Purpose of Direct Contracts

  • Give talent a safe way to accept work from existing contacts.
  • Provide escrow protection for projects outside the public Marketplace.
  • Keep all scopes, files, and invoices in one place.
  • Build reviews and work history even when the employer invites talent directly.

How Does It Works?

Receive an invitation

Employers create a Direct Contract and send it to your email.

Review the terms

Check the scope, timeline, and pricing before accepting.

Confirm agreement

Accept the contract in your dashboard.

Work begins

Deliver files and updates using platform chat.

Get paid

Employers release payment once milestones are approved.

Benefits for Talent

  • Secure payment before work begins.
  • Build a review record for private contracts.
  • Keep contracts simple and clear with milestones.
  • Avoid risk of unpaid work.
  • Use Direct Contracts to formalize off-platform connections.

Best Practices

  • Always review the written scope before accepting.
  • Ask for milestones if the project is longer than one week.
  • Keep communication inside Upseeks for documentation.
  • Deliver files in-platform for proof of completion.
  • Clarify revisions and deadlines early.

Payment and Escrow

  • Employers fund escrow at the start of each milestone.
  • You see that funds are secured before you begin.
  • Payment is released once the employer approves your work.
  • If there is a dispute, support reviews the chat, scope, and files.

Use Cases

  • Short projects with an existing client.
  • Repeat work with trusted employers.
  • Ongoing retainers formalized with escrow protection.
  • Off-platform connections where you want secure payment and reviews.