Delivery time is a core project term in freelancing. It refers to the agreed-upon deadline by which you must deliver the final work to your client.
What is Delivery time?
Delivery time is the specific period or final date you have to complete and submit a project to your client. It's a formal part of your contract or agreement. This timeframe starts once the client provides all necessary information and approves the project start.
Why is this important?
Meeting your delivery time is critical for client trust and your professional reputation. Consistently delivering on time leads to positive reviews, repeat business, and referrals. Missing deadlines can damage relationships and result in financial penalties or project cancellation.
How does it work?
You and the client agree on a deadline before work begins, often outlined in a proposal or contract. The clock starts after project kick-off and receipt of assets. You then work to complete all deliverables by that date, submitting them via the agreed method, like a platform or email.
Pros and cons
A clear delivery time sets expectations and helps you plan your workload. However, it can create pressure. The main pros are client clarity and structured workflow. The cons are potential rush jobs if underestimated and stress from inflexible deadlines.
Conclusion
Delivery time is a fundamental commitment in freelancing. Mastering its estimation and management is key to a sustainable business. Always build in a buffer for unexpected delays to protect your schedule and client relationships.
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