How many revisions and what is the turnaround time conventionally?
Do not finalize numbers upfront; you will waste time debating instead of working.
Each task must clearly state two numbers in the contract: the number of revision rounds (the number of times you are allowed to request changes on a deliverable) and the turnaround time (the number of working days from the brief approval to receiving the file). Industry practice typically includes about two to three revision rounds per deliverable; any additional rounds will incur extra fees. A separate handling process for urgent requests should be added, as if all requests are urgent, none will truly be prioritized.
- Want to know how many rounds of revisions each publication has.
- needs a commitment to deadlines based on the package level
- need a process for handling emergencies and image issues
- consider all urgent requests as emergencies
The convention regarding the number of revisions and the deadline for results is one of the most commonly overlooked clauses when signing a brand operation contract, and it is also the source of much subsequent tension. Sinh Vũ recommends clearly defining these two numbers as terms from the outset, rather than allowing each party to interpret them in their own way.
Two numbers that must be included
Each task in the contract must clearly state:
- Number of revision rounds: This refers to the number of times you are asked to revise the same publication before it is considered complete. Industry practice typically includes about two to three rounds per publication. Exceeding this number, both parties agree on additional fees or carry it over to the next period.
- Turnaround time: This refers to the number of working days from when the brief is finalized to when you receive the first file. This number varies by package: slower for the basic package, faster for the premium package.
Without these two numbers, each party will set their own expectations, and disputes are bound to occur.
When is the deadline fast or slow?
Expedited package: initial drafts are delivered faster, usually within 48 to 72 hours, with a dedicated contact and priority routing for urgent requests. This package level is suitable for brands in a rapid growth phase that need to respond quickly to the market.
Distinguish between revisions within scope and redirecting.
This is the most important and also the most confusing boundary. Sinh Vũ clearly distinguishes between two types:
- Fix within the scope: You adjust colors, font sizes, layouts, and wording within the agreed brief. This is a standard revision round.
- Changing direction: You change the fundamental direction, for example, shifting from a minimalist style to a vibrant one, or altering the core message after the brief has been approved. This is a new task, not just a round of revisions.
Sinh Vũ will notify you immediately if a request exceeds the initial brief, allowing you to decide how to proceed without hidden developments.
Define specific tasks with numbers to avoid disputes over revisions and prevent scope creep.
Better Proposals, scope specificity
Common mistakes when there are no prior agreements
- Unlimited revisions: Not finalizing the number of rounds leads to continuous changes from the client, with the partner silently enduring and wasting both parties' time.
- Everything is urgent: when there is no separate process for urgent matters, clients prioritize all requests. The result is a backlog and reduced quality, as tight deadlines increase the risk of errors.
- Confusing redirecting with fixing: This leads to partners doing a large amount of work that is not accounted for, or customers feeling they are being charged unfairly.
How Sinh Vũ handles practical matters
During the three-month kickoff, Sinh Vũ commits to clear service level agreements (SLAs) for each type of task. Each month, you will receive a handover report transparently detailing the hours used, the tasks completed, and the number of revisions made.
For urgent matters and image crises, the commitment to respond should be based on the package level: high-tier within 24 hours, other packages within 48 to 72 hours. Only matters that meet the urgent criteria will enter this priority path.
The hourly retainer has a flexible mechanism: you can carry over 20% of unused hours to the next period, and increase up to 130% of hours during peak seasons. This mechanism helps ensure that revisions and deadlines do not become a struggle, but rather a practical planning tool for both parties.
Decision checklist
Topic: How to agree on the number of revisions and the deadline for results. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Sinh Vũ, service O1 Brand operations; Parallel, design retainer pricing explained; Bigeye, design retainer services; GoTranscript, turnaround time vs quality SLA.
Frequently asked questions
If I completely change my mind about the design direction after receiving the first draft, does that count as a revision round?
No. A complete redirect, meaning changing the initial brief, is a new task, not a revision within the scope. Revisions only apply when you adjust within the agreed brief. Sinh Vũ will clearly communicate when a request exceeds the brief so both parties can handle it transparently, without silently adding to it.
How are urgent matters handled, and do they disrupt the progress of other tasks?
Urgent matters have a separate path according to the package level. The premium package commits to a response within 24 hours, while other packages respond within 48 to 72 hours. Only matters that meet the urgent criteria will enter this path. If all requests are declared urgent, the fair queue of other tasks will break down, and quality will decline due to the rushed deadlines increasing the risk of errors.