How to WIN a dispute as a freelancer on Upwork & How I won an Upwork dispute

[@realmehranvahedi]

Dear awesome viewers! Thank you for your amazing engagement! Remember, the most liked comment gets pinned - so start liking your favorites now! I love your questions and will try to respond to as many as I can. For quick generic queries, the comment section is perfect. But need more in-depth, personalized advice? Book a personalized consultations with me via topmate.io/mehran_vahedi. They're ideal for detailed, specific questions. Your support means the world to me. Let's keep the conversation going! Thank You!

[@echoesofhonor]

Hello, i wanted to ask a question... I have been paid a milestone a long time now and money is not in my Upwork balance, I have moved the funds outside of Upwork. What if i refuse arbitration and client pays, where will Upwork find the money to fully refund the client?

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hi @echoesofhonor, great question! When a milestone is paid and the funds are moved outside of Upwork, they are no longer in Upwork's system. If there's a dispute and the client pays the arbitration fee but you don't, the client automatically wins the dispute. Upwork might then issue the refund to the client first and subsequently seek to recover the amount from you, potentially billing the payment method you have on file. This could include potential account restrictions or even suspension if you refuse to participate in the arbitration and also fail to refund the client. Conversely, if only you pay the arbitration fee and the client doesn’t, you'll automatically win the dispute. The arbitration fee will be returned to you, and you'll retain the amount claimed by the client. It's important to handle disputes thoughtfully as refusing arbitration could lead to further actions from Upwork, including potential account restrictions or financial liabilities. Always engage in the resolution process to find a fair outcome for both parties. Please note that I am not a legal expert, and this information is based on general experiences and understanding of Upwork's policies. It's a good idea to consult directly with the Upwork dispute team for specific advice. Also, feel free to ask more questions here-others in similar situations might benefit from the discussion as well. Thanks again for your comment, and I hope this helps!

[@BTSBLISSMANIA]

What if the milestone was not funded yet but you do the work and complete and now the client doesn't want to fund the milestone, the contract status was suspended by Upwork, Can I still receive my payment? What happens next? Thank you.

[@realmehranvahedi]

@BTSBLISSMANIA, this is a tricky situation, and it emphasizes the importance of making sure the milestones are funded before you start working. When a milestone isn’t funded and the contract is suspended by Upwork, unfortunately, it significantly reduces your leverage in securing payment, as Upwork’s protection mainly covers funded milestones. In such cases, I recommend first reaching out to the client to try to resolve the issue amicably. Sometimes, clear communication can prompt the client to fund the milestone if the work meets their expectations. If direct communication doesn’t lead to a resolution, take screenshots of all your communications and work submissions as evidence and contact Upwork’s support for guidance on the next steps. They can provide specific advice based on the terms of the contract and the platform's policies. Moving forward, always ensure that milestones are funded before beginning work. This not only protects you but also aligns expectations between you and the client right from the start. Also, if you have any more questions or if you'd like to keep us updated on how things go, please feel free to share. Your experience could be very valuable to others in similar situations. Stay safe and keep freelancing smart!

[@畢索加]

I am going to have an arbitration for the first time, can you give me some advice? I have handed on all the files than I found out $100 was missing in the milestone, I have informed him and he refused to pay it, he said it’s my fault that I didn’t read the milestone’s price. But that it was not what we agreed in our zoom call. I told him he can’t use my work. Then he closed the contract and asked for refund. Netherless, I have handed on all the files and he was satisfied of my work. I told him he could use part of my work before the arbitration starts (it will start in 1-2 days I think) do you think I can win the arbitration since I said “he can’t use my work”? Given I have sent the file?

[@realmehranvahedi]

Dear @user-nt7ui2km4k, Thank you very much for reaching out and sharing your situation with us. While I'd like to offer guidance, it's important to note that without all the details, providing specific advice can be challenging. Regarding the $100 discrepancy in the milestone, it's crucial to understand the nature of this issue. Could you please clarify what you mean by "missing"? Additionally, written documentation such as the agreed-upon terms in the milestone or any correspondence can be more legally binding than verbal agreements made during a Zoom call. It's encouraging to hear that your client expressed satisfaction with your work. Having written evidence of this satisfaction could greatly support your case during arbitration. I recommend providing as much relevant information and evidence as possible to the Upwork dispute team and articulating your position clearly. Have you already initiated the dispute process? If so, has Upwork offered a non-binding resolution yet, and if yes, was it in favor of the client or the freelancer? Sharing this information could provide insights into the potential outcome of the arbitration process. If arbitration has been initiated, have either or both parties paid the arbitration fee? This information can be crucial in understanding the progression of the dispute resolution process. I hope these questions help clarify the situation and assist you in preparing for arbitration. Also, please do keep us updated on the progress of your arbitration. Your experience could be invaluable in helping others navigate similar situations. We're here to support you through this process. Wishing you the best of luck in resolving this matter. Sincerely, Mehran

[@畢索加]

@@realmehranvahedi We have both paid arbitration. Upwork mediator was NOT helping at all! She didn’t ask me anything, she just gave me a decision that I should fully refund the client cause “she didn’t receive any files”. I have sent her all the files on upwork and via email, obviously the mediator didn’t read my chat. The initial milestone was an X amount and $100 was missed. I asked the client twice to fund it but she annoyed me. I trusted her so I carried on my work, handed on my work then ask her again about the $100. She said she had never agreed about the $100 then she clicked closed contract and refund. I was pissed so I deleted 4 files in chat, however there are still other files left and I have sent her via email and “submit your work” section so she always has the access. Now she accused me delete the files. I also made a mistake that I said “she shouldn’t use my work if she didn’t pay the initial price”, she used my words to prove I banned her to use my work. In any case, I have 100% provided my file, she 100% has it. This is stupid she prefer to pay $337 rather to pay my $100.

[@realmehranvahedi]

Dear @user-nt7ui2km4k, Thank you for sharing the latest developments in your arbitration process. It's disheartening to hear that Upwork's non-binding resolution leaned towards the client's favor, despite the evidence you provided regarding the completion and delivery of your work. Now that the dispute has progressed to formal arbitration conducted by a third party, it's crucial to continue presenting your case with clarity and precision. Make sure to gather all relevant documentation, including the initial agreement, communication records, and proof of work submission, to support your position. During the arbitration process, emphasize the fact that you have fulfilled your obligations by delivering the work as agreed upon, despite the payment dispute. Address any misconceptions or misinterpretations directly and provide clear evidence to refute any allegations made against you. It's understandable that this situation is incredibly frustrating, but maintaining professionalism and composure throughout the arbitration process will be essential. Remember to adhere to any deadlines or requirements set forth by the arbitration proceedings and remain vigilant in advocating for your rights as a freelancer. While the outcome of arbitration may feel uncertain, know that you have done everything within your power to defend your position and uphold your integrity. Keep faith in the fairness of the process and hope for a favorable resolution. Could you please share when the formal arbitration process began and when you expect to hear and answer? Understanding the timeline will help in planning and preparation. Please keep us updated on the progress of your arbitration, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance or support. We're here for you every step of the way. Warm regards, Mehran

[@laherikeval2524]

Hey Mehran, I am stuck in situation client and i had a contract to scrape details from EDGAR website he wants all the investors name from the website. He said it is 1 million names of person i was really in need of money so i accepted the task and after that i found out that there is no 1 million names and then i got him total names which is 30 K and searched every individual on internet and got their linkedIn urls and email address details so i did that and obviously i cant find every person so he is now saying that data is missing and he wont pay me money (I also vanished because scraping was taking too much of time it is my fault i accept it) but i completed the work eventually so now he is refusing to pay me 450$ i also told him to do a middle way and pay me minimum wages he disagree so i declined his refund request and asked for 400$ then declined request. now what should i do next??

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hello @laherikeval2524 Thank you very much for your comment and for sharing your experience with us. While I appreciate your trust in seeking advice, I must clarify that I can't provide detailed advice on specific cases as I don't have all the information. However, based on what you've shared, it seems like you did your best to complete the task within feasible limits, and you deserve at least partial payment for your efforts. Regarding your question about the contract status, if the client hasn't closed the contract, I would recommend submitting a milestone and requesting payment. If the client refuses to pay or disputes the payment, you can escalate the issue by opening a dispute and explaining the situation to the Upwork support team. Remember, communication is key in resolving disputes, so try to maintain a professional and respectful dialogue throughout the process. Additionally, I would recommend rewatching my video and exploring the links provided. They may offer further insights and strategies for resolving disputes on Upwork. Lastly, I'm rooting for you! Please keep us updated on how things go. Your experience could provide valuable insights and answers to other people's questions. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in resolving the situation positively. Warm regards, Mehran

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hey @laherikeval2524, I wanted to share some additional advice with you. When it comes to accepting contracts, especially fixed-price ones, it's crucial to ensure that the task is feasible and similar tasks have been successfully completed before. Additionally, I highly recommend opting for hourly contracts whenever possible. Not only does this provide you with protection under Upwork's hourly protection coverage, but it also minimizes the risk of disputes over payment. Personally, I prefer to accept fixed-price contracts only from clients whom I've built trust with over time. I hope these insights help you navigate your current situation and future contracts more effectively. Remember, I'm rooting for you! Feel free to keep us updated on how things progress with your dispute. Best regards, Mehran

[@laherikeval2524]

@@realmehranvahedi Thank you very much for replying. I already did as you said i already submitted the work before client end the contract client is refusing to pay me single dollar of amount and he says late work refers to no work and he will not pay me anything and i am also not in condition to pay 337 dollars because i dont have money for this so i am thinking of backing off what should i do talk to him or back off silently. this is the message he sent me "Just because you did “work” doesn’t mean you should get paid. You didn’t even come close to fulfilling the contract requirements that you agreed to."

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hello@@laherikeval2524, Thank you for sharing more details about your situation. It sounds really challenging, and I appreciate your willingness to discuss the options. Given what you've explained, it seems wise to continue with the dispute process through Upwork and see what the non-binding resolution will be. This initial step doesn’t require any financial commitment and will help you gauge the strength of your case. Regarding the $337 arbitration fee, it’s important to note that this fee will be fully refunded if the opposing party does not agree to pay their share and proceed with arbitration. This means if you pay the fee and the client chooses not to, you will be refunded. If there’s any way you can manage to borrow this amount, it might be worthwhile, particularly if you feel confident about the merits of your case. This route could potentially lead to a favorable outcome where the client is either compelled to settle or proceed, thus taking your dispute seriously. I also want to address the issue of your project's deadline. It's not uncommon for project scopes to evolve or for requirements to change as work progresses, which can lead to delays. A reasonable client should understand this reality and be willing to discuss extensions or modifications to deadlines when necessary. It’s important that both parties communicate openly about such changes to align their expectations. If direct communication with the client is still an option, consider addressing the situation calmly and professionally. Clearly state your case and the terms of the contract you have met, and explain the reasons for any delays. Sometimes a straightforward conversation can lead to a resolution without further escalation. Deciding whether to proceed with arbitration or not is significant and should be based on your financial situation and how strongly you feel about the dispute. Please keep me updated on your decision, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need more help. Wishing you the best in navigating this tough situation.

[@laherikeval2524]

@@realmehranvahedi Thank you very much it helped me a lot you are the best KZbin i have seen so far and i will update you about the process.

[@TD-fm5cc]

Great video Mehran 😊

[@realmehranvahedi]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video and truly appreciate your support. Stay tuned to my channel for more similar content-I promise there's plenty more where that came from, and I can't wait to share it with you. Don't forget to keep watching and join us on this exciting journey. Your engagement means the world to me!

[@mohammedlhd]

Hey man ! I've worked with a client and i encountered a problem with him as he was asking for project files and the video , after i gave him what he want he refused to pay and ended the contract and asked for a refund , i filled a dispute and how can i ensure that Upwork would protect me from that scammer ?

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hey @mohammedlhd, First off, thank you very much for sharing your situation, and I really appreciate you reaching out. It sounds like you're in a tough spot, and I can understand how challenging disputes with clients can be, especially on platforms like Upwork. While I'd love to offer detailed advice, it's difficult for me to do so without knowing all the nuances of your situation and the specific context of your dispute. However, I can suggest that you carefully articulate your situation to the Upwork dispute team, ensuring you provide them with all the necessary evidence to support your case. Clear communication and thorough documentation are key. I recommend re-watching my video on how I navigated through my dispute and paying close attention to the strategies I used. Also, it's crucial to fully read and understand Upwork's dispute resolution policies (links are provided in the description box). If your dispute escalates to arbitration, knowing these policies and the information I shared in my video will be incredibly helpful in preparing your case. Lastly, I encourage you to keep us updated by posting comments on this video about how everything turns out. Your experience could be invaluable to others facing similar challenges. Wishing you the best of luck, and I'm rooting for you to reach a fair resolution!

[@mohammedlhd]

Thanks mehran for replying , the update is he took of 80% of the money as I got paid on only one milestone and he ran with the rest as well as I got a negative review, he claimed that files were not available despite that everything is documented on the upwork chat ( I've sent him the video and he also asked for project files) but this experience taught me a lesson that I should not trust a client even though under the contract because upwork always comes to the clients side ...

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hey @mohammedlhd, It's relieving to hear back from you, and I truly appreciate your update. Based on the details you provided I think It's inherently reasonable-and frankly, only fair-that you were at least able to retain the amounts already released by your client. The very notion of attempting to reclaim those funds post-completion and delivery is absurd, and I'm glad you at least secured that portion. This scenario underscores a critical lesson about the precarious nature of trust in professional dealings, especially in environments like Upwork where dynamics can heavily tilt. In light of these developments, I'm curious about a couple of aspects regarding your dispute. Firstly, did it escalate to arbitration? If so, could you share who bore the arbitration fees? This detail could provide significant insight into the resolution process for many of us navigating similar platforms. Additionally, I'm interested to know if the 80% that the client withheld was for a future active milestone or was it for amounts already paid out? Understanding the specifics of this could help clarify the situation further and offer valuable lessons on managing project milestones and payments on platforms like Upwork. Remember, every experience, particularly the challenging ones, is a stepping stone to greater wisdom. Your journey offers a crucial narrative that can guide others in fortifying their practices against such unfortunate occurrences. Stay strong, and looking forward to hearing more about how this unfolds. Warm regards, Mehran

[@mohammedlhd]

@@realmehranvahedi no it didn't go to arbitration they just released the amount that was in the milestone but I didn't get the other ones .. let me explain so you can understand well . This client contacted me after I submitted a proposal to his job posting then we jumped on a zoom call he explained what he wanted to see in the video and he said he will divide the agreed amount on milestones considering that this is our first time working together he said that the first one would be like a test to see if we work together ( he want to see my work quality) and the other two milestones each one one will has one or two feedbacks , so after I started working on the project I sent him the first draft to him he kept requesting changes and I did what he wanted but kept demanding more I told him that the first milestone were only as test sample and we need to move to the next ones so I can continue working he barely accept and asked for the project files ( I found it very weird because usually people ask for project files after we finish work and we end contract) I gave him what he want and delivered the video for the second one but he kept asking for more could you add this vector ? Could you add this and he kept asking for more work I told that was not agreed on we did not agree that we will do unlimited amount of révisions for free and( more work requires and additional fee) he said that was agreed on and that was not revisions and was prediscussed and he said do this revisions and I will approve the milestone and we move to the next and we focus on others ( he mean that each milestone we will have unlimited revisions) I refused that than he threatened to ask for a refund as well give à négative review and he said that upwork come from his side he did the same problèmes with other freelancers. ( I went to his history and found two freelancers saying the same problème that I encountered with him) now I think he handle d the video to his client as he own an agency because I believe that the video is perfect ... that was my story and im really looking forward to hearing from you and I hope to learn from your expériences as an expert in the field .

[@mohammedlhd]

​@@realmehranvahedi I've wrote à comment explaining my story with this client but it didn't appear idk why but im going to repeat again. me and this client jumped on a zoom call and we discussed the project and he said that there will be three milestones the first one it will be just as test sample to see if we worked together we will move forward i agreed on that and I submitted the work for him to check it and he asked for revisions i did what he told me but he kept requesting ( we still on the first milestone that was considered just as a sample) he barely accept the first one then we moved to the second one , he kept asking for project files and assets used ( seems weird because usually clients asked for that after we finish project ) I gave him the video and the project files suddenly he kept asking for more than was agreed on after couplé of revisions I told him to release second milestone but he refused as he said that I need to add more motion graphics to the video i put my soul in this video he then send à list of more than 10 things to add to the video which doesn't make sense for example I was used some vectors in the video he didn't like any of them , I said okay I will show you some characters and then choose which ones you want me to use, his response was just whatever you want and then you will change it later. I told him that more works requires an additional fee he refused that and he said that was pre-discussed even though we did not agreed that we will do unlimited revisions but he denied that and threatened me to end contract with a negative review and ask for a refund ( simply he want unlimited amount of revisions for each milestone which doesn't make sense at all )

[@Football_Judge]

I paid a freelancer, but he ended the contract because he didn't work on the job. I saw a refund in the transaction history, but it is more than 2 days now. I can't see any money in my escrow balance. help me.

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hello @Football_Judge, Thank you for the comment and for sharing your concern. I understand that the delay in seeing your refund reflected in your escrow balance can be frustrating. Typically, when a refund is initiated on Upwork, it can take a few business days for the funds to be processed and appear in your account. Here’s what you can do: 1] Check Transaction History: Continue to monitor your transaction history on Upwork to see if there are any updates regarding the refund status. 2] Bank Processing Time: Keep in mind that once Upwork processes a refund, it might still take some time for your bank to post the transaction to your account. The exact time frame can depend on your bank's processing times. 3] Contact Upwork Support: If you don’t see the funds after a reasonable time (typically 5-7 business days), I recommend contacting Upwork Support for detailed assistance. They can provide specific information about the transaction and help resolve any issues. 4] Documentation: Make sure to have all relevant information handy when contacting support, such as transaction IDs, the date of the refund, and any correspondence with the freelancer about the refund. Once again, I appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention, and I hope it resolves quickly. Upwork’s customer service is quite helpful and should be able to provide the support you need. Thank you for your comment, and please keep us updated on your progress! Best regards, Mehran

[@Football_Judge]

@@realmehranvahedi Thank you. The customer is on programmed information not interactive.

[@realmehranvahedi]

Hello @Football_Judge, Thank you for your feedback. I understand how it can be frustrating to feel like you're receiving automated responses when you're looking for real, interactive support. It's important to connect with someone who can address your concerns directly and effectively. I recommend calling Upwork directly at [phone] to speak with a live support representative. They will be able to provide immediate assistance and help resolve any issues regarding your refund. I appreciate your patience and hope your issue is resolved soon. If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask here as well. Best regards, Mehran