What to Do When a Client Requests Milestone Payments but Delays Payment for Subsequent Milestones

[mobinur7]

A client has requested a milestone payment plan but wants to delay payment for the subsequent milestones for several days. The total project will take approximately 3-4 days to complete, but the client is asking to wait around 18 days before paying for the remaining milestones because he is unable to make the payments sooner.

 

Will keeping such a low-budget order open for an extended period negatively impact the seller's profile?

 

Should I suggest the client consider single-payment offers for each milestone instead, allowing him to pay as he is able?

 

[Kesha]

On 11/12/2024 at 9:17 AM, mobinur7 said:

A client has requested a milestone payment plan but wants to delay payment for the subsequent milestones for several days. The total project will take approximately 3-4 days to complete, but the client is asking to wait around 18 days before paying for the remaining milestones because he is unable to make the payments sooner.

 

Will keeping such a low-budget order open for an extended period negatively impact the seller's profile?

 

Should I suggest the client consider single-payment offers for each milestone instead, allowing him to pay as he is able?

 

Hi!

You can set the deadline to whatever is most convenient for you and your client. So, if you need to extend the next milestone to 18 days you can. Your metrics won't be affected until the order is late based on the deadline you and your client set.

Keep in mind though that you should be cautious about continuing to provide work for a buyer who hasn't completed their payments. To protect yourself, refrain from providing other parts of the milestone until payments have been made.

Hope this helps!

[gwyneth_galvin]

Absolutely do not complete any work before it's paid for, you're asking to be scammed. You can simply say to your client that this is Fiverr's policy and there's nothing you can do. If they want the labor, they can purchase it.

Don't feel bad about having firm boundaries when it comes to payment. This person might mean well, but there's no way of knowing and it's not worth the risk. Besides, their deadline is not your problem. 

[sabbirthedealer]

Dealing with delayed payments for milestone projects can be tricky, but it’s also a great opportunity to set clear boundaries and protect your work. When a client requests milestone payments but delays subsequent ones, communication is key. Start by politely reminding them of the agreed timeline and checking if there are any issues causing the delay. It’s important to stay professional and patient while addressing the concern. In the future, consider setting stricter terms for milestones—like ensuring payment is made before continuing work on the next phase. Platforms like Fiverr offer dispute resolution tools, so don’t hesitate to use them if needed. This experience, while frustrating, is a valuable lesson in setting expectations and protecting your time and effort. Your ability to handle such situations professionally only adds to your credibility as a freelancer. Keep going—you’ve got this!

[sujoydew]

7 hours ago, gwyneth_galvin said:

Absolutely do not complete any work before it's paid for, you're asking to be scammed. You can simply say to your client that this is Fiverr's policy and there's nothing you can do. If they want the labor, they can purchase it.

Don't feel bad about having firm boundaries when it comes to payment. This person might mean well, but there's no way of knowing and it's not worth the risk. Besides, their deadline is not your problem. 

Nice Advice! Thank you! @gwyneth_galvin

[sujoydew]

On 11/15/2024 at 5:49 AM, Kesha said:

Hi!

You can set the deadline to whatever is most convenient for you and your client. So, if you need to extend the next milestone to 18 days you can. Your metrics won't be affected until the order is late based on the deadline you and your client set.

Keep in mind though that you should be cautious about continuing to provide work for a buyer who hasn't completed their payments. To protect yourself, refrain from providing other parts of the milestone until payments have been made.

Hope this helps!

Your advice will help us also. I'm glad to see you always help. @Kesha