Client take advantage of new freelancers

[#1]

I'm new in Upwork and i'm still finding how it Works.

I sent a proposal and received a message from the client:**Edited for Community Guidelines**

In the message they told me the requirements and I agree, but I didn't realize that they didnt make a contract (I have the backup messages) and they tell me that once I send them the Project, the Will proceed to pay.I did what I promised to do, fulfilled the order, and it's been a week, and they stopped responding.They have a good reputation, 5 stars. but they take advantage of new freelancers.

Is there something that I could do?

[#2]

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Camila G wrote:

Is there something that I could do?k

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Yes. Next time, don't work for free. Don't work until you are hired, there is a contract and th agreed amount is funded in Escrow if fixed rate.

[#3]

Petra, can Upwork take any action against the client, since all the communication took place in Upwork messaging?

[#4]

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John K wrote:

Petra, can Upwork take any action against the client, since all the communication took place in Upwork messaging?

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Strictly speaking, the client never said "You will be workig for free"

I mean, sure, they can send the client a friendly reminder to please hire freelancers before sending the work, but in my experience that tends to be as far as it goes.

That also doesn't get her paid, if it even goes as far as that.

[#5]

I often wonder how many of these "client tricked me" are exactly what happened here. The client gave her requirements but never asked her to do it. She went and did it. It's possible the client just ignored her after "can payment be higher so it's profitable" (lol at that, so funny). So she just did the job without the client ever asking her to do it.

I bet this happens a lot with these "I got tricked!"

[#6]

Whatever the reason... whether it was due to a freelancer's incompetence, or a freelancer's inexperience, or a client's intentional manipulation or even a client's innocent inexperience...

Freelancers who work for free cause damage to the overall system.

Such freelancers are responsible for this being a problem, just as intentionally dishonest clients are responsible.

If there were no freelancers on Upwork who worked for free, then there would be few (or zero) clients trying to get away with asking freelancers to work for free.

[#7]

Not disagreeing with anyone but the client did write “we will proceed with the payment immediately”, so I’m not buying it that the client had no intention to deceive.

[#8]

And I'm not buying it, John, if a client says "we will proceed with payment immediately" and doesn't open a contract.

[#9]

Hi Camila,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with this client. We encourage freelancers to only start working once they have already received an offer and have accepted it (this means you have an active contract). I would recommend that you please check out the freelancer resources we have compiled in this thread to help new users on Upwork. If you need further assistance, please let us know. We're here to help.