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How To Protect Yourself...

by JonoC
6 replies
From dodgy copywriters?

So long story short, I hired a copywriter on here who promised a partial refund if they could not deliver on certain things (this was set out in the agreement). They were not able to deliver (not even close) and now they are avoiding my copious attempts to get a hold of them.

The only avenue that I have open to me right now is the legal route - which is always fun!

I'm not here to bitch and moan about it, or call this person out.

I am here however to find ways of avoiding this in the future.

So any advice?

Is it possible to put a payment in an escrow account until they have delivered on what they promised?

Does anyone have any experience with doing this?
#protect #scam
  • Profile picture of the author johndetlefs
    Sure! If you're really worried about it, make them go through elance or odesk and then use the escrow function.

    It may cost you a little more (as they will understandably want you to cover elance's fees) but you'll get total peace of mind around the deliverables.

    They also have a structured resolutions process that is pretty good.

    While overall i'm not a huge fan of Elance, I think that the Escrow function is well worth the hassle.

    And if the copywriter is not willing to do that... then find someone else who is!
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    You only get one shot at life - make it awesome.

    Everyone else also gets just one crack at it - help make theirs awesome too... or, politely step out of their way.

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  • Profile picture of the author Quality Copywriter
    hi there

    Sorry to hear that.. but...

    When all the variables are taken into account...Sales copy is only around 20% of the success equation.

    Things like having a hungry market, good positioning, good traffic all come into play.

    There are just so many variables.

    So I would suggest... forget about guarantees on results from future copy guys.

    Look at the results they have achieved previously and bank on them instead.
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    "Peter Brennan is the real deal, In the first 12 hours we did $80k...and over $125k in the first week...if you want to be successful online, outsource your copywriting to Peter"
    Adam Linkenauger

    For 12 ways to sell more stuff to more people today...go to...www.peterbrennan.net
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  • Profile picture of the author JRVogt
    Using websites with guaranteed payment/refund options is definitely one option. Both Elance and oDesk use this sort of feature for certain types of contracts. You can also negotiate milestone payments upon content approval versus paying full upfront, which can minimize loss if the copywriter doesn't deliver.

    However, there are copywriters here who I know require 100% upfront because the situation is reversed on their end. They've dealt with too many clients who sign contracts saying they'll pay such-and-such and then end up cheating them out of their dues. And then they have to resort to legal measures as well. It goes both ways, unfortunately.
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    • Profile picture of the author OutOfThisWord
      Even the top pros who charge $25K per project, often only deliver a winner 1 out of 3 times.

      Instead of looking for guaranteed conversions...

      ...get more involved in the process of testing, adjusting, analyzing and refining.

      Partner with your copywriter instead of looking at him/her as a commission sales rep on quota.

      If you can't invest in the marketing process, which involves taking marketing risks, then you don't have a business, you have a dream.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnrone
    This should serve as a lesson to newbies who easily engage in online transactions with others. In this day and age, you can not just trust anyone right away, unless he or she is your friend or colleague for a long time.
    Next time you hire someone, just go to oDesk or elance for guaranteed results and payment.
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    • Profile picture of the author Quality Copywriter
      with respect...my own experience has been very different.

      I have spent over $20k on different services this year and have only been stiffed once for $300.

      new clients will regularly send me thousands of dollars with no expectation of being ripped off.
      Signature
      "Peter Brennan is the real deal, In the first 12 hours we did $80k...and over $125k in the first week...if you want to be successful online, outsource your copywriting to Peter"
      Adam Linkenauger

      For 12 ways to sell more stuff to more people today...go to...www.peterbrennan.net
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