When getting your projects done through online marketplaces it is essential for you to make use of the Escrow function. What is escrow?
“The holding of funds, documents, securities, or other property by an impartial third party for the other two participants in a business transaction. When the transaction is completed, the escrow agent releases the entrusted property.” - American Trust definition.
By using escrow you do not need to send money until the project is completed to your satisfaction. I am a friendly chap, I like to trust people, but in business transactions there are so many things that can go wrong.
The script from hell
I had a web script assignment that got posted to Scriptlance. A programmer from India won the project for $350. He had received good reviews for his previous projects, so I thought he was a good match. Unfortunelately, the script he delivered me was infected with minor and major bugs. Not all bugs were discovered instantly or at the same time so the communication between me and him went back and forth a few times.
After he had made some fixes and I had requested additional bug fixes he told me this :
“I want to complete the payment before do these fixes.”
Time to get tough?
I’ve found it no use to make enemies just for the cause of it. I replied in a friendly manner explaining that: “I do not feel confident paying for a script that does not work.”
Things got sour and after a few days of communication I received this outburst from my programmer:
“On my server NOT problem!
…
I not think that i MUST change my script. Why you not change your host?
I REALLY WONT TO COMPLETE MY PAYMENT OR YOU STEAL MY SCRIPT”
I was getting angry with this but I kept my diplomatic tone: “I am a extremely worried by the language in your emails. Please stop with the accusations and try to be constructive.”
Googled the solution
After this I started to do some Google research and found some links that I sent him to check out.
Voila!
A few days after his last outburst the error was discovered and fixed. The error? The script could simply not handle files with CAPS LOCK extensions like .HTML, .JPG and .GIF. I received a new e-mail with the completed script attached and a more businesslike way of writing e-mails:
“This is fix for uppercase extensions.”
Then I released the $350 in the escrow account.
Anyone have similar experiences with Escrow accounts?
Earlier parts in this series:
Typical scenario at GetAFreelnacer: I won auction. My buyer put money to escrow, I prepare my work. Next – buyer start asking me about additional things. Above original requirements. I am annoyed by all “Last thing I forgot to ask you:”. I place my bid for concrete work, I prepare it. No bugs found. I am ready to receive my money, but my buyer don’t want to release my money from escrow.
Escrow system doesn’t works without arbitrage system. Both Scriptlance and GetAFreelancer lack of arbitrage system. Typical answer from GetAFreelancer:
“According to our terms of service we do not arbitrate, but can give recommendations.
If there’s a dispute it should be solved between buyer and provider.”