Requesting Payment on Upwork

Introduction

Welcome to Upwork and congratulations on completion of your first job! As an experienced freelancer, I would be glad to guide you on how to request payment on this platform.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review Your Contract

Before requesting payment, ensure the terms of your contract specify when and how you should be compensated for the work rendered. Typically, you would either bill by the hour or at a fixed cost for the entire project.

2. Use Time Tracker for Hourly Jobs

If your contract is hourly, use the Upwork time tracker to automatically bill for time worked. This does not require any additional steps to request payment. Your client will be billed automatically every week.

3. Submit Work for Fixed-Price Jobs

If your contract is fixed-price, use the ‘Submit Work’ button in the contract room to request payment. This delivers your work to your client and submits it for payment at the same time.

Note:

• After submitting, your client has 14 days to request changes or approve the submission. Approval releases payment to you.
• If your client doesn’t respond within 14 days, the payment is released automatically.

Additional Tips

• Communication is Key: Always maintain clear and open communication with your clients. Discuss payment terms before beginning any work and keep them updated on progress.
• Invoice Regularly: For long-term projects, it’s a good practice to invoice regularly rather than at the end of the project. This ensures steady income and reduces the chance of payment disputes.

Conclusion

Upwork’s system is designed to protect both clients and freelancers and ensure a smooth payment process. Use the tools provided and follow the best practices. Remember, if you have any issues, Upwork has a strong support team available to assist.