Hi Vesna
As a client this is an issue which I've recently changed my opinion about. For a long time I just accepted it if a client didn't want to skype if they had a good reason.
However, earlier this year I discovered that a male freelancer was posing as a women! After insisting on a skype call to clarify an issue, he asked me to wait 15 minutes to find some headphones. When he returned, a woman's voice spoke very slowly and unnaturally, just after I could hear a keyboard typing out the sentence she was going to say on his behalf.
The funny thing was he was one of the best freelancers I've ever had in terms of skills. I just don't like to be deceived in this way, so won't be hiring him again.
In addition, I've also had two experiences where a freelancer is actually part of a team and they share the work around. When I give somone access to the coding of my website I don't want to think there are another 10 people who have access to the backend of my website.
Consequently, I've now decided to step up my paranoia level a gear or two and will insist on a skype call to confirm the identity of the person I hire. I should have done this from the beginning, but just chose to accept that some people can't skype for whatever reason.
But you know what? In your case, I'd probably be very understanding of you having childcare duties and if anything it would make me think you're a real solo freelancer rather than a small part of a large anonymous team in which case I never know who will be working on my project.
So my advice would be to open yourself up to being available on skype and don't be afraid to point out the reality of your situation and ask the client for a little flexibility. I can't speak for all clients, but I for one am willing to be flexible if I truly feel the freelancer is the right person for the job.
Malcolm
