Frequently Asked
Questions

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent orchestration platform. Think of it as the "operating system" for AI agents — it manages multiple AI models, schedules tasks, handles context, and lets you build autonomous workflows.

Unlike ChatGPT (one conversation at a time) or Claude Code (coding-focused), OpenClaw runs 24/7, connects to your tools (email, calendar, Telegram, etc.), and can execute complex multi-step workflows automatically.

It's self-hosted, meaning you run it on your own hardware (like a Mac Mini), so you own your data and aren't locked into a SaaS subscription.

You absolutely can set it up yourself. The OpenClaw docs are solid, and there's an active community on Reddit.

DIY is great if:

• You have technical skills (CLI, YAML, basic Python)
• You have time to learn (expect 3-7 days for first setup)
• You enjoy troubleshooting
• Your use case is simple

Hire a consultant if:

• You want it done this week, not next month
• You've tried DIY and got stuck (very common)
• You're building a business on this and need it production-grade
• You got surprise API bills and want cost optimization

The math: If your time is worth $50/hour and DIY takes 20 hours, that's $1,000 of your time. A $500 consult starts looking pretty reasonable.

Tier	Best For	What You Get
Starter ($499)	Technical users	Config template, core workflows, 3 days support
Pro ($997)	Most clients	Full custom build, personalized SOUL/MEMORY, 7 days support
Enterprise ($1,997)	Complex needs	Everything in Pro + custom workflows, 3 months support

Most setups run $30–150/month depending on usage. We help you choose the right models for your budget and optimize costs from day one.

With proper model routing (which we implement), these costs are 50-80% lower than naive setups. See our case study for real numbers — we run a full 24/7 system for $65/month.

Consultations: No refunds — the time is spent in the call and writing your roadmap.

Custom Builds: 50% deposit to start, 50% on completion. If we can't deliver the agreed scope, deposit refunded minus work completed. After delivery and acceptance, no refunds (30-day warranty applies).

All builds include: 30-day warranty on all functionality. Bug fixes at no charge. Minor adjustments within original scope.

All packages include: Async Q&A support during the support period (3-7 days for Starter/Pro, 2 weeks + monthly check-ins for Enterprise).

After the included period: Email support available at $150/hour for troubleshooting, or you can purchase a maintenance package:

• Managed Monitoring ($149/mo): 24/7 system health monitoring, alerts, weekly summaries
• Agent Maintenance ($299/mo): Everything in monitoring + unlimited bug fixes, monthly optimization, up to 2 hours call time

Minimum (for simple setups):

• Mac Mini M1 or better (or equivalent Linux/Windows machine)
• 8GB RAM
• 50GB free storage
• Reliable internet connection

Recommended (for production):

• Mac Mini M2 Pro or better
• 16GB RAM
• 256GB SSD
• Backup power (UPS)

A $600 Mac Mini M4 is the sweet spot. The system runs 24/7, so a dedicated machine that stays on is best.

Short answer: Basic comfort with Terminal helps, but you don't need to be a developer.

OpenClaw does require some technical comfort — CLI commands, editing config files, basic troubleshooting. But we design the system around your technical level.

Options for non-technical users:

• Pro/Enterprise packages include full setup plus training — we teach you the basics you need to operate it
• Managed services — we handle all the technical stuff ongoing

Many of our clients are business owners, not developers. We bridge that gap.

That's covered in support. You also get our full anti-pattern guide — a document of every crash we've hit in production and exactly how to fix it.

Gateway watchdog auto-heals most issues. For major incidents: I walk you through it personally.

Common issues and their fixes:

• Gateway crashes: Auto-restart configured, usually resolves in seconds
• API rate limits: Fallback chains to alternate models
• Memory issues: Scheduled cleanup jobs prevent buildup
• Skill failures: Automatic retries with exponential backoff

With self-hosted OpenClaw:

• Your data never leaves your hardware (unless you configure it to)
• No third-party SaaS has access to your conversations
• You control API keys and integrations
• We can implement encryption at rest if needed

What we do for security:

• API key management best practices (1Password integration)
• ClawHub skill vetting (we review before installing)
• Prompt injection protection
• Regular security audits (Maintenance tier)
• Secure credential storage

By default: No. We set it up, hand it over, and we're done unless you purchase ongoing services.

With Managed Monitoring: We have read-only monitoring access (no control over your agent).

With Maintenance: We have access for updates and fixes, but only when you grant it (temporary SSH keys, revoked after work is done).

You always maintain full control and can revoke access at any time.

Yes. 100%. All code, all files, all configs. This is your system on your machine.

There's no recurring fee to us — just your own API costs. You can modify, extend, and build on it however you want.

We don't use proprietary lock-ins or encrypted configs. Everything is standard OpenClaw YAML and markdown files that you fully control.

Step 1: Book a free 15-minute consultation

• We'll discuss your needs
• I'll tell you honestly if OpenClaw is right for you
• No pressure, no sales pitch

Step 2: Choose your path

• DIY with our resources (free)
• Starter Consult for a roadmap ($499)
• Jump straight to a Custom Build ($997+)

Step 3: We build, you profit

• Most clients are up and running within 2 weeks
• Immediate time savings
• ROI typically within first month

Package	Timeline
Starter	Same day (you install, we support)
GnawClaw Pro	10-14 days
Enterprise	4-6 weeks

Rush option: 50% surcharge for 50% faster delivery (subject to availability)

Email: hello@gnawclaw.com

Telegram: @gnawclaw (fastest response)

Book a call: gnawclaw.com/contact

We typically respond within 24 hours (often much faster).