On Upwork:
I was invited by a client to write content for their own website. The client is a website designer and I had previously completed a number of smaller, low cost proofreading and copywriting jobs for them.
The client wanted me to write 3 specialist articles of 100% original content stating they are on a tight deadline. They provided example content which totalled about 4,500 words so it wasn't a small job.
I advised I could provide the copy by the end of the week and it would take about 28 hours. My hourly rate was $25 (even less than my profile rate of $30). A quote from my cover letter:
The job ended up taking 26 hours and 40 minutes to complete and I submitted time sheets for that duration.
Yesterday I received several messages from the client advising that:
For context:
Experienced Upworkers/freelancers, any advice on how to respond?
I was invited by a client to write content for their own website. The client is a website designer and I had previously completed a number of smaller, low cost proofreading and copywriting jobs for them.
The client wanted me to write 3 specialist articles of 100% original content stating they are on a tight deadline. They provided example content which totalled about 4,500 words so it wasn't a small job.
I advised I could provide the copy by the end of the week and it would take about 28 hours. My hourly rate was $25 (even less than my profile rate of $30). A quote from my cover letter:
Researching, writing, reviewing and revising the written copy for the 3 original articles as required will take about 28 hours. If you approve this Monday morning I will be able to complete it by the end of Friday, 29 March.
The job ended up taking 26 hours and 40 minutes to complete and I submitted time sheets for that duration.
Yesterday I received several messages from the client advising that:
- It looks like there's been a mistake and they have been charged a crazy amount for the work.
- They think I've deducted the money and asking for it to be refunded [note: the money is in escrow - I haven't received it yet].
- Asking me to refund the money and discuss a more reasonable amount.
- They know good articles can be written for $30-$50 per article.
- The most they will pay is $100.
- The time taken to write the articles is unreasonable.
For context:
- This is the only Upwork client I've had so far.
- My intention is to prove my worth to clients (and eventually end up on a far higher rate). My first jobs were low-priced to get a start and build my reputation.
- I will not work for this client again unless they change their attitude and realise the worth of the work I have done. I prefer to keep good relationships with every client but am prepared to make exceptions.
Experienced Upworkers/freelancers, any advice on how to respond?
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