When you’ve found a project that’s right for your needs, it’s time to let Upwork work for you. Your project begins as soon as you buy the project and provide the requirements.
Step 1: Select a Project
Pick the project that’s right for you and open it to see more details. You can find more help in selecting the right project here.
We know you might have a few questions about a project you see. You can connect with a freelancer before buying their project by selecting the Message button.
Step 2: Select a Service Tier
Freelancers often offer their projects in “service tiers,” which are different levels of the same project, designed to give you more options. If the project you want offers tiers, you’ll select which option (starter, standard, or advanced) you want before selecting Continue to finalize the purchase of your project. If you’re stuck between choosing a certain tier, select Compare tiers to see the tier differences, side-by-side in a chart.
Step 3: Purchase the Project
A: When you’re ready to buy, select Continue to Checkout.
B: Enter your billing method. If you already have one on file, it will be automatically selected. If you have multiple billing methods on file, your default one will be selected. You can choose to use one of your other methods instead, but note that if you do so, it will become your default billing method in Upwork. For information on what type of billing methods Upwork accepts, go here.
C: Choose from any extra available add-ons you want to further customize your project, and then select Confirm and Fund to finalize your purchase. Note that you will also need to pay the one-time contract initiation fee at the time of purchase.
Note: Your freelancer won’t begin working on your project until you submit the requirements. Paying for the project is not the last step if the project has requirements!
Step 4: Submit the Project Requirements
When you buy a project, the freelancer will need information from you. If they ask you for project requirements, you must answer any questions and provide the needed information –– the freelancer can’t start working until you do. Once you submit these requirements, the clock starts on the project. For example, if you submit the requirements on Wednesday at 2 a.m. (your time) and the freelancer has promised a 3-day turnaround, the deadline is 2 a.m. Saturday.
Note: There is a “Remind me later” option, but we recommend completing the requirements as soon as possible so your freelancer can get to work.
If you do not submit the requirements within 48 hours, the project will be automatically canceled and you will be refunded.
When the freelancer completes and submits the work, you have the chance to review. The freelancer is paid after you review and approve the work. If you don’t take any action in 14 days, we automatically release the funds to the freelancer.
How Upwork Helps
As you find the right freelancer to help you get work done, Upwork is with you every step of the way. While you and your freelancer work closely together, Upwork provides the following:
- Payment protection for clients to make sure you get the work you pay for
- Help when you need it through dispute assistance, help articles, and live support agents
Step 1: When you’re ready to buy, select Continue to Checkout. You’ll be prompted to create an account or log in, if necessary.
Step 2: Enter your billing method. If you already have one on file, it will be automatically selected. If you have multiple billing methods on file, your default one will be selected. You can choose to use one of your other methods instead, but note that if you do so, the method you choose will become your default billing method in Upwork. For information on what type of billing methods Upwork accepts, go here.
Step 3: Choose from any available extra add-ons you want to further customize your project, and then Select Confirm and Fund to finalize your purchase.
Step 4: Complete the requirements outlined by the freelancer in order for them to get started on your project.
Each project has questions, asked by the freelancer, that you must answer before the freelancer is able to begin working. It is very important to provide this information to the freelancer as soon as possible so that the freelancer can start working on the project right away. You must submit these requirements before the due date clock begins. If you do not submit the requirements within 48 hours, we automatically cancel the project and refund your money.
Step 1: When you’re ready to buy, select Continue to Checkout. You’ll be prompted to create an account or log in, if necessary.
Step 2: Enter your billing method. If you already have one on file, it will be automatically selected. If you have multiple billing methods on file, your default one will be selected. You can choose to use one of your other methods instead, but note that if you do so, the method you choose will become your default billing method in Upwork. For information on what type of billing methods Upwork accepts, go here.
Step 3: Choose from any available extra add-ons you want to further customize your project, and then Select Confirm and Fund to finalize your purchase.
Step 4: Complete the requirements outlined by the freelancer in order for them to get started on your project.
You can message a freelancer before buying to ask for any information not covered in their profile. Select the project you want and scroll down to the Message button.
Yes, you can cancel and request a refund of your escrow. To cancel a contract, open the contract and select cancel contract. Then request a refund from talent.