Fixed cost project not moving - what's next?

[#1]

Hi,

Hired a freelancer on a fixed based contract to complete a small project - we are almost done and the project is 10% complete.

What's next?

[#2]

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Olivier R wrote:

Hi,

Hired a freelancer on a fixed based contract to complete a small project - we are almost done and the project is 10% complete.

What's next?

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Almost done and 10% complete sound like different ballparks lol. Anyway, when the freelancer is finished with the project, they should submit the file/files for approval. You can then have the option to approve, request for changes, or dispute.  

You mention in the thread name that the project is not moving. You can kindly ask the freelancer what the hold-up is and, from there, try to come to an amicable solution.

[#3]

Olivier:
It is really not Upwork's intention that clients involve Upwork employees directly in situations like this.

Upwork wants you to use the tools that you have to directly manage the freelancers you hire. (Or have your independent project manager do so.)

If you hired a freelancer to do a task, and he isn't doing the work, then my best advice for you would be to stop working with that underperforming freelancer and assign the work to another member of your team.

To help provide context so that we can better assist you, please answer these questions:

What is the total amount of money that you have released to this freelancer so far?
How many milestones are in this contract? How many have been completed?
When is the "deadline" or "target delivery" date for this freelancer's work to be completed?

[#4]

Thank you for the prompt reply,

$0 so far, $400 in escrow

deadline: 26 jul - or 6 days from now

1 milestone - I think we will get to 25% completion by end of week

I don't mind waiting until the end of the contract ; the point is - what happens to the escrow if the job is not complete?

Sincerely

[#5 · Accepted solution]

re: "what happens to the escrow if the job is not complete?"

Nothing happens.

Upwork's system does not actually take into account the deadline. It is nothing but a text string presented for reference purposes.

If the deadline comes and the freelancer has done no work whatsoever, then Upwork does absolutely nothing.

But you, as the client, may choose to act.

You may let the freelancer take as long as he wants to take. Or you may tell him that you need the work done by the deadline.

You may close the contract at any time while releasing all escrow funds to the freelancer. You could close the contract with full payment right now and there is nothing the freelancer could do about it.

And at any time, you may close the contract while EDITING the amount of money to be released. You can even release zero dollars. If the freelancer agrees to your change, then it goes through. But if the freelancer doesn't agree, then a dispute arises. The money is tied up and Upwork will ask that you and the freelancer work things out and come to an agreement.

WHAT I RECOMMEND:
Don't assume that the freelancer will finish the task.
Don't pressure the freelancer to finish the task.
Ask the freelancer how much of the task he thinks he will get done by the deadline, and then ask if he would be willing to accept payment only for that percentage of work. If he says 50%, then offer to pay 50% (or $200). Explain that you will be appreciative of whatever portion of the task he can complete, and you will assign the rest to other team members because you don't want to take up any more of his time.

[#6]

Excellent, thank you so much.

Will apply your recommendations.

Sincerely