How to bill someone?

[sdjaxson]

I have someone who reached out to me wanting work. I did a first round sample. How do I bill them? They did not send me a contract but wanted me to start work, so I did it (I have not turned it in yet). How do I bill them for the agreed time for the sample? I have always wanted to know how anyway. If they like my sample, then I will get a contract. 

[yofazza]

You can't bill anyone without a contract.

Tell that someone to create a small fixed-price contract and fund it.

Btw., providing free samples are not prohibited, but client may not ask for it.

[feed_my_eyes]

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Susan J wrote:

If they like my sample, then I will get a contract. 

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Not necessarily. Plenty of clients will ask for "samples" just to get their work done for free, and have no intention of hiring anyone. "They did not send me a contract but wanted me to start work" - that's a huge red flag, right there. A promise to hire you or pay you isn't enforceable in any way if you weren't properly hired first. But you've done a whole bunch of jobs on Upwork, so it's surprising that you don't understand how payments work?

[yofazza]

But you've done a whole bunch of jobs on Upwork

Oooh I missed that. Very surprising indeed.