Referring an outside freelancer to an UpWork client.

[emailforcoffey]

I'm a copywriter, working on UpWork. During a recent prehire call for a writing job, a client asked if I would be able to refer a graphic designer to work on the design side of the job. I know a couple of good designers, but they don't use UpWork. 

Q: Is it against the UW ToS for me to suggest the client contact a designer outside of UpWork for their design needs? I would (assuming I land the contract) still be fulfilling the writing contract through UW as usual.

[aliharvey]

I believe it would be against UpWork policy, since any client met through UpWork needs to be helped through UpWork as well. Have you considered recommending Upwork to these designers?

[emailforcoffey]

Thanks Alisha - good point, but in this case it's not a major sticking point for the client, so it's probably not worth my time to start recruiting designers to the platform 🙂

I'll just suggest he sources designers through UpWork himself - there's plenty of talent. 

[g_vasilevski · Accepted solution]

Hi Matthew,

For now, you can only refer freelancers on Upwork to a job invite or to a client. Referring freelancers that are not on Upwork is not allowed and it is in violation of our TOS.  Thank you.

[emailforcoffey]

Thanks Goran - I figured that was probably the case but worth checking. 

[jr-translation]

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Matthew C wrote:

I'm a copywriter, working on UpWork. During a recent prehire call for a writing job, a client asked if I would be able to refer a graphic designer to work on the design side of the job. I know a couple of good designers, but they don't use UpWork. 

Q: Is it against the UW ToS for me to suggest the client contact a designer outside of UpWork for their design needs? I would (assuming I land the contract) still be fulfilling the writing contract through UW as usual.

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If the client agrees, you can sub-contract the task and hire the designer. This way you have to pay the Upwork fees for that task as well, but it could be a solution.

[emailforcoffey]

Thanks Jennifer - that seems like a straightforward solution, but I've no desire to be the middle man, especially if issues arise. I think I'm just going to keep it simple - do my bit, and let the client figure out the design side!