NDA-related question

[geri_kol]

A client recently invited me to apply to what looks like an interesting job right within my ball park, but is asking that I sign a NDA before they literally disclose anything about the job - including a rough estimate of the time commitment that it would entail. It was the only question I really need to have an answer to, since I am almost fully booked at the moment and cannot take on any new projects that would require more than, say, 8-10 hours of week. 

The NDA is asking for my physical address and I do not feel comfortable revealing that, especially since we haven´t discussed the job even in general terms, let alone have a contract in place. On the other hand, the job looks legitimate and is well-suited for a specialised profile like mine, so I am surprised that the client is unwilling to share even the bare basics.

I am realtively new to Upwork (less than 1 year) and have not had to deal with NDA issues on this platform before, so I am wondering how common is it that clients would prioritize signing an NDA before responding to *any* questions about the project they need help with?

[feed_my_eyes]

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Gergana K wrote:

A client recently invited me to apply to what looks like an interesting job right within my ball park, but is asking that I sign a NDA before they literally disclose anything about the job - including a rough estimate of the time commitment that it would entail. It was the only question I really need to have an answer to, since I am almost fully booked at the moment and cannot take on any new projects that would require more than, say, 8-10 hours of week. 

The NDA is asking for my physical address and I do not feel comfortable revealing that, especially since we haven´t discussed the job even in general terms, let alone have a contract in place. On the other hand, the job looks legitimate and is well-suited for a specialised profile like mine, so I am surprised that the client is unwilling to share even the bare basics.

I am realtively new to Upwork (less than 1 year) and have not had to deal with NDA issues on this platform before, so I am wondering how common is it that clients would prioritize signing an NDA before responding to *any* questions about the project they need help with?

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I need to sign NDAs for about 90% of the projects that I do, but it's certainly uncommon for a client to refuse to answer basic questions like how much work is involved or what their deadline is (I also wonder why the client would want to waste their own time instead of simply telling you). I'd push back on that and see what they say, but the bottom line for me is that I always pay attention to my instincts, and if a client is making me uncomfortable, I'd rather just walk away.

[r2streu]

I happily sign NDAs for my clients -- once we have a contract in place. Your question of time commitment is certainly reasonable, and I see no reason why they should take issue with you waiting to sign any kind of NDA without a contract in place. 

Simply tell them in a professional, straightforward way, that you'll be happy to sign it once you know what sort of time the job will entail and you have a contract in place. If they know you're WILLING to sign, I think that should open them up a bit.

[feed_my_eyes]

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Randall S wrote:

I happily sign NDAs for my clients -- once we have a contract in place. Your question of time commitment is certainly reasonable, and I see no reason why they should take issue with you waiting to sign any kind of NDA without a contract in place. 

Simply tell them in a professional, straightforward way, that you'll be happy to sign it once you know what sort of time the job will entail and you have a contract in place. If they know you're WILLING to sign, I think that should open them up a bit.

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I disagree - I don't see how it's possible to agree to a contract until you know what's involved. 

[r2streu]

Not seeing where I suggested anyone should contract with a client without knowing what the job entails.

[elizabeth_samit · Accepted solution]

I have signed NDAs with numerous clients but I am fortunate to have a post office box where I receive some of my mail (rather than my home address). Otherwise, I would feel as uncomfortable as you specified. I also have been in similar situations where a prospective client requesting a signed NDA was unable to answer even basic questions. This was usually due to the client being a "middle-person" for the actual client (such as an administrative assistant or agency). While signing an NDA before a job is offered has sometimes wasted my time, it has also resulted in long-term working relationships. On the other hand, I have typically found working through a "middle-person" to be a time-consuming and frustrating experience, so tend to stay away from jobs where the presented client is not really the actual client.