Can't message freelancers

[6c6b0cdf]

I can't message freelancers. I am on the free plan and it doesn't give an option to do so.

[BojanS]

Hi Justin,

In order to initiate a conversation with a freelancer, the client will need to post a job in the Upwork marketplace. Freelancers can then send a proposal for the job post, or the client may choose to invite freelancers to apply for the job. From here, there two ways a client and a freelancer can initiate a conversation with each other: 

• If the client responds to a proposal, both the client and the freelancer can start sending each other messages
• If the freelancer responds to an invite, the client and freelancer can start sending each other messages. 

For your reference, I am sharing these articles here, and here, for more information about posting a job on Upwork.

Let us know if you have other questions. 

Thank you!

[ac9767c6]

I'm sorry, but your site sucks! It's infuriating not have the option to send a message BEFORE spending money to hire someone. Not being able to engage in dialogue???? Are you freaking serious????? That's LOUSY!!!!!

[LuiggiR]

Hi Jennifer,

I'm sorry if this was confusing. I want to clarify that by posting a job and messaging a freelancer, you aren't hiring them or starting a contract. You can post a job in the marketplace, invite freelancers to apply, and message them if they've sent a proposal to you. I can see that you've been able to do that from some recent proposals you've received; let us know if you still have questions, and we'll be happy to answer them.

[ac9767c6]

I finally figured out what it was. I had not entered my debit card information yet and until I did, it was not an option to send a message to anyone. As soon as I entered my payment method, all of a sudden the option appeared. 

That was very confusing and it would have been nice to know that up front. 

There are literally Youtube videos showing people how to send a message on this site (of course they don't mention that little detail) so obviously a lot of other people have had the same question. 

I had clicked on the chat help button and the bot chatting with me didn't tell me that either. 

It would be a good idea to put something on your site, that's EASY TO FIND explaining that you have to enter payment information to unlock the message feature, to eliminate frustration from your users. 

[5a10512c]

Yes, I saw on an Upwork Support article that you have to add a payment method! I did that, but the article also said you have to have made at least one payment on Upwork--which I haven't yet--so I still can't send messages 😞

[PradeepH]

Hi Nessa,

I see that your account was restored today and there is no active job posted from your account. Posting a job on Upwork is the first step for a client to connect with a freelancer. This allows the client to describe their project, budget, and timeline, and attract qualified freelancers who can bid on the job. You can also search and invite freelancers to apply to your job post so that you can initiate a conversation. Feel free to message us if you need further assistance.

- Pradeep

[8cbbcea8]

I thought that that might have been the issue for me, I added my billing info 20 minuts ago, I still don't have the messaging option. frustrating AF. 

[JoanneP]

Hi Israel,

We're sorry for the delayed response. We have already checked with our team assigned to your review, and they've confirmed that the limitation on your account has been lifted. You may log into your account to check. 

[50614608]

Hi Joanne, I am encountering the same issue as Israel (above). I have added a billing method, posted a job listing and paid $29.99 to make the job listing "featured", but I still do cannot see the button that allows you to message freelancers. Attached is a screenshot of what I see- only the "Invite to Job" button is visble. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could assist me. Thank you in advance!

[c59ecf1d]

Hi UpWork folks, we posted, got several dozen good bids, shortlisted half a dozen, and just hired one.  Now I want to write back to everyone else to thank them for their bids, especially the short listed ones, but the Message option seems to have disappeared...?  Kind of rude if you are a freelancer who responded to an ad and don't get some status - do they find out by discovering the job has been filled?  

[2bfd3e02]

Hi Thomas, that's extremely nice of you. In your job posting, the status will indicate that you have already hired someone, so you don't need to worry about that.

In my case, if I submit 10 proposals on different job postings. On average, 6 of them doesn't get viewed for some reason, 4 of them get viewed, and barely 1 hire if I am lucky enough. So the point is, it's not rude. That's how Upwork works.

[LuiggiR]

Hi Thomas,

Thank you for your question. It appears that you were able to message the freelancers you shortlisted. Just for clarity, you should have the ability to message freelancers who have applied as long as the job post is still open. Once the job post is closed, you will be unable to message them. 

[78e09d1d]

I have added a billing method and haven an active job. But I cannot send messages. When I wrote the message and clicked the button nothing happens.

[JoanneP]

Hi Christian,

We saw your post in the community and converted it into a support ticket to give it the attention it deserves. Rest assured that one of our agents will contact you.

[50614608]

Hi there, I have added a billing method, posted a job listing and paid $29.99 to make the job listing "featured", but I still do cannot see the button that allows you to message freelancers. Attached is a screenshot of what I see- only the "Invite to Job" button is visble. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could assist me. Thank you in advance!

[PradeepH]

Hi Brittany,

Thank you for your message. I see that you have already messaged two freelancers. Feel free to message us if you need further assistance.

- Pradeep 

[50614608]

Hi Pradeep,

It is still not working for me.

I was only able to message these freelancers because they accepted my job invitation.

I want to be able to message freelancers without having to invite them to a job.

There should be a "Message" button beside their name, but is hidden. 

I am experiencing the same problem as "Israel L" above.

Kind regards,

Brittany

[50614608]

"Israel L"'s problem was solved by the moderator Joanne. She lifted a limitation on Israel's account. Please see the messages above.

[RonnaP]

Hi Brittany,

Thank you for your follow-up message. I’d like to share that by design, a freelancer must submit a proposal or need to be invited to apply to a job post first so that clients will be able to start sending them messages. Clients may also send direct messages to a limited number of freelancers without inviting them to apply to a job as long as you’ve met the following:

• Have a current verified billing method
• Have an Upwork account in good standing (not on hold)

And either:

• Spent a total of $1,000 or more in the past 12 months OR
• Made a payment more than 90 days ago

You can learn more here. Let us know if you need further assistance.

[talia_rothenberg]

Hi there,

I have been having the same problem. I have my billing information up, a job posted, and freelancers who have sent a proposal -- however, my account still has a hold on it while my identity is verified. How long does it take to have my information manually verfied so that I may actually engage with the freelancers?

[IvygailJ]

Hello Talia,

Thanks for reaching out. I checked your account and see that your documents have been accepted, and the limitation on your account has been lifted. You should be able to message or hire your freelancer. Let us know if you need further assistance.