3 ms·

The two large projects I've worked as a consultant were structured in milestones. The first client had a structure they'd used previously that I just inherited

The two large projects I've worked as a consultant were structured in milestones. The first client had a structure they'd used previously that I just inherited -- I believe it was agreed amount / 4, each paid for delivering 1) full spec, 2) wireframes/ux, 3) MVP and QA, 4) Beta that addressed major issues identified from 3. After each stage I did the presentation and invoiced. I borrowed their same structure for the next gig. It worked well in both projects. However, it was very clear going in that both of these companies were going to pay me.

plockdev 7mo ago
(quick note: i'm the OP, original account launchstack_dev got locked so posting from this one) yeah milestone-based billing is solid when both sides are acting in good faith. the tricky part is exactly what you said... "it was very clear going in that both of these companies were going to pay me." that's the luxury. a lot of freelancers don't have that signal upfront, especially early on when you're taking whatever work comes in. the gated delivery thing isn't meant to replace milestone contracts for enterprise clients. it's more for the situation where you're working with a smaller client, no procurement department, no established payment culture, and you need some structural protection without making it weird. appreciate you sharing the milestone approach though, that's genuinely the gold standard when you can get it.