Frequently asked questions

How Stacked works — what a stack is, what it costs, and how to make it your own.

What is Stacked?

Stacked turns a startup idea into a ready-to-use tech stack — the exact tools, how they wire together, and a step-by-step setup guide. Describe a goal on the home page and get a matched stack in seconds.

What is a stack?

A stack is a curated bundle of tools built around a single goal, like collecting waitlist emails or accepting online payments. Each stack lists the tools, what each one does, how they integrate, an estimated monthly cost, and a setup checklist with direct links.

How much does a stack cost to run?

Most stacks are built to start free. Every stack page has a cost calculator that estimates your monthly cost from each tool's public pricing, based on your number of users and revenue.

Can I swap a tool for something else?

Yes. Each stack is a recommended starting point — swap in any alternative you already use. The setup guide shows the integration points so you know what to rebuild.

How long does setup take?

Most makers finish a stack's setup in under an hour. Creating accounts and connecting the first integration usually takes the most time.

Is Stacked free to use?

Yes — browsing stacks, tools, and setup guides is completely free. You only pay for the third-party tools you choose to use.

How does Stacked make money?

Some outbound tool links are affiliate links: if you sign up for a tool through one, the tool may pay Stacked a commission. It costs you nothing extra, pages with affiliate links say so, and commissions never decide which tools appear in a stack — recommendations come first, affiliate programs are added after.

How are stacks chosen?

Each stack is hand-picked to solve a specific goal with tools that work well together and that small teams can adopt quickly, favoring options with a free or low-cost tier.

How do I suggest a stack or tool?

Use the Suggest a stack page to propose a goal and the tools that solve it. If it fits, we'll build it out with a setup guide and add it to the library.