Getting Started

0906b144 · ‎03-29-2020

Hello,

I'm new to Upwork as an interior designer and I'm finding that people are submitting a scope for their project, it is very limited in details of what they are requesting and it as a freelancer makes it very difficult to submit a proposal.

I'm doing this as to supplement my solo business. However, I'm finding most clients are asking $24-$45hourly rates. In the US as a freelancer you can count on 30% taken off in taxes.

This is a good platform if you are starting off but not when you have an established business with overhead. I pay my design assistant more than this. Is there a way for a freelancer to ask more questions before submitting a proposal to the client? Also, can't Upwork allow a feature that your proposal is being seen and if there's a time limit to reject or accept a proposal? Please comment.

How do you overcome these obstacles?

robin_hyman · ‎03-30-2020

Christina W wrote:
Hello,
I'm new to Upwork as an interior designer and I'm finding that people are submitting a scope for their project, it is very limited in details of what they are requesting and it as a freelancer makes it very difficult to submit a proposal.
I'm doing this as to supplement my solo business. However, I'm finding most clients are asking $24-$45hourly rates. In the US as a freelancer you can count on 30% taken off in taxes.
This is a good platform if you are starting off but not when you have an established business with overhead.

Remember this is a global platform so there are freelancers from other countries where $20 an hour can feed their family for a few days. I disagree that this is a good platform for beginners; I have 15+ years experience and started here almost 2 years ago. It helps to have an established career BEFORE you sign up. A portfolio and know-how to deal with clients is beneficial to the world of freelancing.

I pay my design assistant more than this. Is there a way for a freelancer to ask more questions before submitting a proposal to the client?

I frequently ask questions IN my proposal. Clients tend not to post details which may be pertinent for you to submit a more accurate price quote. In those cases I will submit their fixed price budget and write "fixed price is a placeholder until I have a better understanding of the project scope".

Also, can't Upwork allow a feature that your proposal is being seen and if there's a time limit to reject or accept a proposal? Please comment.

Currently it isn't a feature to view if the client has seen your proposal. Of course assume yes if you get a reply. Upwork has recently rolled out a feature showing a blue dot next to the # of connects on specific job posts. If the client has no interaction with those posts for 30 days the connects will be returned to the freelancer.