Tipping

[#1]

I just finished a consultation project with someone, and after payment she sent a tip while apologizing she couldn't tip more. This wasn't desired or expected, so I'm wondering if Upwork prompts clients to give a tip as if it's standard. I don't think tipping is appropriate in this type of work, and I would hate for my clients to feel pressured into it. Does anyone know what it looks like from the other end for the clients and if there's a way to prevent the request from happening?

[#2]

I don't think clients are encouraged to offer tips or bonuses, but you might get more traction if you post this in the Clients forum.

I suggest this because after a few minutes, this post might get buried beneath 30 other posts about scams, JSS, support issues, etc., and more clients will likely see it in the other forum.

[#3]

Thanks - great suggestion!

[#4]

There's an option to leave a bonus, but I don't think that most clients feel pressured into doing so. I agree with you that tipping isn't appropriate, since we're supposed to be professionals/business owners, but I guess it's a cultural thing.

[#5]

Thanks, Christine. I was sure I'd get pushback from other freelancers asking if I was crazy for wanting to decline tips.

[#6]

Hello Nedra!

I am not a client (I think they are hard to find on this board) and work in a different field. I have, however, one client who 'tips' me - sometimes even more than the amount of the original contract - and I have approached her about this. She explained that her requirements had been so specific that she only received 3 applications on Upwork and we turned out to be a perfect match. By tipping me, she not only wants to show her appreciation - but also ensure that I stay on board and even prioritize her workload whenever it arises. Upwork had absolutely nothing to do with her decision (though they pick their share of the 'tip'). I suppose you should regard yourself as a bank (or any large corporation) manager who picks up a bonus. Remember to tax it...

[#7]

Thanks, Petra. It's nice to be appreciated, for sure. I just wanted to make sure my client didn't feel like a tip was expected.

[#8]

I am certain that is not the case. In my case, it's a pat on the head. In your field, you might have changed somebody's life (or at least work experience) and nowadays appreciation means offering money. Upwork does neither encourage nor request it - and according to my customer, Upwork clients actually have to make a little bit of an effort - as in finding the right link for bonus payments - to give a tip on Upwork. So she must have been very happy with your consultation!

[#9]

I think she was happy, but it was a tip of $1, which is why it felt like she might have thought she had to add something. Good to know it's not put in their face!

[#10]

OMG. Is it bad that I laughed? (I suppose I actually ask the question to someone who knows about these things). Can I just asked - off topic - what you can buy for $1 in the US nowadays? Sorry for the bother, but it really interests me. Don't bother to answer if you have more important things to do.

[#11]

LOL! Not a whole lot. Even the dollar stores these days charge more than a dollar for their items.

[#12]

AW, thank you. I shall leave you in peace - and in the safe knowledge that you gave another person two laughs (the second was the dollar stores that can't afford to sell for a dollar anymore. Is it time to go to the stockmarket and invest in the sign-trade, considering all the dollar stores have to change into £2 stores?). Enjoy your quarter cup of coffee/tea, half a chewing gum or whatever you intent to spend your hard-earned dollar on. Have a good day!

[#13]

On what

[#14]

Hi all, I'm a freelancer who just finished a consultation project with someone, and after payment she sent a tip while apologizing she couldn't tip more. This wasn't desired or expected, so I'm wondering if Upwork prompts clients to give a tip as if it's standard. I don't think tipping is appropriate in this type of work, and I would hate for my clients to feel pressured into it. Would love the client perspective on how you feel about tipping and whether you feel obligated to do so. Thanks!

[#15]

Usually, it's referred to as a "bonus" and I think it's wonderful!  Wish more of my clients would get the hint. I don't think Upwork prompts clients for bonuses but frankly, I wish they would.

[#16]

For the kind of work I do, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking a bonus unless the scope changed on a fixed fee contract and both of us agreed the original fee was not correct anymore. But a tip for doing good work? That's already factored into my fee. But for those who want them - wishing you lots of bonuses!