Guide
Escrow vs upfront payment
Clients want protection before you deliver. You want assurance you will be paid after acceptance. Different rails — same approval discipline.
Upfront deposit
Common for kickoff (25–50%). Reduces client default risk for the creative but does not replace milestone approval for later tranches.
- Pros: immediate cash flow
- Cons: does not prove final deliverable acceptance
Milestone escrow
Funds sit with a licensed provider until release conditions are met. Zlaip orchestrates release after Approval Lock — it does not replace escrow custody.
- Pros: mutual trust on high-value work
- Cons: setup friction, provider fees
Invoice after approval
Lower friction for trusted relationships. Still require Approval Lock before sending invoice — gate timing matters more than rail choice.
FAQ
Common questions
- Can we combine models?
- Yes. Deposit at kickoff + escrow or invoice on later milestones is common.
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