Client ask for test project that develop their feature

[uysimty]

I understand that some client needs to review our code before he handles me his big project. But some client is overline their test project is a part of their development.

For example, in the interview stage, he asks me to work on his project by:
- Setup the theme and layout
- User authentication (including login, register, reset password, and edit profile)
- Some CRUD

Let say I can invest some hours to work on this even I feel it is too much for the interview stage. But mostly I face these 2 cases:

- Case 1: He mentioned like this is not the layout that he wanted. Or maybe 1 little piece that didn't match his requirement. And sure I see this is an excuse to skip and move this code to interview another developer to continue his next feature.

- Case 2: I apply for $30/hour. After the test project is completed, then he mentions that it is his early stage of the budget is only $5/hour or $10/hour. Which is should mention before the test project.

So my question is:
- How to avoid this kind of interview?
- Did you face this kind of interview before?
- How to spot this kind of client?

[petra_r]

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Uysim T wrote:

I understand that some client needs to review our code before he handles me his big project. But some client is overline their test project is a part of their development.?

---

It is a violation of Upwork's terms of service to ask a freelancer for free work during the interview process. The way to handle such clients is to enthusiastically agree to do the test work, just as soon as the test contract at an appropriate rate has been set up.

If they refuse, withdraw your application and report the by flagging the job post as inappropriate.

[uysimty]

What is the test contract?

[prestonhunter · Accepted solution]

re: "What is the test contract?"

There is no button for creating a "test contract."

In the Upwork user interface, there is no such thing as a "test contract."

But if a client wants to call something a "test contract," he can set up a regular contract and call it a "test contract."

The basic idea is this:
A client wants you to do a "test".

You can say YES. You can AGREE.

You WILL do the test when the client sets up the Upwork contract ("test contract") to pay you for the test.

If a client asks you to do test work, but then does NOT set up an Upwork contract to PAY you for that test work, then you should go to the job posting page, click on "Flag as inappropriate"...

...and report the client. Select the option "Client is asking for free work"

[prestonhunter]

Some things freelancers should know about clients asking for free work:

- It is a violation of Upwork ToS for a client to ask a freelancer to work for free.

- Most clients who ask freelancers to do free test work are not real clients. They are scammers.

- Most clients who ask freelancers to do free test work have NO INTENTION OF EVERY paying the freelancer any money. It is like a game for them. It is almost like a "code of honor" for them. Except maybe it should called a "code of dishonor."

- This is not a true "test". No matter how good you do at the test work, you will not be hired.

- These clients are tricking you into doing the work they want, or they don't even want the work for themselves, but are getting hired by a real paying client, and then tricking YOU into doing the work, and then selling YOUR work to the real client.

- BUT: This is NOT always the case. There ARE new/inexperienced clients who don't know about Upwork's rules. So sometimes a real client may ask for free test work. These are people who don't want to break rules and they want to do the right then, so when you give them an opportunity to do the right thing by officially hiring you for test work, they will do so. Think of it like the patron at a restaurant who uses the salad fork with their steak. It's a mistake. But they're not an evil person. You can quietly tell them to use the correct fork (the dinner fork), and they will do so.

[sindisi]

Hi there!I am new on Upwork and I am not familiar with how some things work.I just sent my two first proposals and one client replied.
But, I don’t know what the next step should be if they accept my offer(and if i like what they truly offer after asking them for some clarifications.)
The one I’m applying for is by a client who wants me to create some jokes for a children’s book.How about if he asks me to send him a few jokes , is that okay?Would REALLY appreciate your help.

[JoanneP]

Hi Sindi,

Welcome to Upwork! You might want to check this post and the freelancer resources to help you get started on Upwork. If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

[prestonhunter]

re: "How about if he asks me to send him a few jokes , is that okay?"

It is not okay.

He is violating Upwork TOS.

And he is wasting your time.

He has no intention of ever paying you.

[sindisi]

Thank you for your reply!I will try to read the guidelines to be fully prepared for any upcoming project.

Btw I saw another job posting that was about being an online interpreter.So I was wondering, where will these kind of jobs take place if clients would want me to translate on the spot.Does Upwork have a feauture for supporting this?How does it work?

[prestonhunter]

There is no "standard" for something like that.

You would need to discuss details with the client.

[sindisi]

And then if the clients want me to work on zoom or skype, should I agree since it’s outside of upwork?

[prestonhunter]

re: "And then if the clients want me to work on zoom or skype, should I agree since it’s outside of upwork?"

It is fine to work via Skype or Zoom.

As freelancers, we don't do our work on Upwork.

We get paid through Upwork.

We do our work using Skype, Zoom, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, etc.

Not using Upwork.

[sindisi]

I see, thank you.So we can accept work that is related to these platforms, but not payment outside of Upwork.I have a question regarding payment.If a client accepts my offer how should things proceed, should they send me an offer or sth and pay an initial price, how about if they don’t like my work, can I still get paid for it?

[prestonhunter]

When a client hires you with an hourly contract, you are paid based on the time that you log.

If you work for an hour, you get paid for an hour.

It has nothing to do with whether or not a client claims that he "likes" something.

[sindisi]

“When a client hires you with an hourly contract, you are paid based on the time that you log.“
Do you mean its based on the time I log on Upwork?Can you give me more details about it?

[NikolaS]

Hi Sindi,

Yes, your client is automatically invoiced and billed for the hours you log according to the weekly billing cycle. All time logged in your Work Diary, whether tracked or added as manual time, is automatically invoiced to your client using the schedule below. Please check this help article for more information on how to track time using the Desktop App.

You can find more information about getting paid for the Hourly contracts here. Additionally, please check these resources to help you get started:

• How to Get Started on Upwork as a Freelancer
• Get started with freelancing on Upwork

Thank you,