Refund Policy

Clear and fair guidelines on cancellations, milestone-based billing, and refund eligibility for CliEvi's research services.

Last updated: April 2025


1. Overview


CliEvi provides specialized, knowledge-intensive research and analytical services. Because significant intellectual effort, data infrastructure, and expert time are invested from the moment a project commences, our refund policy reflects the actual work completed at each stage. We strive to be fair, transparent, and responsive in resolving any concerns.

Recommendation: We encourage clients to discuss project scope, timelines, and expectations thoroughly before engagement to minimize the risk of dissatisfaction.

2. Project-Based Billing


Most CliEvi projects are billed as one of the following:

  • Fixed-fee projects — a single price for a defined deliverable (e.g., a systematic review, HEOR report)
  • Milestone-based projects — payment is split across defined project phases (e.g., protocol, data extraction, analysis, report)
  • Retainer/hourly engagements — billed for time spent at agreed rates

The applicable billing structure is specified in the project proposal or Statement of Work (SOW). Refund eligibility depends on this structure and the stage of work at the time of cancellation.

3. Cancellation Before Work Begins


If a client cancels a project before any substantive work has commenced (typically within 48 hours of a signed agreement or deposit payment, and before data access or team allocation has occurred):

  • A full refund of any advance payment will be issued, minus any non-refundable bank or processing fees

Clients should notify CliEvi in writing (email) as early as possible to qualify for a full refund.

4. Cancellation After Work Has Commenced


Once work has begun, the following applies:

  • The client will be charged for all work completed to date, calculated on a pro-rated or milestone basis as specified in the SOW
  • Any balance of advance payment beyond the amount for completed work will be refunded
  • If the work completed exceeds the advance payment received, the client will be invoiced for the difference

"Work commenced" includes activities such as database searches, data access, team briefings, protocol drafting, analysis planning, or any research activity conducted on behalf of the client.

5. Quality Concerns & Revisions


CliEvi is committed to delivering high-quality, accurate research outputs. If a deliverable does not meet the agreed specifications:

  • Clients should raise concerns in writing within 10 business days of delivery
  • CliEvi will review the concern and, where valid, will revise the deliverable at no additional cost
  • If CliEvi is unable to address the concern satisfactorily after a good-faith revision effort, a partial or full refund may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Quality concerns arising from a change in client requirements after delivery do not qualify for revision or refund without additional scoping and fee adjustment.

6. Non-Refundable Items


The following are not eligible for refund under any circumstances:

  • Third-party database access fees or licenses procured on behalf of the client (e.g., TrinetX, proprietary datasets)
  • Rush or expedited service surcharges, once work has begun
  • Project management and coordination fees for completed phases
  • Any work completed and accepted by the client

7. Refund Scenarios at a Glance


Full Refund
Cancelled before work starts

Within 48 hours of agreement signing, before any research activity has begun

Partial Refund
Cancelled mid-project

Refund of advance minus fees for completed work to date

Partial Refund
Quality dispute (valid)

Where deliverable materially deviates from the agreed scope

No Refund
Completed & accepted work

Deliverables approved or accepted by the client are final

No Refund
Third-party costs

Database fees, software licenses procured for the project

No Refund
Scope change after delivery

Changed requirements after the agreed deliverable is submitted

8. Refund Process


To request a refund or raise a billing concern:

  • Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your project reference and the reason for your request
  • We will acknowledge your request within 2 business days
  • Eligible refunds will be processed within 10–14 business days via the original payment method

9. Contact


For billing questions or refund requests, reach us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit clievi.com.