Hi Upwork Community,
I need some advice on how to handle a situation with a freelancer I hired for a fixed-price project. The project involved integrating PlayHQ API into a Squarespace site, but unfortunately, the freelancer has not been able to complete the work as agreed.
Here’s a brief overview of the situation:
- The freelancer was hired on Nov 6, 2024, for a project that was supposed to integrate live sports data from PlayHQ into a Squarespace site.
- After several attempts and discussions about technical limitations (regarding the API secret key), the work was not completed, and no deliverables were provided.
- I paid $100 upfront as part of the agreed milestone.
- The freelancer agreed to a refund, but now there are issues with releasing the funds, and they are asking for partial compensation for time spent, which I don’t agree with since the work was not completed.
- I have communicated with the freelancer and clearly outlined that I am only willing to accept a small token refund for his time, but no significant work has been delivered.
Key Issues:
Incomplete Work: Despite the $100 upfront payment, Rasel did not deliver the work as expected. The API integration was not successfully completed, which was the primary deliverable of the project.
Lack of Communication: Rasel's feedback indicates that there were difficulties communicating about the API limitations, and he has expressed frustration with my understanding of the issues. However, I made every effort to understand the situation and collaborate effectively, but these efforts seemed to have been ignored, which likely contributed to the breakdown in our working relationship.
Technical Limitations: Rasel mentioned the issue with creating API secret keys on my dashboard, but the problem seemed to go unresolved. This, combined with his apparent struggle to manage the integration, suggests that he may have taken on a task that was beyond his capabilities or expertise.
Refund and Dispute: Despite Rasel agreeing to a refund, there has been significant back-and-forth regarding the amount and the process. My request for a full refund has not been met, and I have expressed that if this matter is not resolved, I will escalate it. This back-and-forth could further strain the relationship and has led to the potential for a formal dispute.
Feedback Conflict: The feedback from Rasel (a 1-star rating) has been challenging, especially considering I gave him positive feedback earlier. In my response to his review, I addressed the communication difficulties and the incomplete work, which reflects my dissatisfaction with how the project unfolded. This has led to ongoing negative interactions, as Rasel may not feel the feedback is entirely justified.
Latest Update:
Upwork has now informed me that the case has moved into arbitration. They have given me the option to proceed with arbitration if I pay the filing fee. I was told that I need to confirm by the end of the day on December 6, 2024 UTC if I authorize the $337.50 fee to be placed on my account. If I choose to proceed with arbitration despite the freelancer not responding or declining, I’ll need to pay the full $675 fee.
My Questions:
- If I proceed with arbitration, do I need to prepare any specific documentation to ensure the process goes smoothly?
- What steps should I take to protect myself during arbitration, especially considering the freelancer's refusal to release a refund?
- Is it common for freelancers to ask clients to cover the arbitration filing fees, and what options do I have if I cannot afford to pay the full fee myself?
I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from those who have gone through arbitration or have dealt with similar disputes. Thanks in advance for your help!
