Client not responding

[#1]

Hi,

I am kind of new to Upwork as I have been working here for a month and still trying to get the hang of this platform. I have successfully worked with two clients without encountering any problems, so far. However, I recently encountered a problem with a job I bid on at the end of Nov. The job was to write a review of a book and post it on a reader’s platform. After a few hours of applying for the job, it was removed and I was personally invited by the client to apply for the job in a separate job post. His payment method was verified and except for one review, all the reviews on his profile were  great. So, the client sent me his book and after our initial discussion, he opened a contract on November 30th. I completed the review on Dec 2nd and asked the client whether he would like to read the review before I post it on the platform to which he replied that he would like to read it first. So, I sent him the review but it’s been six days I haven’t received any response from the client. I did message him to ask if he was satisfied with the review but no reply.

Can anybody tell me what am I supposed to do in this situation? The contract is a fixed price/milestone and I did write the review but I didn't post it on the website because I was waiting for the client's approval. Will I not get paid for my efforts? What about the contract will it stay open like that forever? What if the client never replies, what am I supposed to do with this contract now? I really need some advice. Thanks in advance.

[#2]

Hi Farzeen,

If the initial job post was already taken down, it means it violated our ToS and we do not recommend that you engage further if the client invites you for the same job. The type of work you described here is deceptive marketing techniques, which again, is against Upwork’s Terms of Service.

We suggest you stop engaging with the client altogether to keep yourself safe otherwise this might lead to your account getting suspended as you're already aware this is against ToS.

[#3]

Hello Annie,

Thank you for your response. I was unaware that jobs like the one I applied to fall under deceptive marketing and violate Upwork’s Terms of Service. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will certainly be more cautious when applying for jobs in the future.

Fortunately, I refrained from posting the review on the external reader’s platform, as the client had requested. After reading your reply, I'm grateful that I sought guidance here.

This morning, before receiving your response to this post, I decided to reach out to the client one last time. Surprisingly, he replied, stating he had been busy, and after that, I received the notification that the contract had been ended. Also, I was requested a refund by the client. All of this seemed odd to me, prompting me to visit this thread where I fortunately read your advice against further engagement with the client.

At present, the contract has been terminated and I’ve received a refund request from the client. I have not posted the review on the external platform. After reading your reply, I deleted the last messages I sent to the client where I clarified that I had not terminated the contract and I would post his review on the website (Which I did not post as I read your response to this post and came to know that its against Upworks Terms of Services). My concern now is the possibility of my account being suspended. I sincerely hope this won't be the case, considering I have adhered to Upwork's policies by refraining from posting the review on the external platform, and the contract has already ended.

Any advice or reassurance you could provide would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you once again.

Best regards,

Farzeen Mughal

[#4 · Accepted solution]

Hi Farzeen, 

Thank you for following up and sharing additional information. I checked and it looks like one of our agents already reached out to you directly via a support ticket with additional information and further steps. You can access your ticket on this page.

We won't be able to share much information here in Community, so I encourage you to follow up with our team directly on your support ticket and they will be happy to help. 

[#5]

do not reply or post your job works outside platform of upwork . It may be fruad.

[#6]

Hello Ccc,

Thank you for letting me know about this. I wish I had known it before. But I have now learned my lesson and will keep your advice in mind 🙂

Regards,
Farzeen Mughal