New Upwork Direct Contract Feature for Non-Upwork Projects

Roger Marquez

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I just logged in into my Upwork account and saw a notification for a new feature called "Direct Contract".

Upwork is now enabling the creation of custom contracts to be offered OUTSIDE the platform offering their escrow in the process.

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  • The fee is "just" 3.4% per contract and the client doesn´t have to pay anything
  • Clients don´t even have to create an account on Upwork
  • Upwork offers "mediation services" in case of a dispute.
As a freelancer on Upwork I found to be a bit weird they´re launching this with a flat fee of 3.4% when I get charged 10%-20% per contract (depending on my total amount billed for a particular client).

I think it might be actually better to start setting up all my contracts outside Upwork.

Can we see this be leverage here for Marketplace sellers?

Thoughts?
 
That's an amazing feature. Do you have any idea how much the fees are when someone use that option? This can be used also as escrow for services
 
That's an amazing feature. Do you have any idea how much the fees are when someone use that option? This can be used also as escrow for services
It says it´s a flat fee of 3.4%.

As a freelancer on Upwork, I get charge 10%-20% depending on the client. I might just start setting up all my contracts outside Upwork for now on :D :P
 
Hi @Roger Marquez . Thanks you for information. But I have a concern. If I live in a sudamerican country. Can I join to Upwork?. I’d like to sell my services there
 
I mean, what is the use of this, like if they are clients from outside, then why not to deal with them outside upwork and not even pay that 4-5% fee?
 
Now if only you could move a freelancer you found on Upwork then you could split the difference, but I'm sure the sort of non-compete in the contract won't allow you to do that :(
 
I assume the client has to sign up to upwork and then will be spammed to death by them for the next project and can then find a cheaper alternative... not sure it's a great system.

If you are already set up and established (on or off upwork) can't see the point of it, no need to escrow if you have milestones set up direct with your client anyway.
 
found to be a bit weird they´re launching this with a flat fee of 3.4% when I get charged 10%-20% per contract
This is their way of bringing non-upwork client to register on their platform. There is nothing weird. It is just brilliant marketing.
 
I mean, what is the use of this, like if they are clients from outside, then why not to deal with them outside upwork and not even pay that 4-5% fee?
Mostly because of the escrow service.

Is there a platform that offers this type of service for a cheaper fee?
 
The fee seems to be okay, since they are managing the payment (are they?). Their usual fees are just too fckin high. I stopped using them because I didn't want to lose a huge chunk of money like that. Seems like I will use them again. :)

I mean, what is the use of this, like if they are clients from outside, then why not to deal with them outside upwork and not even pay that 4-5% fee?

What if the client doesn't pay? What if the freelancer doesn't deliver? ;)
 
This feature was rolled out as a trial two months ago. It's nice for higher ticket projects.

I've had tremendous success with Upwork recently (have two journey threads on BHW).

If you are great at what you do, Upwork is a goldmine ❤️
 
What's weird is there no payment outside uowork rule for freelancers. I mean how are they suppose know.

I have been receiving money outside Upwork for months now and my account is still safe
 
What's weird is there no payment outside uowork rule for freelancers. I mean how are they suppose know.

I have been receiving money outside Upwork for months now and my account is still safe
Wait for a nice message of "Your account as been disabled" in few days
 
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