eCommerce Tycoon

**Shadrach** · 09-10-2010, 01:25 AM

Ok.. So it's been a few days since I heard from the guy who hired me to do some freelance PPC work for him. There is still a couple hundred bucks outstanding. He hasn't responded to any emails and frankly I'm getting a little pissed.

Is there any action I can take to ensure payment?

We began an escrow process but no funds were ever sent through it. I have only received funds through PayPal.

This is my first freelance job. I can say I've definitely learned some lessons.

Thanks,
Josh

**weblover50** · 09-13-2010, 02:06 PM

Sorry to hear that. I doubt you can do anything to get your money.

I have provided a few services in the past and never got paid for it. Kinda sucks but as time goes by you realize you have been scammed. Helpless feeling.

**premiumwriting** · 09-14-2010, 11:41 PM

Try following up, but you may just have to take is as a learning lesson and move on. Believe me, EVERYONE who freelances online has had this happen at some point. As you get more of a reputation and repeat clients you'll be able to ask for payment upfront, or 50% upfront. Just be careful who you work for in future as well.

**rypher21** · 09-17-2010, 05:13 AM

thats one of the disadvantage of freelance thingy and you should know that...where you can encounter people who scam others...next time be more careful

**wayfarer07** · 09-17-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by premiumwriting

Believe me, EVERYONE who freelances online has had this happen at some point.

Not true. If you work through Odesk, payment is guaranteed if you do it by the hour. If a client doesn't pay, Odesk cancels their account and sends them to collection. Then, they pay you anyway.

**ModDish** · 09-17-2010, 09:29 AM

rac or I think they changed to vworker, has a built in escrow system also, but your bidding against guys that will work for table scraps lol

**Shadrach** · 09-17-2010, 10:40 AM

Thanks for the advice. Pretty much what I was thinking.

Just trying to figure out when to cut ties. The more emails I send requesting payment, the more I invest in the project. Spent so much time on this already.. it's like I'm working for peanuts.

Josh

**Feydakin** · 09-19-2010, 09:02 PM

All my clients pre-pay.. Have for many years..

**full house** · 09-19-2010, 09:35 PM

well, I guess you should ask for his address and phone numbers first. Actually, I would be all honest deal. It sometimes happen to freelancers as I heard in other forums.

**usearchme** · 09-21-2010, 07:59 AM

Hi there

If you use get afree lancer people put the money in enscrow first, so the money is held by a 3rd party until work is completed, best to do this, as then if something goes wrong u can put in a complaint, however u lose a bit of money in comission.

Unfortunatly losing money when working with freelancers is part of the industry, ive been ripped off by developers before who didnt complete work i paid for and theres v little u can do about it.

Woc

**Kelly85** · 09-21-2010, 08:42 AM

You may ask for the payment in advance like 80% advance. At least it will avoid such things to happen.

**TheRev** · 09-21-2010, 11:00 AM

Always, ALWAYS get at least 50% up front before you even think about starting. When you get to the halfway point of the project (like rough draft, preliminary site, etc) get another 25% of the initial quote. On completion, before handing anything over get the rest. I'm not sure what kind of freelancing you do but I've been doing design work off and on for a while, we've all been screwed.

**kline11** · 09-21-2010, 03:44 PM

Mods, this thread needs to be moved out of the Google forum.

**jedz** · 09-28-2010, 03:57 AM

That's one of the disadvantages of outsourcing. You can't guarantee the payment of your client if you haven't signed any agreement. I suggest to always ask your clients to pay you upfront. Just provide them any necessary proof such as samples, references and reasonable quote to give their full trust.

Outsourcing is a business that trust is the first requirement. Business won't grow if you haven't trusted the company that you're working with.

**Digmen1** · 10-10-2010, 01:58 PM

There are a few freelancing sites that seem to aid in freelancers getting paid. Eg Freelancer.com

I am going to join one as I need some work doing.

This forum has a services section, but it is very badly laid out. And I never get any replies.

**lahm22** · 10:19 AM

Did you sign up for this kind of job? I am currently working at odesk and payment is really verified because they have to pass through odesk before payment is made. Have you finished the job? I hope not, because if you already finished it I doubt it that he will pay you. Just be careful in choosing whom to work for. Try joining other freelance site that have good reputation so that you will be at peace when working for someone.
removed

**mithil** · 10-21-2010, 09:18 AM

it happened with me too.
One UK based company with Indian domain cheated me for some thousand bucks.
Its sad but unfortunately people behave like that for few bucks.
Hope you will get your money.