Getting paid safely as a freelance developer
Get paid safely by never starting work that is not funded, splitting the project into short milestones, agreeing in writing what done means, and keeping payment and records in one place. On ErdiBuilds each milestone is funded first and paid out after approval.
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The core rules of safe payment
- Do not start before the money is committed. Unpaid work is a loan to a stranger.
- Keep each step small, so the amount at risk at any time is small.
- Write down the result and how it is approved before you begin.
- Keep the whole conversation, delivery and payment in one place, so you have a record.
These rules protect you from the most common problems: late payment, endless revisions and clients who vanish after a delivery.
How the flow works on ErdiBuilds
Each milestone is funded before work starts and runs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. You start the work once it is funded. You deliver with a note and at least one attachment or a preview link. The client reviews and either approves or asks for changes. If the client does not react, the milestone is approved automatically after 14 days.
After approval, a short holding period runs and then your payout is released. New developers can have a part of the first payouts held back for a while as a safety reserve. Plan your cash flow with that delay in mind, and do not count on money the day after approval.
| Topic | What happens | Why it helps you |
|---|---|---|
| Funded | The client pays the milestone before work starts | You know the money exists |
| Delivered | You submit a note and files or a preview link | A record of what you handed over |
| Approved | The client approves, or it happens automatically | A clear end to the review |
| Released | Payout follows after the holding period | Predictable payment |
Funded
- What happens
- The client pays the milestone before work starts
- Why it helps you
- You know the money exists
Delivered
- What happens
- You submit a note and files or a preview link
- Why it helps you
- A record of what you handed over
Approved
- What happens
- The client approves, or it happens automatically
- Why it helps you
- A clear end to the review
Released
- What happens
- Payout follows after the holding period
- Why it helps you
- Predictable payment
When things go wrong
Clients can request changes within the deliverables you agreed. Work beyond the agreement is added as a new milestone. If both sides want out of a paid milestone, they can cancel together. If they cannot agree, an ErdiBuilds admin decides the dispute, and both sides can add evidence first. Delivery notes, approvals and messages are your evidence, which is another reason to keep everything on the platform.
Invoices and records
Invoices are issued in your name, because you are the seller. You need to finish payout setup, tax details and the consent to invoicing in your name before you can be paid. Keep your own books too: record every milestone, the date, the currency and the amount.
Developers pay a fee on paid work. Developers pay 8 percent plus payment processing. Include it when you set your prices.
Tax and legal basics
As an independent professional you are usually responsible for your own taxes, social contributions and, where it applies, VAT. The rules depend on your country and your situation, so ask a local accountant before your first invoice. Set aside part of each payment for taxes right away. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Habits that protect you
- Price with a buffer. See pricing fixed-price milestones.
- Write clear deliverables. See writing a winning proposal.
- Share progress often, so approval holds no surprises.
- Never agree to start before the milestone is funded.
Frequently asked questions
When do I get paid?
After the client approves the milestone, or it is approved automatically after 14 days, a short holding period runs and then the payout is released.
Link to this answerShould I start work before funding?
No. Each milestone is funded before work starts and runs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. Start after the funding is in place.
Link to this answerWho issues the invoice?
Invoices are issued in the name of the developer, who is the seller. You complete the consent to invoicing in your name during payout setup.
Link to this answerWhat if the client stops answering?
A delivered milestone is approved automatically after 14 days without a reaction, and then the payout process starts.
Link to this answerWhat happens in a dispute?
Both sides can add evidence, then an ErdiBuilds admin decides. Keeping messages and delivery notes on the platform makes your case clear.
Link to this answerDo I need to handle taxes myself?
Usually yes, as an independent professional. Talk to a local accountant. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Link to this answerRelated pages
- How it worksFrom idea to finished project, step by step.
- How to Price Fixed-Price MilestonesA method for developers: turn your hourly rate and honest estimates into a fixed price per milestone, with buffer, scope limits and clear deliverables.
- How to Write a Proposal That WinsHow developers can write a proposal clients choose: read the brief, answer the real problem, split the work into clear milestones and show relevant proof.
- PricingWhat ErdiBuilds costs for clients and developers.
- For developersHow independent developers join and get hired.
- Guides for your projectPlain guides on planning, scoping and paying for apps, SaaS, websites and games, written for people who are not developers.