Upwork client demanding unlimited revisions outside contract scope

I'm a graphic designer on Upwork. Signed a contract for a logo design with "2 rounds of revisions included" clearly stated in the scope of work. Client approved my initial design, then asked for minor tweaks (round 1). I delivered those.

Now they're asking for a complete redesign with totally different concepts. When I said that would be a new project or additional fee, they're threatening to dispute the payment and leave a bad review. They're claiming "unlimited revisions until satisfied" should be implied.

The contract is for $800. I've already spent 12 hours on this. What are my options?

Report it NOW. That message is textbook feedback extortion. Screenshot it immediately and submit a ticket to Upwork support.

Also respond to the client (on platform) with something like:

"I've completed all deliverables outlined in our contract: [list them]. The contract specified 2 rounds of revisions to the selected concept, which have been completed. New concepts would constitute a new project. I'm happy to provide a quote for additional work if you'd like to proceed."

Professional, factual, references the contract. Perfect for when Upwork reviews the dispute.

This exact thing happened to me last year. Client wanted unlimited revisions on a website design. I had "3 rounds" in my contract.

I stuck to my contract, they disputed the payment, Upwork reviewed it and released the full payment to me within 5 days. The client's account got flagged for the review threat too.

Best advice: never deviate from your stated scope, no matter how much they push. The second you do extra work "as a courtesy" you set a precedent that the contract doesn't matter.

Let me add some legal context around the "implied unlimited revisions" argument the client is making:

Under contract law, courts will only imply terms when:

1. The term is necessary to give the contract business efficacy (the contract wouldn't work without it), OR
2. The term is so obvious it "goes without saying"

Neither applies here. The contract works perfectly fine with 2 rounds stated explicitly. And unlimited revisions is definitely not "so obvious it goes without saying" - in fact, creative services contracts almost always limit revisions specifically to prevent scope creep.

The legal doctrine that helps you here is "expressio unius est exclusio alterius" - the expression of one thing excludes others. By stating "2 rounds," the contract implicitly excludes 3, 4, or unlimited rounds.

Saved this thread. Had a similar situation last month with a web development project - client wanted me to basically rebuild the entire site from scratch after approving the original design. I pointed to my contract terms and they backed down.

@cross_examination_10's checklist for best practices is gold. Added the "define revision vs new concept" language to all my contracts now.

Does Upwork have any template language for revision limits that they recommend? I've been writing my own scope descriptions but wondering if theres something more standard I should be using smh.

Also - did the 3 star review ever get removed @jurys_out_3? Curious how Upwork handled the retaliation complaint.

Alternative viewpoint here - sometimes I'll do an extra revision round if the client is otherwise great and I want the long term relationship. Not saying Lisa was wrong, just that theres a balance between standing firm and building goodwill.

But threatening a bad review? Thats where I draw the line. Report that every time. Glad it worked out just saying.