MileStage
Bonsai
HoneyBook
StayInScope
Scopey
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Dubsado
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CommitCat
MileStage is a stage-based project management and payment platform built specifically for freelancers who want to eliminate payment delays and scope creep. Instead of chasing invoices, freelancers structure their work into clearly defined stages that must be approved and paid before moving forward.
The platform combines milestone tracking, Stripe-powered direct payments, and a simple client portal into one streamlined workflow. Clients can view project stages, approve deliverables, make secure payments, request revisions, and purchase paid extensions, all in one place.
By locking each stage behind payment, MileStage ensures freelancers stay in control of their projects, protect their time, and get paid on schedule, without relying on complicated contracts or manual invoicing systems.
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MileStage's answer
I'm a UI/UX designer who got burned too many times by late payments and scope creep. I wanted a tool that enforced boundaries for me so I didn't have to be the bad guy with clients. Couldn't find one that was simple enough, so I built it myself using AI tools despite having no coding background.
MileStage's answer
Stage-based payment enforcement. Unlike invoicing tools where you bill after the work is done, MileStage locks each project stage until the previous one is paid. The system enforces payment boundaries automatically - no awkward conversations, no scope creep. Plus zero transaction fees since payments go directly to your Stripe account.
MileStage's answer
Freelancers who work in milestones - designers, developers, content creators, photographers, consultants. Anyone who delivers work in phases and has dealt with clients delaying payments or quietly expanding scope. Especially appeals to solo freelancers who want something dead simple without the complexity of all-in-one platforms.
MileStage's answer
React and TypeScript for the frontend, Supabase for database and authentication, Stripe Connect for payments, Vercel for hosting, and Resend for email notifications.
MileStage's answer
We're early stage and focused on individual freelancers rather than big names. Currently onboarding beta users and gathering feedback to refine the product before scaling up.
MileStage's answer
Most freelance tools try to do everything - contracts, invoicing, scheduling, CRM, time tracking. They're powerful but overwhelming, and most freelancers end up using 20% of the features while paying for 100%. MileStage does one thing well: stage-based payment tracking with automatic enforcement. Client can't move forward until they pay. No manual chasing, no awkward follow-ups.
The other big difference is cost. Some platforms take 2-3% of every transaction. MileStage charges a flat monthly fee with zero transaction fees - payments go straight to your Stripe account. If you're billing $5k+ per month, that savings adds up fast. If you want an all-in-one business suite, MileStage isn't for you. But if you just want to stop doing free work and get paid on time without managing another complicated tool, that's exactly what it's built for.
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HoneyBook - Business management reinvented.
StayInScope - Generate change orders instantly when clients add to scope. E-signatures, client health dashboard, and mobile app โ built for freelancers.
Scopey - Dynamic quoting & scope management that keeps projects profitable. Track changes, approve upsells, and stop scope creepโwithout surprise invoices.
FreelancerGuard.fyi - Scan client messages for risk signals, then generate calm scope-creep replies before unpaid work starts.
Dubsado - Dubsado is flexible โ it gives you 5 (now 6!) ways to add new leads. Best of all, 5 ways are automated.