Client Canceled Contract After Delivery: Need Guidance

[9f395534]

Dear Upwork Community,

I am seeking advice on how to handle a difficult situation with a recent client. After 428 days without an invite or project on Upwork, which has been financially challenging, I was finally hired for a job on June 1st.

The client attached nine files: six half-body character designs and three derivatives. I started the project immediately and submitted the files for corrections. However, the client unexpectedly changed the requirements from half-body to full-body characters, which were not part of the initial agreement.

Before I could address this, she began mocking my low JSS, stating that she took a risk hiring me. Despite her comments, I remained professional and focused on delivering quality work to improve my profile. Recently, there was a total blackout in Nigeria due to a strike by NLC & TUC, which led to a power grid shutdown.

Despite this, I used my family's food money to buy fuel for my generator to ensure I met the June 3rd deadline. I managed to complete the work and delivered the required PNG files.

To my dismay, the client canceled the contract after receiving the files and has since kept me in the dark.
I feel that my effort and time have been wasted, and I am unsure how to proceed. Should I open a dispute or accept a refund request? I have already delivered the PNG files as required.

I am really confused and need the best advice I can get.

Thank you for your support.

[b21252af]

Am so sorry concerning that,but it's shouldn't be the reason why you will give up on what you're doing, the best will surely come.

[9f395534]

Thanks 

[df5be1b3 · Accepted solution]

Hi Hafeez,
I am very sorry about your situation. I started Upwork 6 months ago and it's not very easy to get jobs. Especially the cost involved to buy Connects which is very expensive for us who are in Africa.

I nearly fell into the trap of being desperate. Bidding for low paying jobs till I realized clients taking advantage of me. Trying to get free samples without hiring, applying to fake jobs, etc.

I one day sat down to pulse, learn and understand the whole idea of freelancing. I started listening to successful Upwork freelancers, doing extensive research. I came to the conclusion that freelancing takes time to get the clients you want. All you have to do is build a profile that will attract the type of clients you want to work with, have patience and bid for projects you are 100% confident you can do, learn the techniques to write outstanding proposals, when you land a job, under promise and over deliver. Learn to say no when you have to in a polite way and don't beg for jobs when doing interviews.

You are entitled to the money you have toiled hard for so I will encourage you to open a dispute or request for a refund. I encourage you not to be so desperate because we make a lot of mistakes when we are desperate. Learn to freelance professionally because you are competing with the world.

It is not yet over. Don't give up. You can still recover your JSS.

Wishing you all the best.

[f74cdfab]

Me too, when I started a year ago, my first client lowballed me and gave me a low review, which made my JSS low and applying for future jobs difficult. But I kept on persevering, and after a few months, I found great clients that I'm still working with now. Hang in there, and don't give up!

[9f395534]

Hi Carlo,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for the encouragement.

I can relate to your situation. When I started a year ago, my first client lowballed me and gave me a low review, which significantly affected my JSS and made it difficult to apply for future jobs.

But I kept on persevering, and after a few months, I found great clients that I'm still working with now.

Your story and advice remind me that persistence and professionalism are key.

Hang in there, and don't give up!

Together, we can overcome these challenges.

Warm regards,
Hafeez

[9f395534]

Hi Obed,

Thank you a thousand fold for your kind words and understanding. Your support means a lot to me, especially during this challenging time. 

I completely relate to your experience on Upwork. The struggle to get jobs and the high cost of Connects can be really tough for us in Africa. It's easy to fall into the trap of desperation, bidding for low-paying jobs, and dealing with clients who try to take advantage. 

I appreciate your advice on taking a step back to understand freelancing better. Building a strong profile, being patient, and only bidding on jobs you're confident in is crucial. Learning to write outstanding proposals and delivering quality work is something I strive for. 

Your encouragement to open a dispute or request a refund gives me hope. I'll take your advice to not act out of desperation and to approach freelancing more professionally. Competing on a global platform is indeed challenging, but your words remind me that it's possible with the right approach.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. I won't give up, and I will work towards recovering my JSS.

Wishing you all the best as well.

Warm regards,

Hafeez