Hey everyone! I'm planning to invite an existing client (not on Upwork yet) through a Direct Contract and had a couple of questions I couldn't get a clear answer on:
- Client-side fees on Direct Contracts:
Does the client pay the standard 5% Marketplace Fee, or is it reduced to 3% on Direct Contracts? And does the Contract Initiation Fee also apply to them?
- Freelancer Plus upgrade timing:
I'm currently on the Basic plan (5% freelancer fee on Direct Contracts). If I start a Direct Contract now and upgrade to Freelancer Plus (0% fee) mid-contract — does the fee drop to 0% on the existing contract, or is it locked at 5%?
- Future contracts with same client:
This is a long-term client. If I upgrade to Plus before starting new contracts with them — will those future Direct Contracts be 0%?
Essentially trying to figure out the best time to upgrade to Freelancer Plus to maximize savings with a long-term client.
Thanks in advance, would really appreciate anyone who has firsthand experience with Direct Contracts!