Chat with proposal publisher for directly applying to their offers, before they choose the winner.

[#1]

I am willing to apply to different project offers (and I have done so paying several connect-coins).

The thing is that many projects need a previous discussion before making a closed offer.

For example, someone willing to do a Financial Plan at $50/h I can do that but... do they want me to do that with them connected 10 hours/day during 5 days? Or do they want me to do it connecting with them 2h/day day-yes, day-no during couple of weeks? Is this Financial Plan to be made on an SpreadSheet only for internal company usage (it may contain informal comments) or is it intended for publicly submitting it to investors and fund-raising?

I am unable to find a "chat" with the project publisher to discuss details BEFORE getting the project assigned to me.

As I'm new to UpWork I'm unable to distinguish if the chat exists and I can't find it, or simply UpWork is designed that it's a matter of luck that among 20 offers they choose to work with me with no previous interaction other than a static text when I apply.

[#2]

Hello Xavi,

For you to be able to chat with clients, you'd use the Messages option that's available on your profile. Once a client receives your proposal, they can opt to respond to it by messaging you and you should see their message under that option. Some clients may send you a direct offer, but you can still further discuss the project with them before accepting it.

Considering you're new to the platform, I'd suggest that you start by learning the basics of how everything works by visiting our Upwork Academy page. Below there are a few courses to help you get started:

• How to create your profile
• Finding work
• Profile Title & Overview
• Building Your Portfolio
• Submitting Proposals

[#3]

Xavi,

Use the Messages feature to communicate with the client. I have completed 340 Jobs on Upwork and that is the feature that I use. Of course if the client has never interacted with you, they can't be messaged. Have a great day!

[#4 · Accepted solution]

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Xavi M wrote:

I am unable to find a "chat" with the project publisher to discuss details BEFORE getting the project assigned to me.

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There's no way for freelancers to initiate a discussion with clients, otherwise clients would be inundated with messages from people harrassing them with spam and begging to be hired. If a client is interested in hiring you, they'll make contact and then you can ask questions before you accept the project.

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Xavi M wrote:

For example, someone willing to do a Financial Plan at $50/h I can do that but... do they want me to do that with them connected 10 hours/day during 5 days? Or do they want me to do it connecting with them 2h/day day-yes, day-no during couple of weeks?

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For that kind of thing, it's up to you to decide. You can put in your proposal that you're only available certain hours, or that it'll take about one week to finish their project, or whatever other terms you want to set. It's highly unlikely that a client will assume that you're available to work 10 hours/day, 5 days/week; most people understand that freelancers have more than one client. If someone has an unusual requirement like that, they'll usually specify it in their job description.

[#5]

When the information is scarce or non-existent but I think that because of the little that the client says I could be interested in the job, I ask all the questions in my proposal, and I invite them to get in touch to clarify doubts.