Fiverr first-order checklist: 20 checks before, during and after you pay
Short answer
A Fiverr first-order checklist is a list of checks a buyer runs before, during and after a first purchase so the order arrives on time and in the right format. The essentials: confirm the seller and package, price the total with the 5.5% service fee, submit requirements within 14 days, review the delivery within 3 days and know how cancellations work.
Key takeaways
- Check the total before paying: package plus extras plus 5.5% service fee, plus $3.50 on orders under $200, plus any tax.
- Submit your requirements within 14 days of paying or the order cancels automatically, and the order only moves to In Progress once you do.
- Review each delivery within 3 days, because Fiverr completes the order automatically if you take no action.
- If an order is more than 24 hours late with no agreed extension, you can cancel without the seller's approval.
- Keep all communication and payment on Fiverr until the order is placed, and never share logins or ID in messages.
A first Fiverr order is where most of the avoidable mistakes happen. None of them are complicated. They come from skipping a step because the checkout is so quick.
This checklist runs in the order a real purchase does. Work through it once and your second order will take half the time.
What should I check before choosing a seller?
Check that the seller has a relevant track record, recent reviews for work like yours and a gig that states concrete deliverables. Five checks cover it.
| # | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You started from the right category, not a broad keyword search | Compares like with like |
| 2 | Seller level fits the risk (Level 2 or higher for most business work) | Level 2 means 20+ orders, $2,000+ earned and a 4.6+ rating |
| 3 | The last 10 reviews are recent and mention work like yours | Levels can lag reality by a 30-day grace period |
| 4 | You read the 1 to 3 star reviews and the seller’s replies | Shows how problems get handled |
| 5 | Portfolio matches your format and industry | Mockups prove less than real client work |
If you are unsure about any of these, how to find good sellers on Fiverr goes through each one.
What should I check in the package?
Check the deliverables, file formats, revisions, delivery days and usage rights in the tier you plan to buy. Starting packages are often stripped down, so the right tier for you may be Standard or Premium.
| # | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Deliverable count is stated (concepts, pages, words, seconds) | Avoids “that was not included” |
| 7 | Your file formats are included (SVG, source file, MP4, Google Doc) | Source files are often top-tier only |
| 8 | Revisions are enough for your job | One round is thin for creative work |
| 9 | Delivery days fit your real deadline plus buffer | The clock starts after requirements, not payment |
| 10 | Commercial use is included if you need it | Sometimes sold as an extra |
For a worked comparison, see how to compare Fiverr gig packages.
What should I check before I pay?
Check that the seller has answered your pre-order message, that the scope is in writing and that you know the total cost. This is the last point where changing your mind is free.
| # | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Seller replied to your message and confirmed scope | Tests availability and communication |
| 12 | Any custom offer states deliverables, revisions and days | The offer is your written agreement |
| 13 | Total cost worked out, including fee and tax | See the table below |
| 14 | Your brief and files are ready to submit today | The order cannot start without them |
The service fee is 5.5% of the order plus $3.50 on orders under $200, according to Fiverr’s payments article. An older Fiverr overview page still says $3.00 under $100, so the help pages show two versions. Checkout shows the actual fee before you pay.
| Order | Fee | Total before tax |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $6.25 | $56.25 |
| $150 | $11.75 | $161.75 |
| $300 | $16.50 | $316.50 |
| $800 | $44.00 | $844.00 |
Extras and tips are separate payments, each with its own fee. How Fiverr payments work covers methods, currencies and tax.
What should I check right after paying?
Submit your requirements straight away and confirm the expected delivery date on the order page. Fiverr gives you 14 days to submit requirements before the order automatically cancels, and the order does not move to In Progress until you do.
| # | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Requirements submitted with brief, references and files | Starts the clock |
| 16 | AI preference stated if you do not want AI-generated work | Fiverr asks clients to say so clearly |
| 17 | You will be available on the delivery date | You have 3 days to review |
Paste the brief you prepared rather than typing a new one. How to write a Fiverr brief has a one-page template.
What should I check when the delivery arrives?
Check the delivery against your brief line by line within three days. Fiverr’s order guide says the order completes automatically if no action is taken within three days of delivery, or 14 days for shipped gigs.
| # | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Every deliverable and file format is present | Missing files are the most common gap |
| 19 | Changes requested with “No, I’m not ready yet” as a numbered list | Specific requests fix faster and save rounds |
| 20 | Files downloaded and backed up before you accept | Keeps your copy safe |
Open every file, not just the preview. A logo delivered only as a PNG, or a video exported at the wrong aspect ratio, is easy to miss in a thumbnail. Fiverr revisions explained covers what counts as a revision.
What if something goes wrong?
Talk to the seller first, then use the Resolution Center while the order is still active. Fiverr’s cancellation rules give the seller 48 hours to accept or decline a cancellation request, and if an order runs more than 24 hours past its due date without an agreed extension, you can cancel without approval.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Delivery is late | Ask for a date; cancel after 24 hours past due if none was agreed |
| Delivery misses the brief | Request a revision citing the brief |
| Seller unresponsive | Open a request in the Resolution Center |
| Order already completed | Contact Customer Support (24/7, in English) |
Refunds go to your Fiverr Balance by default. You can ask for a refund to your original payment method, which can take up to 10 days and only works if the payment is under 180 days old. Fiverr refunds and cancellations covers the details.
What should I do after the order is complete?
Leave a specific review, save the seller for next time and note what you would change in your brief. Tips are optional, allowed for 30 days after completion and carry the standard service fee.
The real payoff from a good first order is the second one. A seller who already knows your brand, formats and tone delivers faster and closer on every repeat order. For ongoing work, look at subscriptions and recurring orders.
Ready to place the order? Start from the category and work down the list.
Start your first order on Fiverr Paid linkFor a high-stakes project where you would rather start from a vetted pool, Fiverr Pro Paid link is the alternative, and the step-by-step hiring guide explains when it makes sense.
Sources
- Paying for orders, extras or custom offers - Fiverr help center
- How Fiverr works for clients - Fiverr help center
- The complete guide to your Fiverr order - Fiverr help center
- How cancellations work for clients - Fiverr help center
- Refunds - Fiverr help center
- Tipping your freelancer - Fiverr help center
- Contact points - Fiverr help center
- Using AI on Fiverr - Fiverr help center
- Understanding Fiverr’s freelancer levels - Fiverr help center
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common first-order mistake on Fiverr?
How much should I spend on a first Fiverr order?
Do I have to leave a review after my order?
Can I print this checklist?
