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What Are Direct Contracts in UpWork?

Last updated on September 30, 2022 @ 9:03 pm

If you’re a freelancer, then you’re probably familiar with the popular online marketplace UpWork. UpWork is a great platform for finding work, but it can also be a little confusing to navigate. In this article, we’ll explore one specific aspect of UpWork: direct contracts.

Direct contracts are agreements between a freelancer and a client that are not mediated by UpWork. That means that the freelancer and the client work together to come to an agreement on the scope of work, price, and other terms, without involving UpWork at all.

There are a few advantages to using direct contracts on UpWork. First, it can save you some money on fees. UpWork charges a fee for every contract that is mediated through their platform, so if you can avoid that fee by working directly with the client, it can be a big savings.

PRO TIP: If you are considering using Upwork to find work, be aware that there are some scams associated with the platform. One scam that is particularly prevalent is the “direct contract” scam. In this scam, a fraudster will contact you directly (usually via email) and offer you a job. They will then ask you to sign a “direct contract” which essentially means that you will bypass Upwork and work directly with the client. The fraudster will then ask for your personal information and payment details. Once they have this information, they will disappear and you will not receive any payment for the work you have done. To avoid this scam, only accept job offers from clients who contact you through the Upwork platform. Do not accept any offers of direct contracts. If you are contacted by someone offering you a direct contract, report them to Upwork immediately.

Second, direct contracts can sometimes lead to longer-term work relationships. If you do a good job for a client and they’re happy with your work, they may be more likely to reach out to you directly for future projects. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to build long-term relationships with clients.

Finally, direct contracts can give you more control over the scope of work. When you work through UpWork, the scope of work is often determined by the client’s budget. But when you work directly with a client, you can negotiate the scope of work to better fit your skills and expertise.

Overall, direct contracts can be a great way to find work on UpWork. They have some advantages over traditional contract arrangements, and if you’re looking to save money or build long-term relationships with clients, they may be worth considering.

Morgan Bash

Morgan Bash

Technology enthusiast and Co-Founder of Women Coders SF.