Clause Guide
Milestone Payments Clause clause: meaning, risks, and what to negotiate
Ties payment to completion of defined project stages or deliverables.
What it means
Milestone payments can help align cash flow with work completed, but vague milestones can create disputes.
Common risks
3 risks identifiedMilestones may be unclear or subjective.
Payment may be delayed by vague approval requirements.
Too much payment may be pushed to the end of the project.
What to check before signing
ChecklistAre milestones clearly defined?
What triggers payment for each stage?
Is there a review deadline or deemed acceptance?
Negotiation ideas
ActionableUse objective milestone definitions.
Add review deadlines and deemed acceptance.
Balance milestone values across the project.
Example clause
Client shall pay the fees in three milestone installments upon completion of the Discovery, Build, and Launch phases described in the Statement of Work.
Frequently asked questions
1 questionsWhat are milestone payments?
They are payments made when specific project stages or deliverables are completed.
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