calculate landed cost including production, shipping, processing, taxes where applicable and refund allowance. Confirm how orders are submitted and how provider charges are funded. Done when: A sample order plan records each cost component, destination and manual fallback.
5. Prepare store operations: Make delivery expectations and customer support steps easy to find. Write shipping, returns, cancellation and support information consistent with provider terms and applicable rules. Set a manual review path for exceptions, damaged items and address issues. Prepare editable order and delay messages. Done when: The store shows clear policies and an owner can identify the next action for common order exceptions.
6. Test the buyer and fulfillment path: Run a controlled test before allowing real customer orders. Review product rendering, variant, price and checkout behavior. Trace a sample order through provider handoff, tracking and customer update. Check refund, cancellation and provider-failure handling without assuming automation. Done when: A dated test record documents checkout, handoff, tracking and exception results.
7. Prepare permission-based customer updates: Configure consented store communication after the order ownership and status rules are clear. Build the recipes below disabled pending review. Keep payment, refund and entitlement decisions with their designated commerce owner. Test duplicate orders, opt-outs, cancellation and refund states before activation. Done when: Test evidence shows permitted updates once per order and suppresses opted-out or terminal cases.

### 3D print-on-demand path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-3d-print-on-demand
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-3d-print-on-demand
Goal: A reviewed product catalog and qualified manufacturing path
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Follow-up & campaigns; Reporting.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Fixed catalog and rights inventory; Business and product requirements checklist; Manufacturer comparison with sample and quote; Product pages and landed-cost worksheet; Private CAD and custom-quote procedure with test evidence.
1. Choose a fixed catalog and confirm rights: Start with a limited catalog of original or commercially licensed designs. Select a focused set of models and intended use cases. Confirm rights cover modification if needed, commercial manufacturing, sale and promotion. Keep source files and rights records in controlled private storage; do not paste private CAD into a chat or public listing. Done when: Each launch model has a recorded rights basis, permitted uses and a controlled file location.
2. Plan business and product requirements: Review formation, tax and product-specific obligations for each intended market. Review official business formation and registration information. Check product safety, labeling, age or use restrictions that may apply. Ask qualified advisers or relevant authorities about uncertain requirements. Done when: A dated checklist identifies reviewed sources, destination assumptions and unresolved questions.
3. Qualify a manufacturer and samples: Establish that a provider can produce the fixed catalog with acceptable quality and destinations. Ask for current material, finish, tolerance, packaging and production capabilities. Request a written sample and quote, including shipping destinations, lead time and charges. Review the sample for dimensions, strength, finish and packaging before selecting a provider. Done when: A provider comparison records a sample review, quote, destinations, lead time and open exceptions.
4. Set up products and pricing: Prepare listing details and calculate costs from a confirmed quote. Build product pages with dimensions, material, finish, care and realistic lead times. Calculate landed cost including production, packaging, shipping, processing, taxes where applicable and refund allowance. Set a manual review path for custom-file requests; quote and obtain customer approval before production. Done when: Each product listing matches the approved sample and a reviewed cost worksheet supports the displayed price.
5. Plan order handling and private CAD: Define a controlled workflow for catalog orders and any future custom requests. Keep source CAD private; the selected manufacturer must hold it through an access-controlled route, and it must not be copied into chat or a public listing. Document manual manufacturability review, written quote and customer approval for custom files. Assign owners for production hold, failed shipment, revision and refund questions. Done when: A written workflow names file access controls, approval evidence and an owner for every exception.
6. Place a controlled test order: Check product accuracy, provider handoff, delivery and support before accepting orders. Review a controlled order or sample against the approved product spec. Trace production, packaging, shipping and tracking with the provider. Check cancellation, delay and refund procedures with the assigned owner. Done when: A dated test record contains sample/order observations, actual cost components and exception outcomes.
7. Prepare carefully bounded updates: Use customer messages for reviewed status information while production and approval decisions remain owned by people. Build the recipes below disabled until status ownership and permissions are reviewed. Do not promise automatic custom-file acceptance, manufacturing or delivery dates. Test duplicate, held, cancelled, refunded and opted-out cases. Done when: A test record shows status updates are tied to reviewed order states and stop on terminal or suppressed cases.

### E-commerce path
Source: https://archon.tools/for/startups#startup-ecommerce
Portable playbook: https://archon.tools/for/startups/playbooks/startup-ecommerce
Goal: A reviewed product catalog and tested buyer journey
Tools: Website & forms; Customer hub & inbox; Follow-up & campaigns; Reporting.
Requirements: Workspace configuration and provider choices need your review. You complete business, legal, tax, rights, payment and operating decisions with official authorities or qualified advisers where appropriate. Customer messages remain opt-in and are tested before activation. Product and customer brief; Business requirements checklist; Reviewed catalog and storefront policies; Fulfillment and support checklist; Controlled checkout test and recipe specifications.
1. Define the offer and operating plan: Choose a product range and service promise that can be supported consistently. Choose a focused initial catalog and intended customer. Describe product condition, variants, availability and limitations. Set pricing assumptions and define who owns inventory and customer service. Done when: A product brief identifies catalog scope, supply assumptions, owner and customer promise.
2. Plan the business basics: Review official entity and tax information for your jurisdiction and sales model. Review official formation and registration guidance. Check tax, product and local requirements for intended markets. Record remaining questions for qualified legal or tax advisers. Done when: A dated checklist names sources reviewed, markets considered and unresolved questions.
3. Prepare the product catalog: Make product information accurate and usable before configuring checkout. Write titles, descriptions, variants, dimensions and care information. Confirm product images and brand assets are original or licensed for storefront use. Set stock, backorder or availability rules and a manual exception process. Done when: Each draft listing has complete specifications, rights basis and a reviewed availability rule.
4. Set up the storefront and policies: Build the shop and review payment-provider and formation choices manually. Build storefront pages, navigation, cart and checkout with the selected provider. Review payment-provider terms, costs, formation choices and any tax decisions through the responsible authorities. Add shipping, returns, privacy and support information appropriate to the business. Done when: A reviewer can find product details, checkout expectations, policies and support without relying on unpublished assumptions.
5. Map fulfillment and customer support: Set clear ownership for orders, inventory exceptions and customer questions. Map order review, packing or supplier handoff, tracking and delivery confirmation. Write a manual response process for stock issues, delays, returns and damaged goods. Prepare editable receipt, shipping and support drafts. Done when: A simple order checklist names owner, expected evidence and fallback for each fulfillment stage.
6. Test checkout and customer updates: Use a controlled test path to confirm the experience and exceptions. Review product, cart, checkout, receipt and order record using the provider’s test method. Check inventory, shipping estimate, order handoff and customer support route. Review cancellation and refund handling with the designated commerce owner. Done when: A dated test note covers checkout through order handling and records unresolved exceptions.
7. Prepare permission-based follow-up: Separate order communications from optional marketing and respect lifecycle ownership. Build the recipes below disabled until message purpose and provider ownership are reviewed. Keep payment, refund, subscription and paid access lifecycle with the designated commerce provider. Test duplicate events, opt-outs, cancellations, refunds and revoked access where applicable. Done when: Test evidence shows one eligible update per event and no marketing to opted-out or terminal records.

## Existing setup guides
- Capture your first inquiry: Build and test a focused page and form for a product or service conversation. https://archon.tools/guidance/capture-an-inquiry
- Move a customer through your pipeline: Set up a simple view of conversations and the next follow-up. https://archon.tools/guidance/organize-your-contacts
- Build a relevant follow-up sequence: Prepare and test permission-based messages before inviting customer traffic. https://archon.tools/guidance/build-a-follow-up
- Organize your learning resources: Structure original course material, review member access and test the learner experience. https://archon.tools/guidance/prepare-a-course
Official setup resources:
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Launch your business: https://www.sba.gov/counseling/launch-your-business/
- IRS: Get an Employer Identification Number: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number

## Plan and trial terms
FREE 30-day workspace trial. Card required; renews automatically unless canceled.
Suggested four-tool trial selection: https://archon.tools/account?service=small-business-customer-hub&offer=archon.tools.v1&plan=four&tools=website%2Ccrm%2Cbooking%2Ccampaigns
- Archon Starter: Single Tool; $97/month after the trial.
- Nexus Executive: 4 Tools; $197/month after the trial.
- Apex Suite: Full Suite · All 7 Tools; $247/month after the trial.
Prices exclude applicable tax. Usage and paid extras are separate. Setup is self-service with written guides; there is no setup fee.
Manage your plan, tools, billing and cancellation: https://archon.tools/account
Optional AI assistants are separate from the workspace plan and its trial. Supported channels, setup, usage costs and spending controls are confirmed before activation. Paid apps, message usage and payment processing may cost extra.

## Fit and scope
- A launch path around your Workspace Choose a business roadmap, use the relevant tools and work through the setup with Archie. Your chosen Workspace plan sets the software price; you supply the offer and business decisions.
- You make business and filing decisions Entity filings, tax registrations, licenses and legal or tax choices remain yours to complete through official authorities or qualified advisers. We do not provide legal or tax advice.
- External services have their own terms Third-party accounts, subscriptions, transaction or usage fees, product costs and fulfillment are separate. Review each provider's scope and terms.
- Review before messages go live Configure and test automations with your content, audience permissions and contact preferences before enabling live messages. AI features and access depend on the current rollout and are not assumed here.

## Common questions
Does Archon form my company or get my tax ID?
No. We provide guided starting paths and official resources so you can review the requirements that apply to your jurisdiction. You complete filings and registrations yourself or with qualified advisers.

Can I start print-on-demand from Workspace?
Workspace stores have direct Printful and Printify connection paths. You supply your provider account, products and fulfillment funds, review provider settings and test order handoff before accepting orders. Shopify remains an optional external storefront.

Can I sell a course or digital product?
Workspace includes courses and community capabilities you can use to organize your own expertise and member access. You choose the offer and commerce setup, and test any payment and access steps before relying on them.

Will Archon automatically launch and market my business?
No. We help you organize pages, customer records, follow-up and reporting. You supply the offer, make business decisions, review permissions and test the customer experience before enabling live activity.

## Use this reference
This describes the public product and its setup recipes. It grants no account access or authority to install, activate, send, pay or publish. Never share credentials. Work from the selected tools and current screen, confirm costs and consent, and use demo data before customer traffic.