Ever been asked to work ‘for exposure’? Or found yourself stuck with a client who ghosts after delivery? Negotiating rates and avoiding scams are two of the most important — and challenging — parts of freelancing. Here’s how to protect your worth and your wallet.
If you want a more in-depth guide about the financials of Remote work: Remote Business Financial Guide
How to Determine Your Rate
Pro Tip: Hourly vs. Project-Based Rates
- Hourly Rates – Best for long-term or ongoing projects where scope is uncertain.
- Fixed Pricing – Ideal for well-defined projects with clear deliverables.
- Retainers – Secure consistent income by offering clients a monthly package.
There is a lot of tools a freelancer can use to present and track data: Work from Anywhere: Tools & Resources
How to Negotiate Rates Effectively
How to Avoid Freelancer Scams
Scammers target freelancers with fake job offers, delayed payments, and fraudulent contracts. Stay vigilant with these best practices:
Common Freelancer Scams & How to Avoid Them
Freelancer Scam Prevention
Use Secure Payment Methods
- Always use platforms that protect both parties, like Escrow.com or Upwork’s escrow system.
- PayPal Business accounts offer more security and dispute resolution than personal accounts.
- Wise or traditional bank transfers are great options when paired with a contract.
- Avoid unusual payment types like checks, crypto, or gift cards unless you trust the client completely.
Verify Clients
- Look the client up on LinkedIn to check if they’ve hired freelancers before or are associated with a real company.
- Visit their website—make sure it’s live, professional, and lists real contact info.
- Check reviews on forums, Reddit, or freelancing platforms for red flags.
- If you can’t find anything about them online, reconsider taking the project.
Have a Contract in Place
- Include clear terms for payment (upfront, milestones, or upon delivery).
- List exactly what you’re delivering, what’s included, and how many revisions are allowed.
- Specify ownership rights, deadlines, and what happens if the client wants more work added later.
- A good contract protects both sides and sets professional expectations from day one.
Avoid Unpaid Test Work
- If a client asks for a sample or trial project, offer a small paid task instead.
- This filters out those trying to get free work while giving serious clients a way to test your skills.
- Use this opportunity to showcase how you work under real project conditions.
Trust Your Instincts
- If communication feels off, if they pressure you into fast decisions, or something seems shady, listen to your gut.
- Scammers often create urgency, flattery, or confusion to get you off balance.
- You’re not obligated to take on every project—walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
Didn’t find your answer? Check our FAQ!
