Compare data payment milestones
Updated 4 October 2026
The short answer
First call, signing, delivery and cleared funds are different milestones.
Use the payment milestone checklist
A short timeline can start after a long qualification process. Compare the starting event before comparing the number of days.
Two public claims illustrate the difference. Prism advertises under 21 days from first call to first wire. Mercor describes payment typically 2-4 weeks after the signed agreement, depending on extraction and processing. These are provider claims, not verified seller averages or promises for your company.
Use this milestone tracker:
- Qualification complete: ___
- Agreement signed: ___
- Extraction and preparation complete: ___
- Delivery accepted, by whom and against what test: ___
- Invoice or payment request required: ___
- Payment due: ___
- Funds cleared: ___
Send these questions before agreeing to a schedule:
- Which event starts the payment period?
- Who confirms acceptance, and can you put the acceptance test in writing?
- Is payment dependent on an end buyer paying you first?
- What happens if processing, acceptance or payment is delayed?
- Who owns the next action, and when will we review progress?
Troveo's described business-data payment process depends on buyer acceptance and receipt of the buyer fee. That is different from a due date triggered only by your delivery.
Record signing, invoicing and receipt as separate facts. A signed agreement or acknowledged invoice is not proof of settlement.
Sources and limitations
Programme descriptions can change. The signed agreement controls the price, licensed scope and payment conditions. These worksheets help prepare questions and do not certify rights or promise a deal.
- Prism payment process, checked 3 October 2026
- Mercor data programme, checked 3 October 2026
- Troveo business-data terms, checked 3 October 2026
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