Client hired me fixed 10 min later closed contract

[#1]

Hi everyone,

I recently had a client hire me on a fixed budget, but after about 10 minutes, they unexpectedly closed the contract. The reason was that I asked a lot of questions, trying to understand the situation thoroughly. The client wants to set up 3PL dropshipping, and unfortunately, the freelancer they hired before me caused a major issue—around 100 shipments weren’t sent out, so they’re in a tough spot.

Since the contract didn’t go forward, I’d like to issue a refund to keep my agency profile intact. I want to avoid any negative impact on my Job Success Score (JSS) and keep my profile in good standing. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Would a full refund prevent potential issues with my profile rating? I’d appreciate any advice on handling this effectively.

Thanks for your help!

[#2]

Yes, I had something similar happen to me, for the first time, a few days ago. I usually vet my clients carefully and am not usually tempted to accept any offer that comes my way. 

But this time I miscalculated, a group of young and inexperiened guys approched me for consultation for their starup, we had a long discussion and they never mentioned anything about the NDA after starting the contract they sent me an NDA and since they were from the same counrty I reviewed the NDA in details and realized it was very binding and some crazy clauses about no compete.

I suggested a few changes and he ended the contract and the following day my JSS dropped by 4%, it was an hourly contract and I had not billed anything still there was an impact on my JSS! 

Refudning will only remove any public feedback they give you, refunding will not change anything on the private feedback, so if you have "earned" any money you should keep it, unless the they left a nasty public feedback! 

[#3]

i dont know i can release refund but I don't want to get damaged!

[#4]

Since your project was closed before you could do any work for the client, you have not "earned" that money! 

Those funds are in escrow, ideally you should release those funds, if you do not the client would request a refund! 

[#5]

so if i refund this thats it ill not get strike right ?

[#6]

if  the contract closed. maybe you cannot get any money,because you doesn't  complete the job.

[#7 · Accepted solution]

Hi Gokhan

You can cancel a project within 24 hours of receiving a client’s requirements, without any consequence from Upwork.  

https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407516715411-Cancel-a-Project