Feb 14, 2024 10:52:10 AM by Edgardo J A
I recently got a contract with a client for Sales Management. Even though the offer was way below my hourly rate I accepted because it was a good opportunity to gain experience. However, the client repeatedly asked to modify the conditions of the contract and even asked me to go outside of the platform, reducing the budget and changing the arrangements. I explained to him I could not work with him outside of the platform as it is a violation of the ToS.
I have a fairly high tolerance, but it all came plummeting down when I was not able to get my early payout because he did not pay on time and the platform paused the contract. It seems his card has no funds. After a while of writing back and forth, he made the late payment to Upwork, and the contract was reactivated. The problem is I do not like where the relationship is going. I asked him if he had also paid the second week as we are now in the third week and it seems he has not because he answered that his payroll is biweekly so it seems that the platform is going to pause the contract yet once again this upcoming Monday.
I am willing to refund him for the money and end the contract because I have a strict satisfaction-only policy on the compensation I receive, however, I am worried that if I end the contract it might damage my 100% JSS temporarily and prompt him to leave a bad review.
On the other hand, we have created a series of documents and assets for his business and I just want to make sure we can end the relationship on good terms because I am not willing to work for someone that is not professional and ethical in their treatment and appreciation towards their employees.
Please let me know your advice as to what the best resolution would be. Thanks.
Feb 14, 2024 11:12:58 AM by Rishabh P
Hey Edgardo,
Hope you are doing well & i understand the situation you are in. Down below I'm adding a few points that can help you get out of this situation professionally and safely. Have a look and let me know if it makes any value to you.
Hope this info helps you
Thanks,
Rishabh
Feb 14, 2024 04:46:45 PM by SAIMA K
Hi Edgardo,
If your client hails from Canada and the name commences with the letter "P," there's a chance I might know him. However, if this isn't the case, rest assured there are plenty more out there. Personally, I am more towards hourly jobs, especially those offering consistent work. Regardless of the client's payroll system process, it's important to adhere to Upwork platform policies. For instance, if you've agreed upon a rate of $15 per hour with a weekly limit of 20 hours, the client would need to escrow $300 with Upwork each week. This ensures compliance and transparency for all parties involved.
I generally lean towards fixed-term projects that require quick and one-time deliverables, reserving hourly contracts for ongoing work. I would recommend adopting a similar approach in your freelancing endeavors.
Feb 14, 2024 05:23:44 PM Edited Feb 14, 2024 05:23:59 PM by Lisa B
"...however, I am worried that if I end the contract it might damage my 100% JSS temporarily and prompt him to leave a bad review."
You're Top Rated so you can remove any bad feedback, both public and private. That is, if you haven't used the Top Rated perk in the past 3 months/10 jobs.
Don't refund him the money. It doesn't sound like he's dissatisfied with your work, but has payment issues.
Close the contract yourself - that way, he isn't forced to leave feedback and you have better odds that he never will.
Feb 15, 2024 09:59:44 AM by Edgardo J A
Well I ended the contract and refunded him, and also sent him a copy of the documents and applicants profiles we had generated. He did not leave any feedback but I still refunded to stay consistent with my policy of not taking money from unhappy clients. I guess I didn't have to but I'm pretty sure I will have more opportunities in the future. Thanks everyone for your advice, it is greatly appreciated.
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