Holdback, withheld startup fees, and payment terms tied to data cleanliness are often framed as quality assurance, but they largely shift financial risk to the site. This session examines the hidden costs embedded in common budget and contract terms: holdback, delayed reconciliation, uncompensated screen failures, unbudgeted amendments, and invoiceable items that are never actually paid. We will discuss what these terms cost sites in real dollars and cash flow, and what alternatives genuinely improve data quality. The session offers negotiation language for challenging terms that do not serve their stated purpose. Attendees will leave better equipped to identify and price risk-shifting provisions.