Sep 15, 2019 03:29:12 PM by Jonathan H
OK,
Well, just thought i'd share this experiance as i feel i may have been a little over sensitive/foolish so thought i'd come here for a roasting
I often have a list of submitted proposals, and if/when a client contacts me to discuss the job i'd say i generally have a fairly high conversion (its getting the response from the initial proposal thats the hardest bit)
Anyways, i just had a client chat to me about a job i sent a proposal to a few days ago, all was well and the client sent a message saying....
"I'm happy to start the contract but I'm only going to pay for it if I like the video so it would be best if you send through a first draft which shows how you use text in the video also as an example."
Now, ive never had anyone say anything like this before, and naturally when working for a client i will always do whatever i can to ensure the client is happy. But this statement instantly gave me a bad feeling about the client and could just see the job turning into a bit of a nightmare -
So, i did what any sane person that really needs as much work as possible would do - I turned it down!!!
First time ive ever turned a job down on here (ones that ive specifically applied to anyway).
Now i'm thinking ive just shot myself in the foot and shouldnt be so sensitive
Solved! Go to Solution.
Sep 17, 2019 08:21:48 PM Edited Sep 17, 2019 09:24:50 PM by Renata S
Jonathan H wrote:
"I'm happy to start the contract but I'm only going to pay for it if I like the video so it would be best if you send through a first draft which shows how you use text in the video also as an example."
@Jonathan Foolish or stupid? Neither.
Any contract negotiation that begins with the client itemizing the circumstances under which you will not be paid is one you should consider ending abruptly. The "don't waste my time" posturing can be a sign that the client may expect free reign to monopolize all of yours. The question is not whether you should turn it down, but how fast.
Sep 15, 2019 03:43:02 PM Edited Sep 15, 2019 03:43:21 PM by Mark F
Sep 15, 2019 03:52:21 PM by Jonathan H
Thanks! Yes i decided that instinct could win on this one!!
I will keep telling myself another one will come along any moment haha
Sep 15, 2019 03:51:30 PM by Jennifer M
> Now, ive never had anyone say anything like this before,
oh sweet summah child. Welcome to Upwork.
You did the right thing, brah. Dump that zero and get yourself a hero.
Sep 15, 2019 03:53:25 PM by Abinadab A
Foolish or stupid?
Mate, that was a stupid good decision!
And thanks for the mini-thriller action story, Jon!
Blew me away!
Sep 15, 2019 04:07:11 PM by Abinadab A
In retrospect, though, it's super annoying what freelancers have to put up with on Upwork.
Can anybody have the guts to come to my B&M office and ask for free work (however which way the request is couched)?
Why are freelancers having to have to get in contact with clients who ask for free work?
And, are you aware that if you report that client from Upwork messages, Trust & Safety will take absolutely no action on that client, and if you ask them why, they could tell you you have insufficient evidence of TOS violation?
Sep 15, 2019 05:06:17 PM Edited Sep 15, 2019 05:10:17 PM by Preston H
re: "I'm happy to start the contract but I'm only going to pay for it if I like the video so it would be best if you send through a first draft which shows how you use text in the video also as an example"
LOL.
Thanks for sharing that.
That's music to the ears of this client's competitors.
Obviously every business would be happy to know that its direct competitors are doing something so counter-productive.
Successful business sometimes pay for work they can't use. That's a key to their success.
For example, a successful movie studio may purchase dozens of film scripts every year that it never actually films. A successful film may have hours of footage that it doesn't actually use. There may be many actors who were hired and filmed who don't even appear in the final cut.
Someone who tries to pinch pennies by avoiding paying the people they hire to work for them is not a real businessperson. Such a person is never going to truly innovate or grow their business.
Sep 16, 2019 12:03:40 AM by Jonathan H
It is indeed annoying, and until now its not something i have had to deal with as i try my best to be selective over the jobs i actually send proposals to.
I dont think this client really understood, and when i apologised that i cant/dont work for free and it would be in violation of Upwork TOS she tried to reason it a little more, but i had already made my decision and just said "sorry but on this occasion i am going to politely decline the work but thanks dfor taking the time to talk"
I am fairly sure this particular client will continue to want the same, and much of the trouble is there are many that would take it without a thought. (no doubt before coming here and asking why they havnt been paid)
Sep 16, 2019 02:55:08 AM by Rene K
You need to report this person for asking for free work.
Sep 16, 2019 04:31:49 AM by Wendy C
Jonathan, gut instinct is a FLer's best friend and as important as talent, skills, and biz sense. Good for you!
Sep 16, 2019 10:26:15 AM by Martina P
Jonathan H wrote:Thank you - i think i now feel suitably justified
Good for you! May I suggest now you go for a baby-free picture?
Sep 16, 2019 10:57:49 AM by Abinadab A
Sep 17, 2019 02:07:07 AM by Luce N
Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
Sep 17, 2019 02:31:15 AM by Martina P
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
No I can still see it's little feet.
Sep 17, 2019 02:36:33 AM Edited Sep 17, 2019 02:39:18 AM by Luce N
wrote:
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
No I can still see it's little feet.
@martina_plaschka wrote:
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
No I can still see it's little feet.
That's extremely strange! It's unusual for people to post photos of themselves with one of their baby's feet!
Sep 17, 2019 04:38:24 AM by Martina P
Luce N wrote:
wrote:
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
No I can still see it's little feet.
@martina_plaschka wrote:
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
No I can still see it's little feet.
That's extremely strange! It's unusual for people to post photos of themselves with one of their baby's feet!
It better be! How does the client know who he hires, the freelancer or his baby's foot?
Sep 17, 2019 04:54:58 AM by Jonathan H
Any client that thinks a babys foot is doing thier work is not a client i would be keen to work for.
Sep 17, 2019 03:23:10 AM by Jonathan H
Luce N wrote:Seems like the baby's gone. Hope you're still proud to have a baby!
I certainly am - and no not gone anywhere, I am quite happy with my picture
Sep 17, 2019 02:30:06 AM by Martina P
Jonathan H wrote:Yes of course you may suggest it!
Thank you! People get so sensitive when it comes to their kids, you wouldn't believe it!
Sep 17, 2019 08:21:48 PM Edited Sep 17, 2019 09:24:50 PM by Renata S
Jonathan H wrote:
"I'm happy to start the contract but I'm only going to pay for it if I like the video so it would be best if you send through a first draft which shows how you use text in the video also as an example."
@Jonathan Foolish or stupid? Neither.
Any contract negotiation that begins with the client itemizing the circumstances under which you will not be paid is one you should consider ending abruptly. The "don't waste my time" posturing can be a sign that the client may expect free reign to monopolize all of yours. The question is not whether you should turn it down, but how fast.
Sep 18, 2019 06:06:18 AM by Mark F
Renata S wrote:
Jonathan H wrote:
"I'm happy to start the contract but I'm only going to pay for it if I like the video so it would be best if you send through a first draft which shows how you use text in the video also as an example."
@Jonathan Foolish or stupid? Neither.
Any contract negotiation that begins with the client itemizing the circumstances under which you will not be paid is one you should consider ending abruptly. The "don't waste my time" posturing can be a sign that the client may expect free reign to monopolize all of yours. The question is not whether you should turn it down, but how fast.
Great answer