How to check delivered work: a checklist for software, design and content

Delivery review means systematically checking, before approval, whether the work delivered by a freelancer matches the scope agreed in the brief and proposal. A short check before approval prevents most problems that would come up later.

General checks

• Is every item in the proposal and the brief included in the delivery?
• Are the acceptance criteria (speed, devices, formats) met?
• Have the source files, passwords and access been handed over to you?

Websites and web software

• Open it on a phone, tablet and computer, in at least two different browsers.
• Fill in the forms with real information; do the e-mails reach you?
• Measure how fast the pages load.
• Are page titles, descriptions and the sitemap ready?
• Can you log into the admin panel yourself and add and remove content?

Mobile apps

• Try it on both iOS and Android, if possible on an older phone.
• How does the app behave when the internet connection drops?
• Do notifications arrive?
• Are the store accounts and certificates in your name?

Design

• Are the files in the requested formats (vector, PNG, PDF) and sizes?
• Are the fonts and images properly licensed?
• Have the source (editable) files been delivered?

Written content and translation

• Are there spelling or style errors? Does it suit the target audience?
• Are facts and sources correct? Check numbers and claims.
• Is the content original, or copied from another source?

How to report issues

Report every issue you see, with screenshots, in one written list. Piecemeal messages tire both you and the expert. Once revisions are done, approve the stage and pay it.

If you can't do a technical review

If you can't assess technical topics such as code quality, security or performance, you can get delivery review (quality control) support from an independent expert.

FAQ

How many revisions do I get?

That depends on the terms agreed in the proposal. Settle the number of revisions in writing before work starts.

How long should a delivery review take?

A few days is usually enough depending on the size of the stage. Waiting too long disrupts the expert's plan; agree on the review period at the start too.