Learn how to request, edit, or respond to milestone changes on your contracts. Understand approval steps, pending requests, and how to handle client-added milestones.
In this article
- What kind of changes to milestones can I request?
- How do I propose a new milestone to my client?
- How do I request changes to a milestone?
- How do I respond to my client’s request to edit an active milestone?
- Can I edit or withdraw my request for milestone changes?
- What happens if my client doesn’t respond to my request to update a milestone?
- What if my client adds a milestone but I didn't agree to it?
What kind of changes to milestones can I request?
As a freelancer or agency manager, you can suggest changes for future milestones, such as updating the amount or due date, or requesting that a milestone be removed. You can also propose new milestones or a new contract.
You can’t propose changes to an active milestone — only future milestones can be changed. Clients may be able to request changes to an active milestone, which you can approve or reject.
Pro tip: Discuss the changes you'd like with your client before sending your request.
How do I propose a new milestone to my client?
- Go to Your active contracts and open the contract
- In the Overview tab, choose the Propose a new milestone link
- Enter the details and choose Save
- Select the Send Request button to request approval from your client
When you send a request, your client can review and either accept or decline your proposed updates.
How do I request changes to a milestone?
- Go to Your active contracts and open the contract
- In the Overview tab, choose the Manage milestones button
- Find the correct milestone and choose the pencil icon
- Edit the milestone details and choose Save
- Select the Send request button to request approval from your client. They can either accept or decline your proposed updates
Note:
If you're working on an agency contract, only the agency manager can submit a request to add or change future milestones.
How do I respond to my client’s request to edit an active milestone?
Clients may be able to request changes to an active milestone — including the title, description, due date, or payment amount — as long as you haven’t submitted work for that milestone. (This feature is not available to everyone yet.)
How to review a change request on an active milestone
- You’ll get a notification when a client submits a change request
- In the notification, select the link to see and review the request details
- Choose Approve or Reject
- If you approve, the milestone updates automatically — if the milestone amount increased, the client may need to add funds first
- If you reject, the milestone stays the same
What happens while a change request is pending on an active milestone
- The client can edit the change request
- If you submit work on the active milestone OR the client releases payment on it, the change request is automatically canceled
- If neither of you takes action, the request expires after seven days
Can I edit or withdraw my request for milestone changes?
If your client hasn't accepted or rejected your request yet, you can withdraw your suggestions.
To do so:
- Go to Your active contracts and open the contract
- From Milestones & Earnings, choose View Changes
- Choose Withdraw
If you want to edit your suggestions, withdraw your request and submit a new one.
What happens if my client doesn’t respond to my request to update a milestone?
The milestone request will not expire. Your client will have to either accept or decline your proposed changes before they can add or make changes to future milestones. You shouldn't work on a milestone until it is accepted and funded by your client. If the client does not respond, you can reach out to them via messages.
What if my client adds a milestone but I didn't agree to it?
If you didn't agree to the milestone, you can ask the client to delete it. If the milestone wasn't what you were expecting, reach out to your client to discuss whether it can be edited or should be deleted.