Client still Interviews Freelancers Despite Commencement of Contract

[#1]

Hello,

Quick question: Once the contract has started (the client sent an offer and I accepted it), does the client have the right to continue interviewing people and ask me to wait until he chooses between the candidates?

[#2]

The client has authority to award the project to more than one freelancers. In your case, may be the client is new and is not aware of this platform.

Help your client know that how this platform works and that the contract offer has already been accepted by you.

[#3]

Thank you very much for your reply. I don't think he is willing to hire multiple freelancers, he is just trying to find the lowest rate, even though I already accepted the contract. Can I remind him that he has the obligation to honor the contract since I have already accepted it?

[#4]

This client sounds like a major red flag - I would end the contract now before this person tries any scummy tactics.  

[#5]

If he is looking for the lowest price, then try to convince him that your price is competitive and worth the quality of your work. May be you can ask him for a paid trial run through out this contract, since you have already accepted it and he might be happy to continue further.

Mutual agreement is mandatory prior accepting the contract. Accidentally accepted contracts may also result in the JSS.

[#6]

We had a mutual agreement, and I wasn't aware that he was still searching for other candidates. He's expecting the work to last just a few hours, so I don't believe a paid trial would be suitable in this situation.

My main concern is: Can he terminate the contract if he finds another freelancer? Would it have an impact on my JSS? Should I consider ending the contract myself preemptively if that happens? I don't want it to affect my JSS unfairly just because he changed his mind without a valid reason

[#7]

I would rather suggest, reach out the Upwork support and let them know about the situation, since the contract is in place now.

[#8]

If I was in your shoes, I would have ended the contract long time ago, how would you even be happy doing work for this person?

[#9]

If I end the contract now, would it affect my JSS?

[#10]

No it won't, no work was done. The client won't give you any feedback either. 

[#11]

Client able to do it within rules.

Your contract will affect JSS in any case. But with good feedback all will be good.

[#12]

I would end the client since the client has no confidence working with me.

[#13]

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 wrote:

I would end the client since the client has no confidence working with me.

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I would end many clients if I could but it's against the law 😂

Jokes aside, OP, the contract is in place so the client should stick to that. They can, of course, hire more people, each for their own contract, given they work with each freelancer instead of whatever they are ding now, which is a huge red flag; but in this case if I was given contract, accepted it and the client then told me they're "looking for cheaper option" I would straight end the contract, report the client and block them. There's not enough time in this life to deal with scumbags and idiots.