“Payment on approval” needs a definition.
Turn subjective acceptance into a process both sides can actually follow.
Map the sequence
Separate delivery, review, acceptance, invoicing, and payment. Each should have a responsible person and a measurable time period.
Define acceptance
Identify the specifications against which the work will be checked. Consider how objections are documented, how defects are fixed, and what happens if the review period passes without a response.
Handle disagreement
Discuss whether only disputed amounts may be held back and how undisputed work will be paid. Check whether work can be suspended and what notice is required.
Illustrative negotiation
“We can allow time for review if the acceptance criteria and payment dates are clear. Could we attach the criteria and set a written objection window?”
Use with care
The example is a commercial discussion prompt. It is not a jurisdiction-specific rule or a complete clause.
Sources and scope
Anthropic commercial-legal vendor-agreement-review checklist (pinned reference)
Review method, not a statement of applicable law; draft positions require attorney review.
Put the checklist to work.
Choose a role and review the exact outbound text before requesting analysis. Live analysis is limited to eligible invited accounts; model and legal acceptance remain pending.
Open the review workspace Explore a local sample