Online freelancing is not for everyone. Along with self discipline, you must also have a second sense about what your clients want, and if they will pay. This is far more difficult when you are working with a new buyer. Here are some red flags that you can be wary of:
1. No up front – If you prefer to work with up front payments (and I do) if a buyer refuses to pay something up front in spite of the fact that you have a long history of delivery, you should reconsider before you accept the job. Unfortunately, all too often freelancers get slammed with offers for one of type jobs and have to cross their finger and hope to be paid. If the job is relatively small this becomes a matter of preference, but if you’re doing long term work at least set up step payments.
2. Rush Job - Unless you are really comfortable with someone, rush jobs can be scary. Not only are you working under a tight deadline, but you may not know anything about the client. Rush jobs can be a bad precedent to set for other reasons, but non payment is one danger of rushed jobs.
3. Micro-manager – This is always a Catch22 – I want a client to communicate with me about what they want, but I don’t want a client who is going to constantly second guess me. I turn down gigs that I simply do not feel I am able to turn good work on but at the same time, if you give me a task to do, don’t spend the day second guessing that I understand. If I have questions, I’ll let you know!
4. Slow Pay - Nothing is more frustrating than a slow paying client. Mostly if a client is hiring a freelancer they expect to pay when the job is complete. If a client does not pay within 96 hours of a job being completed, contact them. If they continue to disregard payment put them on your ‘no repeat’ list. That will save you a fair amount of grief. Set expectations up front so that your clients know when you expect to be paid for your work.
Summary
Freelancing can be very rewarding, but there can be some frustrations associated with it. Take your time to get to know your clients and be careful for these things that can save you some grief.
About Doreen Martel
Well-rounded freelance writer who contributes to various blogs, paid to write sites and revenue sharing sites. Doreen is legally blind and has worked at home for more than 10 years. She uses the lessons learned from this experience to enhance her writing and share information with others.
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