How long it takes to complete and deliver work after a request or approval — from receiving materials to handing back the finished result.
Turnaround time is the clock a client cares about most: once I hand you what you need, how long until I get it back? It might be “logo concepts within five business days” or “edits returned in 48 hours.” Stating it up front sets expectations and prevents the anxious “any update?” messages that come from silence.
For sellers, a clear turnaround time is both a selling point and a shield. Fast, reliable delivery wins repeat work — but the phrase that protects you is “after I receive everything I need.” Plenty of projects stall because the client is slow to send materials, and your turnaround clock shouldn’t start until they do. Say so explicitly, and quote realistic windows with buffer rather than optimistic ones you’ll blow past.
For buyers, ask about turnaround before you book, especially against a hard deadline. And know that your own responsiveness affects it — a pro can only move as fast as you feed them approvals and assets.
When a client needs it faster than your standard window, that’s a rush fee; when you guarantee the window ongoing, that’s an SLA. Factor delivery speed into pricing via how to price your services.