How to use milestones in fixed-price jobs

When and how should I add milestones?

To set your project up for success, it’s smart to agree on the first set of milestones — amounts ($5 USD minimum each), deliverables, and deadlines — before work starts. Make each milestone clear and specific. This keeps everyone aligned on what’s being done, when, and how much is being paid.

You can either:

• Plan all milestones upfront during the interview and contract setup
• Add more milestones later as the contract evolves

Note: You can only fund one milestone at a time. You’ll need to release funds on the current milestone before you can activate and fund the next one. Learn how to add and edit milestones to an existing contract.

How do I review milestone submissions?

When your freelancer submits work for a milestone, you'll get a notification to review it. You’ll have 14 days to take action by:

• Approving the work if everything looks good
• Asking your freelancer for changes

Note: If you don’t respond within 14 days, your deposited funds will be automatically released to the freelancer.

How do I approve milestone work?

You can approve work and release payment directly in the contract workroom:

1. Go to All contracts and select the contract
2. Select Review and pay
3. Choose the amount to release
4. If you’re releasing the full amount, you can click the Add a bonus box to reward great work (optional)
5. Select Pay now to confirm

You can also access the workroom from your messages by clicking Review and pay in the activity timeline on the sidebar.

What happens if I release less than the deposited milestone amount?

You can:

• Put those funds toward the next milestone
• Request a refund if you want to end the contract without releasing remaining funds

If you request a refund, the freelancer can agree to the refund or initiate a dispute.

Best practice: Discuss why you’re releasing less or ending the contract with your freelancer first.

How do I request changes to milestone work?

You can request changes to submitted work in the contract workroom.

1. Go to All contracts and open the contract
2. Select Review and pay
3. Select Request changes
4. Let your freelancer know what needs fixed

You can also access the workroom from your messages by clicking Review and pay in the activity timeline on the sidebar.

Does the freelancer have to submit work and payment requests in the workroom?

No. Freelancers can submit work however you need them to, and you’ll still be able to pay them.

For example, a freelancer might:

• Work directly on your website
• Work on a shared doc
• Send docs via email, Dropbox, Slack, or whatever tools you use

How do I pay if the freelancer doesn’t submit work or request payment in the contract’s workroom?

You’ll still pay them directly through the contract workroom:

1. Go to All contracts and open the contract
2. Select Release payment
3. Choose the amount to release
4. If you’re releasing the full amount, you can click the Add a bonus box to reward great work (optional)
5. Select Pay now to confirm

You can also access the workroom from your messages by clicking Release payment in the activity timeline on the sidebar.