How do you budget your connects for the month?

[Avery O]

Hi Gaelle, 

Please know that connects are returned only when the job is cancelled either by the client or by Upwork team without hire. You can find more information here.

[Horacio C]

In my experience, so many times, people have a problem with data, let's call it  X, and they think you should solve it by applying Y solution, and they ask to bid on that.

You need to add a button or something that alerts the client to attach the files or at least data sample.

I spend a lot of connects just for this. I need to see the files before I can estimate time and effort.

Is there a way to ask for this I'm not aware of?

PS, one sample: **Edited for Community Guidelines**

[Bojan S]

Hi Horacio,

Currently, the only way to contact a client is to send a proposal. We appreciate that you are giving us your suggestion on how we can improve the process we currently have. Please be assured that we share this with the team for consideration.

[Horacio C]

It could be a friendly flag we freelancers click and the client can see the count or who clicked.

Or a question Upwork automatically ask before posting, like: Have you attached links, files, data sample, expected results, etc?

[Amer K]

hi

[Joseph P]

Please assist us how to be a connects

[Daniela B]

Hey Joseph

      If I am understanding your question correctly you are asking how do you "get" connects? Well if you complete your profile and submit it for upwork to review and they accept you, you will then be given 60 connects for FREE every month, you can also Upgrade to Pro and get 70 connects every month.

Hope this answers your question

[Maria D]

I have used up to 60 connects, I started only last week and so unable to get an offer. I request for additional connects.

[Avery O]

Hi Maria, 

If you think you need additional connects, you may upgrade your Freelancer Basic plan to a Freelancer Plus plan. 

If you do not wish to upgrade your plan, your free 60 connects will be credited on your next billing cycle (Settings > Membership & Connects > Current Billing Cycle). 

You may read more about Connects in this help article.