Acceptance criteria: the fastest way to avoid payment disputes
Acceptance criteria are the measurable conditions that mean the work is ‘done’. Without them, clients can keep you in revision loops and delay invoices.
When to use
- Any fixed scope project
- Milestone billing
- Net 30 clients
Red flags
- No review window
- Unlimited revisions language
Copy/paste clause lines
Plain text — edit for your jurisdiction
Client will review deliverables within 5 business days. If no written issues are provided within the review window, deliverables are deemed accepted.
Negotiation moves
- Offer 1–2 revision rounds, then hourly
- Add a defined review window
FAQ
Acceptance criteria · FAQ
What’s a reasonable review window?
3–7 business days. Shorter for small deliverables, longer for complex ones — but it must be time-boxed.
Related
Other clauses
Further reading
Keep reading
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Editorial guidance only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and contract type. Use this as a starting point and consult a qualified lawyer for high-stakes agreements.