Learn how project cancellations work in Project Catalog, including deadlines, refunds, client cancelations, and tips for managing your workload.
This article is for freelancers looking to cancel a project. If you're a client and need to cancel a project, see here.
In this article
- Can I cancel a project in Project Catalog?
- Is there a penalty if I cancel a project?
- How do I cancel a project?
- What happens if I cancel a project after 24 hours of the project being purchased?
- What if a client cancels a project?
- Tips to manage your workload
Can I cancel a project in Project Catalog?
Yes. You can cancel a project within 24 hours of receiving a client’s requirements for any reason — whether you're too busy or the client's needs aren't a good fit for what you offer. We'll automatically refund the client, and as long as you're within the 24 hours, there won't be any negative consequences from Upwork.
Is there a penalty if I cancel a project?
Not as long as you cancel within 24 hours of when the client sent the requirements. Clients will receive a full refund, but your JSS will not be impacted and clients will not be able to leave feedback at this stage.
How do I cancel a project?
To cancel an order:
- Go to Deliver work > Your active contracts
- Find the contract you want to cancel
- Click the options menu (•••) and select End Contract
Pro Tip:
If you need to cancel a project, consider sending a short message to the client. A little communication goes a long way — especially if you’d like to work with them again. Many clients are open to adjustments, so if you need more time or info, just ask. They’d often rather work with you than start over.
What happens if I cancel a project after 24 hours of the project being purchased?
If you cancel a project after 24 hours of the client’s purchase, the client will get a full refund and your JSS may be impacted. Clients can also leave a review for you at this stage.
What if a client cancels a project?
Clients can cancel a project within 24 hours of purchasing it for a full refund. If they cancel an order after 24 hours have passed, we automatically initiate a refund request and it’s up to you to accept or deny the request.
If you and a client decide a refund is necessary after the project is finished, here’s how you issue the refund:
- Go to Deliver work › Contract history and select the contract title. If the order is completed, select the Include closed contracts checkbox at the top of the page.
- Click the Give a refund button from the (...) options menu.
- Choose the amount to be refunded, then Give Refund.
Tips to manage your workload
If you're getting too many projects at once, you can edit your project to limit the number you will take at one time. Learn more about editing your project here. You can also turn off your project’s visibility so it doesn’t appear in Project Catalog until you are ready for more work.