Two consolidated rounds is professional, unlimited iteration is a trap.
13 min readRevision vs new scope
| Revision | New scope |
|---|---|
| Fix typos in agreed doc | New section they never mentioned |
| Adjust colors in brand palette | New brand direction |
| Merge approved paragraphs | New language or platform |
Pivot = change order, not "one more revision."
Quote line
Includes two rounds of consolidated feedback. Additional rounds at [rate]. Feedback due within [X] business days per round.
Round process
- Send v1 with "Round 1 feedback by [date]"
- Client sends one consolidated list
- Send v2 final round
- Round 3+ invoiced
Script for round 3
Happy to keep going. Rounds 1 and 2 were included per scope. This round is [rate]. Reply approve to proceed.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder feedback one by one | Ask consolidated |
| No version labels | v1, v2 on files |
| Accepting "quick tweaks" forever | Call it round 3 |
| No deadline on feedback | Project stalls |
Related guides
This guide works best with the rest of your protection stack. Start inside Salag: Revision Guard.
Related guides:
How Salag helps
-
Freelance Readiness Checker: revision terms before kickoff.
-
Late Fee Calculator: if feedback delays push timeline.
-
Scope Creep Detector: "small tweak" language flag.
Move safer. Not faster.
In short
Two rounds of feedback is standard. Round three is paid.
Tell clients before draft one. Consolidate feedback (one email, not six Slack pings).
Common questions
Two rounds of feedback is standard. Round three is paid. Tell clients before draft one. Consolidate feedback (one email, not six Slack pings).
Put "includes 2 revision rounds" in quote. Define revision vs new direction.
Two rounds is global norm for creative and docs work. Say it upfront.
Yes in proposal or SOW before first draft.
Offer paid round 3+ at set rate. Cheaper than unlimited free work.
Round deadline, One consolidated feedback, Unbundle new scope, Notes on version, Done when approved or silent rule.
Round 4 still "small tweaks." Pause, cite terms, invoice extra round.
Yes. "Round 2 due Friday" emails set process.
Agreement templates include revision lines.
Version numbers (v1, v2), feedback doc, change order for pivots.
One sentence in quote.
Projects: round caps. Retainers: one pass per deliverable or hourly rework.
No open-ended creative work without cap.