Milestones divide your project into clear, manageable units. Each milestone has a deliverable, a deadline, and a payment — keeping work on track and cash flow steady.
What is it?
A milestone is a defined unit of work within a project. It represents a specific deliverable that the client approves before payment is released.
Why does Orka use it?
Milestones provide:
- Clear expectations — Both parties know what "done" looks like
- Cash flow — Get paid as you deliver, not just at the end
- Accountability — Deadlines keep work moving
- Escrow integration — Payments are tied to milestone approval
How does it work?
- Define milestones — Name, describe, price, and set deadlines
- Client funds escrow — Payments are locked for each milestone
- Complete work — Deliver the milestone deliverables
- Client approves — Formal sign-off triggers payment release
- Payment released — Funds move to your wallet
When should you use it?
Use milestones for:
- Projects over $1,000 (protects both parties)
- Multi-week engagements (improves cash flow)
- Complex deliverables (clears up expectations)
- Any work where you want formal approval before payment
Common misconceptions
- "Milestones are just tasks" — Milestones are payable units with approval workflows, not just to-do items
- "I can't change milestones" — You can edit milestones before the client funds escrow
- "Milestones slow things down" — They actually speed things up by clarifying expectations