Unlimited Revisions: The Clause That Makes a Project Never End
Open-ended revision obligations ("until Client is satisfied") mean unbounded free labor — satisfaction is subjective, so there is no finish line and no breach. Fix: cap the rounds ("2 rounds requested within 14 days of delivery") and bill additional rounds at your standard rate.
Why this clause bites
Open-ended revision obligations ("until Client is satisfied") mean unbounded free labor. Satisfaction is subjective, so there is no finish line and no breach — the project just never ends.
The wording to look for
Illustrative wording — if your contract says anything close to this, the trap is live. The dangerous phrases are highlighted:
Contractor shall make any and all revisions requested by Client until Client is fully satisfied with the deliverables.
Highlighted phrases are the ones that create the risk — trade them out with the fix below.
Replace with: "Includes up to 2 rounds of revisions requested within 14 days of delivery. Additional rounds are billed at the standard hourly rate."
Written to be forwarded to the client directly — polite, professional, and sourced (see below).
Questions freelancers ask
How many revision rounds are standard?
For most freelance projects, 1–3 rounds is the common industry range; many freelancers quote 2. Nothing in the law fixes the number — which is exactly why writing it down matters.
Can I stay flexible without an 'unlimited' clause?
Yes — cap included rounds in writing and offer additional rounds at your standard hourly rate. That turns flexibility into something you can price instead of scope you cannot end.
Source reference: Freelance industry standard practice; AIGA / freelance association guidance on scope
Every finding in a ContractShield report cites the same public resource this guide is based on — verify it yourself before you act on it.
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Educational content only — not legal advice, and it creates no attorney–client relationship. For anything material to you, consult a licensed attorney in your state.