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quick question... do you pay a freelancer first before work is completed or after work is completed?

by Johnson Tay
15 replies
As above...

Some advice pls...

TIA

Johnson
#completed #freelancer #pay #question #quick #work
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Most pay on delivery - but I think half up front and half on delivery works best. I have written for many who pay in advance, but those people already know me and it isn't the same as if they were hiring someone they had never had experience with.
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    • Profile picture of the author Randy Meirndorf
      Heysal is right. Until you know the person, dont give money upfront. Not until you see the quality, and that you even get your deliverables for that matter.

      or you can use one of the freelance sites, where you pay up front, but the money sits in escrow until you get your product finished.
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew G Gowans
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Most pay on delivery - but I think half up front and half on delivery works best. I have written for many who pay in advance, but those people already know me and it isn't the same as if they were hiring someone they had never had experience with.
      I am in the same situation. As a professional freelance writer, my long-term clients pay up front. With new relationships, neither the client nor the writer know each other or how things are going to work out. This is when the half up front, half on completion works best.

      On large projects worth let's say $2000 or more, I would definitely ask for an advance payment to a) book my time and b) prove the clients commitment to the project.

      As the provider, it is important to protect your interests as well as looking after your clients.

      I would add that new clients may ask for test pieces before committing to a full project. You can decide whether to charge for these or not depending on the outcome.

      Andrew G.
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  • Profile picture of the author tamilseo
    use escrow from freelance sites, it is fair for both party.
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    • Profile picture of the author melanied
      I agree, if you go through a site then they handle it. Very simple.

      Originally Posted by tamilseo View Post

      use escrow from freelance sites, it is fair for both party.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roy Carter
    I've done both i.e. pay upfront and pay on delivery. Also paid 50% upfront and 50% on delivery.

    To be honest i've been let down a couple of times when I've paid all up front. It seems like it becomes a chore for the person to do the work when they've already been paid, whereas if they are working towards getting paid then their motivation to finish the jo is better. Quality of work can be better as well if they know that the balance payment depends on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
    I pay 50% upfront and 50% on delivery. A couple of times, I paid all upfront and though I didn't get scammed or something, the ETA was pushed to like 2 weeks. I guess I learned my lesson.
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    Well, if you use one of the freelance writers in this thread (such as Tina Golden), you won't have to worry about them disappearing on you.

    I think the 50/50 model is fairest all round, because although you might not know them, they don't know you either. The last thing a freelancer wants is for them to write your stuff, only to have you "change your mind". So I think the 50/50 route is the fairest one, at least for smaller projects.
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  • Profile picture of the author jonhel
    I definitely expect something upfront (usually at least 50%).

    I'm with Tina, I've never been paid money owed to me from my Warrior For Hire post on several occasions when I foolishly did work without a deposit.

    Jonathan
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Spaulding
    Absolutely, positively AFTER the work is completed!

    I've been outsourcing online for 5 years now. If you pay before the work is complete you'll find cases where you regret it!
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  • Profile picture of the author David Chamberlain
    At first, I pay after completion - but once I know them, I don't mind paying 50% up front and 50% on completion...

    I've been burnt before - so DON'T pay up front!
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  • Profile picture of the author steveniam
    For site like getafreelancer I usually escrow the payment. I will only release the payment only after I am satisfied with the work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        do you pay a freelancer first before work is completed or after work is completed?
        If you are paying by credit card and have a signed written agreement about the work, it doesn't matter much when you pay because in this case, you can get your money back if the freelancer does not fulfill the assignment according to the agreement.

        I normally get paid 100% in advance on amounts up to $1000. Beyond that, it's 50/50. First-time clients know they can create a chargeback if they don't get what they paid for.

        I've never had anyone tell me this was unfair.

        Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author phylma
    I agree with the 50-50 until you know each other. It protects both parties. After a relationship is established I don't mind paying up front and usually the writer is willing to wait until the project is completed if necessary.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    When I was freelancing with Elance, I wouldn't touch a project without a 50% deposit and would not deliver a product without the other 50%. Too many thieving buyers out there to risk working for nothing. Happened way too many times before I started insisting on a 50% deposit.
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