General Discussions

**ronaqdas** · 06-03-2009, 03:26 AM

I am a student of computer sciences, but even before I enrolled into this graduation program, I was interested in web designing and programming … I think I m pretty good with HTML, CSS and PHP. Anyhow this thread is not about my expertise … the thing is that I want to work as a freelancer to support my education and all … problem is that I don’t have any previous projects or clients to present in my portfolio. I m ready to offer my services without any (or minimal) advance payments and the clients can pay me after I am able to show some considerable work on their project … what I wanted to know is, How can I guarantee a payment in such cases? Is their some website that facilitate these sort of agreements?

**edgray** · 06-03-2009, 04:36 AM

draw up a simple contract and get them to sign it. There's never 100% guarantee you'll get paid but there more you have in writing, the easier it will be totake them to court in non-payment circumstances.

That though is fairly rare, most clients, especially once they see you're work, are more than happy to pay.

**ronaqdas** · 06-03-2009, 06:42 AM

Which court

Most of the times the clients will be coming from some foreign countries. I don’t think filing a suit against them can be a feasible option

**edgray** · 06-03-2009, 06:49 AM

oh crikey, well overseas clients are always difficult. Not much you could do about chasing money unless you get a lawyer in their country to represent you.

You could get them to deposit some money in an escrow account so you know the money is there...

**ronaqdas** · 06-03-2009, 07:05 AM

^^ Would you mind explaining this escrow account thing, how exactly does it work in online transactions. I was actually looking for these sort of suggestions, so thanks already.

P.S.

What about the services like PayPal or Plimus, don’t they provide some sort of security to the sellers … ?

**ronaqdas** · 06-05-2009, 01:51 AM

Ain't there's no way or nobody is interested in helping out