Pilot Research without pay?

[jabara_micheline]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of discussions with a potential client, and he wants me to show him my capabilities by analyzing one of the markets he is interested in, but without pay as a pilot project. I'm not sure what I should do, as this will take considerable time, 

Your advice and suggestions are appreciated 🙂

Micheline

[jmlaidlaw · Accepted solution]

EASY!

Do not do any work without pay. I don't care if it's a "pilot" project or a stewardess project or a project that involves changing the billboard outside the airport. (jokes) All that you have to sell is your time and your talent, presumably. (Well, unless you are very attractive, and then you could combine time and attractiveness and sell your good looks, by working as a model, for instance.)

Do. Not. Work. For. Free.

It's against Upwork's Terms of Service and against common sense.

ETA:  Report this "client" to Upwork immediately. He is flagrantly violating Upwork's Terms of Service, and if he doesn't get you to fall for it, he'll likely try with another chump.

[jabara_micheline]

Thank you for your response. I completely agree with what you said. I just did not want to lose the opportunity to gain a client. Still, my time is not free 🙂

Thanks again,

Micheline

[jmlaidlaw]

You're welcome.

Take comfort in knowing that (a) any client who tries this sort of nonsense is not likely to ever hire you anyway. (Why would he, when he has discovered how easy it is to convince freelancers to provide work for his endless "pilot projects" at no cost to him??); and (b) if he did ever hire you, he would in all likelihood turn out to be a cheapskate and horrible client.

[lysis10]

Have some fun with it and give him a really bad analysis and give him bad business advice. Would be fun if he steals it and uses it. teeheee

[7475b550]

I'm new to upwork and i have a question regarding the same topic. A client just tole me that i have been shortlisted for the job and asking if I'm available for a pilot project. I said that i am and he hasnt replied its been 3 days and i dont know how to carry forward. How do i follow up or ask him if the pilot project will be paid or not. 
thanks in advance. 

[wlyonsatl]

Mai,

Give the client a bit more time to make a decision. I would probably wait about 5 business days before following up, if I followed up at all. I am busy enough with other projects that I would more likely not follow up at all, unless it was a particularly interesting and valuable project. But that may not be the best solution for you.

[7475b550]

okayy, thank you for your reply. I followed up and he still did not answer so i guess he changed his mind.

[25005175]

Because Janean's warning was added in post, I'll reiterate it here.

The client violated Upwork's ToS by requesting free work. Report them from your interview chat room. Report their job posting.