Website payment stages: deposits and final invoices

Key takeaways

Most UK website projects take a deposit of 25% to 50%, then stage payments at design sign-off and launch. A common pattern is 40% upfront, 30% on design approval and 30% at launch. Tie payments to delivered work, never pay 100% upfront for a build, and link copyright assignment to the final payment.

• Typical deposit: 25% to 50%.
• Common split: 40%, 30%, 30%.
• Tie stages to delivered work.
• Copyright assigned on final payment.

How are website projects usually paid for?

Website projects are usually paid in stages: a deposit to start, a payment when design is approved, and a final payment at launch. Larger projects add milestones for build or content. Stages protect both sides: the supplier is paid for work done, and you only pay for delivered progress.

• What a website quote should include, line by line
• How much does a business website cost in the UK?

How big should a website deposit be?

A website deposit is typically 25% to 50% of the build price. It secures the supplier's time and covers early work. Deposits above 50% put more risk on you; very small deposits may suggest a supplier with little commitment to scheduling your project.

• 25% to 50% is common.
• Above 50%: ask why.
• Never 100% upfront for a build.

What should each stage be tied to?

Each stage should be tied to something you can see and approve: signed-off designs, a working staging site, a completed launch. Avoid stages tied only to dates, which can leave you paying for delays you did not cause.

• What a small business website costs in year one

What protects you at the final payment?

At the final payment, you should receive copyright assignment, all logins, site files and confirmation the domain and hosting are in your name. Copyright stays with the creator unless assigned, so link assignment to this payment in the contract.

• Who owns your website, domain and content?

What if you pay late or the supplier delivers late?

Late payment of business invoices can attract statutory interest under UK late payment rules, so pay on agreed terms. If the supplier delivers late, a contract clause should say what happens. Both sides benefit from written terms on delays.

• Website contract clauses that protect your budget

What does this look like in practice?

At Global Bridge Labs (GBL), a UK garden design business had paid 80% upfront to a previous supplier who then went quiet. For the rebuild, they used a 40%, 30%, 30% schedule tied to design sign-off and launch, with copyright assigned on final payment. The project ran to plan.

• See client work
• Website Design & Development for UK businesses

Payment stages checklist

• Keep the deposit at 25% to 50%.
• Tie stages to approved deliverables.
• Avoid paying in full upfront.
• Link copyright assignment to final payment.
• Get logins and files at launch.
• Agree terms for delays on both sides.

• What a website quote should include, line by line
• Website contract clauses that protect your budget

Next step

Ask your supplier to rewrite the payment schedule so each stage names the deliverable you approve before paying.