Not Understanding the concept of contract and is my job even started yet?

[#1]

Hi,

I am actually new to the platform. Just if anyone can clear my doubts, it would be a great help and I would be more confident in working on upwork rather than switching platforms again and again.

So i have managed to get a client to reply to my proposal and he asked me to actually provide some sample work. He provided some images to edit which I did and he really liked. We also concluded that at the end he will also pay for the sample work. 

My concern is that is that how a project is continued? I am sending him samples but i dont know if he will pay me or not. He hasnt also replied me since yesterday. I am also struggling to grasp the concept of contracts as i dont know if this job that i am doing counts as an ongoing job or not. I mean should i be worried if he just ghosts me and doesnt reply me at all or what?
If someone more experienced is looking at this, Kindly do me a favour to explaing this confusion. Thankyou!

[#2]

Hi there,

I understand that you're new to Upwork and have some concerns about how projects are continued and the concept of contracts. Let me try to address your questions and provide some guidance.

When it comes to working on Upwork, it's important to establish clear communication and agreement with your clients. In your case, it's positive that the client liked the sample work you provided, and you discussed that they would pay for it. It's good practice to clarify the payment terms and ensure that both parties are on the same page before proceeding further.

Regarding the project continuation, it's common for clients to assess the quality of work through samples or trials before committing to a long-term contract. If the client is satisfied with the samples and wants to proceed, it's advisable to discuss the next steps and establish a formal contract. Upwork offers features like the "Milestones" or "Fixed-Price" contracts, which allow you to define the scope, deliverables, and payment terms for the project.

As for your concern about the client not replying since yesterday, it's important to remember that communication can vary between clients, and response times may differ. It's generally a good idea to give them a reasonable amount of time to respond before assuming anything. However, if an extended period of time passes without any communication, it's appropriate to send a polite follow-up message to inquire about the status of the project.

If the client does not respond at all, it can be frustrating, but it's essential to stay professional and not take it personally. Sometimes clients may have changed their minds or encountered unexpected circumstances. In such cases, it's best to move on and focus on other potential opportunities.

To sum up, it's crucial to establish clear communication, discuss payment terms, and formalize the project with a contract once both parties agree to proceed. Be patient when waiting for responses, but don't hesitate to follow up if necessary. Remember that the freelance world can be unpredictable, and it's important to stay adaptable.

Best of luck with your freelancing journey on Upwork!

[#3]

Since you are new my recommendation would be prior to submitting any proposals that you learn how to use the Upwork platform. Head on over to the Academy tab as there is plenty of useful information for you. Also read up on the Upwork terms of service. 

Think about it, if you were going to hire a freelancer wouldn't you discuss the pay you are going to pay for your project?

The supposed contract you described sounds like you are being scammed and will not be paid for this. You stated client is asking for sample work. When a client asks you for sample work to be done they need to pay you  for this. 

[#4]

Hi Muhammad,

NEVER NEVER do free work for clients unless you love to work for free. Otherwise, create a Portfolio and place on your Upwork Profile page. Thanks!