- Published
- 8 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 8 October 2026
How to use these FAQs
Clarify deliverables, revision boundaries and payment arrangements before agreeing freelance work.
Select a question to expand its answer. The first answer is open initially; each answer can be opened or closed independently. These are original RDE practical explanations. Any example described as fictional is a teaching scenario.
Common questions
What should I clarify before agreeing a project?
Describe the deliverables, exclusions, timeline, responsibilities, review arrangements and payment terms. Identify information the client must provide and how changes will be agreed. A fictional website review could include a findings report but exclude implementation. Written clarity helps both parties discuss expectations; the legal effect of an agreement depends on its terms and context.
How should I handle a request outside scope?
Explain how it differs from the agreed work and assess the effect on effort, timing and price. Agree any change through the established process before proceeding. A fictional request for extra social posts might be added as a separate milestone. Do not silently absorb every request and then surprise the client with an unexplained invoice.
Should I include unlimited revisions?
Only agree terms you understand and can deliver. Define what a revision means, which output it applies to, how feedback is gathered and what happens after the agreed review rounds. A correction to your own error may differ from a new direction requested by the client. Discuss these boundaries before they become a disagreement during delivery.
When should payment be due?
Agree a clear due date or payment period and record it in the relevant agreement and invoice. GOV.UK explains that parties can agree payment terms and describes default rules where they have not. The right arrangement depends on the work and relationship. Check applicable requirements rather than assuming that every client follows your preferred timetable.
What information helps an invoice get processed?
Use an accurate description, agreed amounts, relevant references and clear payment details, following applicable invoicing requirements. Check whether the client needs a purchase order or named recipient before sending it. Keep a record of delivery. A correct invoice can still need follow-up, so confirm the route rather than repeatedly sending copies to unrelated contacts.
What should I do about a disputed or overdue invoice?
Check the agreed terms, invoice details and reason for the delay. Contact the responsible person clearly and retain the correspondence. Distinguish an administrative error from a dispute about the work. Use official guidance or appropriate professional advice for formal recovery steps, and do not invent extra charges or treat an informal reminder as a complete legal process.
Put one answer into practice
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Sources and scope
The sources below provide relevant context and terminology. The examples, practical suggestions and wording are original RDE teaching material. Apply your organisation’s policies and the guidance relevant to your situation. Reviewed 8 October 2026. Author: Jefferson Otonbara Imgbi.
Cover image: AI-generated illustrative scene created specifically for this resource.