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How to say no to "pay after launch"

"We will pay you once the site launches."

Payment after launch puts your money on a date you do not control. Launches slip. Sometimes they never happen.

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Why this is scope creep

  • Launch depends on the client: content, approvals, their tech team. You could finish and wait months.
  • You carry all the risk while they get all the work.
  • Once the work is delivered, your leverage to get paid is gone.

Copy-paste replies

Fill the [brackets] and send. Pick the tone that fits the client.

Firm

Hi [Name], I don't tie payment to launch, since launch depends on things outside my control. My terms are [50]% to start and [50]% on delivery of the final files. Happy to start as soon as the deposit is in.

Friendly

Totally understand wanting to see it live first! To keep it fair both ways, let's split it: [40]% to start, [40]% when I hand over the build, [20]% at launch or [30] days after handover, whichever comes first.

Yes, for a fee

Hi [Name], if you'd prefer to pay later, I can do it with deferred terms: the total goes up by [10]% to cover the wait, and the balance is due at launch or by [date], whichever comes first. Deposit of [price] still applies.

The "yes, for a fee" reply works best when the scope was written down first. In Scopease the client approves the scope through one private link, every extra ask becomes a priced change order they approve or decline, and the invoice builds itself from approved work. Free for your first project.

Start freeHave us set it up for you ($79)

Questions

Is "We will pay you once the site launches." scope creep?

Yes, if it was not in the agreed scope. Launch depends on the client: content, approvals, their tech team. You could finish and wait months. The fix is not a fight, it is a clear reply that points to the scope and offers a priced option.

Should freelancers accept payment after launch?

It is risky because launch is out of your control. Use deposits and milestone payments, and if any part is tied to launch, add a backstop date.

What payment terms protect freelancers?

A deposit before work starts (often 30 to 50 percent), milestone payments, and the final payment due on delivery, not on a client event.

Free tools that help you say no

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