**Project Catalog

Agents - Please use Tag Only::Pre-Packaged Projects/Catalog

Note to agents: INTERNAL ONLY: For now, future plans and designs are not finalized. We are releasing this option to FLs now in order to get feedback and have projects to showcase once the new, client-facing pages that list projects by category are ready. During this initial launch, we will not be able to answer many specifics about future designs/processes and should generally seek feedback from users because we want their help in building the best product possible.

FOR FREELANCERS:

Why create a Project Catalog Project? 

Thanks for your question. Creating a project is a great way to showcase the work you can do for a client and also set expectations about cost, timeline, and deliverables. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Why did you create Project Catalog?

Thanks for your question. We developed this feature in response to feedback from our community. Freelancers told us that they want to work on projects that closely align within their work and rate expectations, while clients have told us they want an easier way to get started with freelancers. This feature will allow freelancers to set expectations about cost, timeline, and deliverables and simplify how clients locate the skills they need for their project. In general, the idea is that freelancers pre-define everything upfront and interested clients can buy it, cutting down on the back and forth that often needs to occur before a project begins. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Can I sell pre-made virtual or physical projects?
Thanks for your question. Upwork’s marketplace and Project Catalog are places to market your skills and services. Pre-made physical or virtual products should not be sold.

What is the review/curation process for these projects? 

Thanks for your question. When you create a project we will first review it before making it visible to clients. Our review includes making sure your project is complete, looks professional, and doesn’t violate our Terms of Service. Note: Please allow up to five business days for your project to be reviewed. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.


How long will I need to wait for my project to get approved?
Thanks for your question. Please allow up to five business days for your project to be reviewed.

Where are the Project Catalog projects displayed? 

Thanks for your question. If you create a project it will be visible in Upwork Project Catalog, a new marketplace for clients. Your project(s) can also be viewed on your profile. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

I already have a Pre-Packaged project, do I need to create a new Project Catalog project? 

Thanks for reaching out. If you want your project to be showcased within the new Project Catalog experience for clients, you will need to create a new one. Your existing Pre-Packaged projects will remain on your profile until 10/27 but you will no longer be able to edit them.

I don’t think this will help my business. My work can’t be templated and this product is encouraging that. 

Thanks for reaching out. We understand that not all freelancers will use Project Catalog as a way to connect with clients. You can, of course, continue to find clients as you have in the past.

Hasn't this feature been around for a year?

Thanks for reaching out! Yes, we have continued to build out our Pre-Packaged Projects over time. Project Catalog is the latest evolution based on feedback from freelancers and clients alike. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Are projects listed on my profile so clients can see them even if they don’t go to Project Catalog?
Thanks for your question. Yes!

Will this replace the Upwork marketplace? 

Thanks for your question. No, our traditional talent marketplace will operate as usual. Project Catalog will add another way for you to use Upwork. 

Can I have 2 tiers? Can I have more than 3?

Thanks for your question. At this time, you’ll only have the option to create one or three tiers. We’d love to hear more about how you would use more than three tiers, so please let us know. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Where do I go to see my projects?

Thanks for your question. You can see and edit your projects from your profile page by clicking “Find Work” To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

The project creation process is very time consuming. 

Thank you for your feedback, it’s very helpful as we refine this feature. We are curious to hear what are some of the areas that you didn’t find as valuable?

I have feedback about this feature. Where do I share it?

We’d love to hear your feedback! Please let us know and we’ll ensure our product team gets it.

I think this feature is a terrible idea.
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your thoughts with us. We would be interested to hear more about why you feel this way and encourage you to leave feedback so we can share it with our product team.

My work is so much more complicated than a specific price, how am I supposed to make this work?

Thanks for your question. We recommend showcasing projects that you repeatedly do for clients or creating projects that will spark a relationship, such as a consulting session. Projects are meant to be flexible and can be adapted to the types of projects that you want to create. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

This seems like Upwork is further commoditizing workers.
Thanks for reaching out. We’re sorry to hear you feel this way. We have heard that freelancers are frustrated by the number of low-value projects they are invited to and we developed Project Catalog projects  to allow freelancers to proactively create and set expectations about their services and the rates they charge. We expect this will improve the experience for both parties: clients will know what type of budget range they’re looking at when they seek out a service, and freelancers can set expectations right from the start.

Can clients message me with additional questions before hiring?

Thanks for your question. Yes, clients can message you to clarify the details of the project or ask additional questions.

What if a client buys a project and doesn’t provide the requirements and never responds? How can I accomplish the work?
Thanks for your question. If you don’t hear back from a client within 48 hours of them buying your project, the money they placed in escrow will be returned to them and the contract will be canceled.

What if a client buys my project and submits insufficient requirements and I’m expected to start working and meet the deadline?
Thanks for your question. Since this is a new model, you can cancel a contract within 24 hours of the client submitting requirements without any penalty or impact on your Job Success Score.

Can the client and I add additional milestones or requirements once a project is started?

Thanks for your question. To start, Project Catalog projects will only include one milestone per project. However, you and your client can create a new Upwork contract if you would like to collaborate on more work after your project is completed. The idea is that everything is pre-scoped by you before the client buys, and when they buy you both commit to the deliverable, the due date and price. The contract amount cannot be edited once the project starts. 

What are “pricing tiers” and how do I set these?
Thanks for your question. Pricing tiers allow you to create three different variations of a project based on scope, such as included work, pricing, and time required. For example, if you are a content writer you may create a project for writing blogs. Pricing tiers allow you to create different levels of service for this blog project, showing prices for each so you can set client expectations. You may have one option where you will write a 500-word blog for a certain price and write a 1,000-word blog for a higher price.

Why don’t I see my skill category/areas of expertise? Why am I getting an error message? (FOR GENERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIMITATIONS in ALPHA PHASE)

Thanks for your question. For now, you might not see all the categories or options you need. We will continue to build out and improve the feature as we do internal testing and receive more feedback from customers like you. Thanks for your help! To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

What do I enter in the Project Steps? 

Thanks for reaching out. In general, this is the place where you can list the steps you will take to complete the project from start-to-finish. It’s your opportunity to give clients an idea of what to expect if they buy your project. For example, if you are a logo designer, you might include steps such as:

1. Collect client preferences for logo
2. Create three logo options
3. Submit logos to client for review
4. Complete one round of modifications (if needed
5. Submit final logo design 

This is your chance to show your expertise. Clients may not know what’s involved in projects and it can help them feel confidence in buying your project. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

How do I make my project stand out?
Thanks for your question. You’ll want to make sure your project is attractive to clients and catches their eye. Here are some best practices to create a professional project:

• Highlight your project in simple, jargon-free language.

• Choose professional images that speak to your work. (Don’t have great images of your work? Check out websites like www.unsplash.com that offer free, high-quality images you can use. Be sure to make sure you have permission to use.) 

• Proofread your work so there are no typos.

• Don’t use click bait, text-heavy graphics, or the Upwork logo/badge.

• Don’t share your contact information or personal information. 

To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

How should I price my project?

Thanks for reaching out. We cannot advise on the price, scope, or substance of your project. That’s completely up to you.

I’m trying to make [any type of] project but the pricing tiers options don’t make sense for my offering. How do I edit the choices?
Thanks for reaching out! At this time these cannot be edited. Thanks!

Why can’t I edit the options in the pricing tiers section? It’s impossible for me to create an accurate offering here. The things I offer aren’t in the list and the things in the list aren’t what I offer.

Thanks for reaching out! At this time these cannot be edited. Please let us know what options you’d like to see included. Thanks!


There is no option in “use cases” that matches my offering. What do I do?

Thanks for reaching out! Please let us know what you would like to see added and we will share your feedback with our product team. Thanks for your help! 

I work in XXX and there is no project category that matches. 

Thanks for reaching out! Please let us know what you would like to see added and we will share your feedback with our product team. Thanks for your help!

Do I have to add pricing?
Thanks for your question. Yes. When you set up your project you’ll be required to create at least one tier option and add the price for that option.

Do I have to set Delivery Days?
Thanks for your question. Yes, as part of creating a project for the Project Catalog you will be required to fill out the delivery days field. Pro tip: Make sure the delivery time is something you can commit to if a client buys your project. With Project Catalog, delivery time is predefined by you. Here’s an example: Your project is a logo design, delivered in 3 days. If a client buys the project on Monday, then submits requirements to you on Tuesday, you have 3 calendar days after the requirements are submitted to deliver the work. You can find the due date set on the contract workroom. Keep in mind due dates are calculated by calendar days, not business days.

Do I have to add info about Revisions?
Thanks for your question. For certain projects you will be required to add information about revisions. If this is required, you will be asked in the project set-up process. For now, revisions can be requested by the client after the due date as long as the first delivery is done on time.

How can I create a more accurate offering than what is available in the presets?

Thanks for reaching out! Other sections where you can focus on creating a more accurate offering is in the description and image section. Please keep in mind, for now you might find certain feature limitations. Please let us know what presets are limiting you. Thanks!

If a client chooses one of these items but the scope is not the same as the item, can we make changes to the contract?

Thanks for your question. Not at this time. The idea is that the client is agreeing to the scope you laid out for the project when they buy it. To start, Project Catalog projects will only include one milestone at the end of the project. However, you and your client can create a new Upwork contract if you would like to collaborate on more work after your project is completed. If a client has custom needs, they may want to post a custom job and invite you to apply instead. 

Is delivery due date being enforced?
Thanks for your question. Yes, the due date is enforced. It is determined by the number of delivery days you set in your project, starting from the timestamp that a client submits their requirements to you. If you are late to deliver, the client is entitled to a refund (which they can request like any regular contract). If you included revisions in your project, those can be requested after the deadline. Note: Delivery days are calendar days, not business days. 

Can I cancel a project after it’s been started? 

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can cancel a project within 24 hours of the client submitting requirements.

Can a client cancel a project after it’s been started? 

Thanks for your question. Since this is a new model, through the end of 2020 a freelancer or client can cancel any contract if it’s within 24 hours of the client submitting requirements. In general, all Upwork users have the freedom to end a contract any time, but please talk to your freelancer first because it is always best if everyone is aware of what's going on and in agreement about it.

A client bought my project but I don't agree with [insert reason here] and I'm uncomfortable working on this job. What do I do?
Thanks for your question. You can cancel any project within 24 hours of the client submitting requirements without impact to your JSS.

When a client buys my project how will I get notified? 

Thanks for your question. When a client buys your project you will get a push notification, an email, and a message in Upwork Messages. Since projects are time-sensitive, it’s a great idea to download the freelancer mobile app and turn on your push notifications. . Note: You can check your notification settings by clicking here.

Can I talk with clients before the project gets started? 

Thanks for your question. Yes, clients can message you to clarify the details of the project or ask additional questions before they buy your project.

What happens when a client purchases my project?

Thanks for your question. When a client buys your project you get a push notification, an email, and a message in Upwork Messages. Since projects are time-sensitive, it’s a great idea to download the freelancer mobile app and turn on your push notifications. When a client buys your project, the idea is that they are agreeing to what you've pre-defined in your project. So a contract will be created and the milestone will be funded. You'll be notified whenever a purchase happens and a contract room will automatically be opened, at which point you can start messaging. The next step is waiting for the client to provide requirements to you, which were also defined upfront by you when you created the project. Only after the client submits requirements does the due date get set and the "clock" starts for you. Once you deliver the work by the due date, the client can approve (just like a fixed-price contract), funds will be released, the contract will be closed automatically, your client will be prompted to leave optional feedback. Note: You can check your notification settings by clicking here.

What if I’m too busy or I’m on vacation when a client purchases my project? 

Thanks for your question. Since clients will be able to instantly buy your project and likely will expect you to meet the delivery time you have listed there, you may wish to turn off the project if you won’t be available to complete the work. Pro tip: In general, if your project is “on” you should be prepared to have a client purchase it at any time. 

My profile is private, do I have to set it as public for people to see my projects?
Thanks for your question. If your profile is set to private or “Upwork Users Only,” your projects will still be visible in Upwork search and on external search engines. However, if someone visits your project and clicks to view your Upwork profile, they will see a “this profile is private” message and not be able to access it.

INTERNAL NOTE: We will add a disclaimer when the user submits a project that it will be visible in search to logged in and logged out users as well as search engines EVEN IF their profile visibility is "Private" or "Upwork only." The FL can view the preview of their project to decide whether the info we pulled into the project is acceptable. If not, they should not submit the project. (For the MVP. Later, we can add more settings to project visibility). If a client lands on a PROJECT but their profile is private, then the client can click on the FL profile, but they will be shown the current message "this profile is private."

I’m scared this will drive up price competition.
Thanks for your question. We developed this feature in response to feedback from our community. Freelancers told us that they want to work on projects that closely align within their work and rate expectations, while clients have told us they want an easier way to get started with freelancers. This feature will allow freelancers to set expectations about cost, timeline, and deliverables and simplify how clients locate the skills they need for their project. In general, the idea is that freelancers pre-define everything upfront and interested clients can buy it, cutting down on the back and forth that often needs to occur before a project begins. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Does this mean Upwork is going to eliminate the traditional marketplace? Does it mean I won’t get jobs if I don’t have a project?
Thanks for your question and for reaching out. We hear your concern and want to assure you our intent with Project Catalog is not to force you to change how you work. It is just another option to market your skills on Upwork and it is not required. Our goal is always to bring more clients and opportunities to Upwork and clients have told us at times they would prefer to purchase pre-built projects rather than search for a freelancer, invite, interview, etc. This additional option simply gives freelancers a new way to sell their skills and clients a new way to get help with their projects.

What if a client buys my project but I don’t hear from them about requirements?
Thanks for your question. If a client doesn’t contact you within 48 hours of buying your project our system will detect that and automatically close the project. We’ve built this protection in so you aren’t left waiting, and the client will be able to purchase your project again.

How will freelancer fees work with Project Catalog?
Thanks for reaching out. Freelancer fees will work the same with Project Catalog projects as they do with our hourly and fixed-price contracts. To learn more, click here.

If I have a relationship with a client and they hire me via a Project Catalog project, will these earnings be added to my lifetime earnings with the client?
Thanks for reaching out. Yes, they will be added to any other earnings you have from the client.

How does the payment process work with Catalog?
Thanks for your question. Once a freelancer submits the work to the client, the client has 14 days to review and approve it, just like with our fixed-price contracts. If after 14 days the client takes no action, the funds in escrow will be automatically released to the freelancer.

How does the dispute process work?
Thanks for your question. You will have the same Upwork Payment Protection with Project Catalog and if a dispute arises the process will be the same as with fixed-price contracts on Upwork. You can learn more here.

Is this available for agencies?

Thank you for your interest in Project Catalog. Project Catalog is available for agencies, but with limitations. Currently an agency manager can create a project that pays earnings to their agency. The feature is not available to all agency members yet, but more updates are coming in the future.

Can I have a project for an hourly contract and not a fixed-price contract?

At this time, Project Catalog is only for fixed-price contracts. When a project is purchased by a client, it'll automatically create a fixed-price contract only. The idea of a "browse and buy" model is that the client is paying for a fully scoped, complete project. This would not be possible with an hourly structure.

I don’t want the star rating showing on my projects. It doesn’t match my JSS and I don’t know how it’s calculated.
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your feedback. This rating system goes from 0 to 5.0, and is based on the feedback you receive from your clients on Upwork. While we can’t share all the details, in general, clients score freelancers on six different attributes: skills, quality, availability, deadlines, communication, and cooperation. While we are currently including this rating system on projects, we are considering other ways to showcase your success on Upwork.

How are Catalog projects ranked in search?
Thanks for your question. Project ranking depends on the search query, talent quality, and the relevancy of the project.

What does ending the Project Catalog look like? 

Ending a Project Catalog contract is relatively the same as other contracts, although leaving feedback is not obligatory, but going to change in the future to be aligned with marketplace contracts. 

Do both parties get to leave feedback? 

Yes, but not obligatory. 

Can they still give feedback if the project is cancelled 24 hours after the requirements were sent?

Yes, the feedback option is open for 14 days, same with marketplace contracts.

Can they still leave feedback after 48 hours if the requirements weren’t sent?

Yes, the feedback option is open for 14 days, same with marketplace contracts.

Talent wants to see the reputation and feedback of the client who engaged them via a catalog project, how can CS help them?

Same with FL support, we can provide FLs a link  or screenshot of the client's public job post.

FOR AGENCIES

Can agencies have projects on Project Catalog?

Thank you for your interest in Project Catalog. Project Catalog is available for agencies, but with limitations. Currently an agency manager can create a project that pays earnings to their agency. The feature is not available to all agency members yet, but more updates are coming in the future.

How do I start a project for my agency on Upwork?
Thanks for asking! If you manage an agency, you will choose your billing account in the project overview section. You can choose to start the project as a freelancer or as an agency or agency sub-team, if applicable. Note that only agency managers can start an agency project at this time.

Why can’t I create a project through my agency?

Thank you for your interest in Project Catalog! At this time, only agency managers can create agency projects. If you are not exclusive to an agency, you can still create a project as a freelancer. If you are the agency manager and still having difficulty, please contact customer service for assistance.

FOR CLIENTS

What is Project Catalog?

Thanks for your question. Clients told us they wanted an easier way to get started with freelancers. With Project Catalog, you can browse and buy a project from Upwork’s “digital shelf” with just a few clicks. Before buying a project, you are able to see what work is included, the timeline for completion, and the total cost -- all upfront so you can hire fast and get the job started.  

How do I work with a freelancer via the Project Catalog?

Thanks for your question. When you find a project and purchase it, a contract is created and you’ll be charged the project’s cost (the money will be placed in escrow). A contract room will automatically be opened, at which point you can start discussing the project with the freelancer. Once you submit your requirements, the “clock” on the due date starts and your freelancer can get to work. 

What if there’s a problem with the freelancer’s work?
Thanks for your question. You will have the same Upwork Payment Protection with Project Catalog and if a dispute arises the process will be the same as with fixed-price contracts on Upwork. You can learn more here.

What if I want a refund?
Thanks for your question. You will have the same Upwork Payment Protection with Project Catalog and if a dispute arises the process will be the same as with fixed-price contracts on Upwork. You can learn more here.

What does the star and number mean by the freelancer’s name?
Thanks for your question. When you view a project you’ll see information about the freelancer’s reputation on Upwork. This rating system goes from 0 to 5.0, and is based on the feedback the freelancer has received from their clients on Upwork. While we can’t share all the details, in general, clients score freelancers on six different attributes: skills, quality, availability, deadlines, communication, and cooperation. The overall 5-star feedback is a combination of all of these, from all contracts. Note: In some cases, a freelancer may not have a rating. For example, they may be new to Upwork or their clients have not left feedback for them. 

How many projects can I have live at once? 

Thanks for your question. You can have up to 20 projects total in active/review status at once. You can also have another 20 in draft form.  To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

How many orders can I take at one time?
Thanks for your question. You can have up to 20 active Project Catalog orders at one time.

How will this affect my JSS?

Thanks for your question. Contracts set up via Project Catalog will work like any Upwork contract and the client will have the option to leave feedback that could impact your Job Success Score. However, you can request feedback removal once a month on contracts started through your projects. You’ll also be able to cancel a contract within 24 hours of the client submitting requirements to you without any penalty or impact on your Job Success Score. To learn more about Project Catalog, click here.

Here are the FAQs for the ability to add tags to Project Catalog Images for internal agents and freelancer facing:

How do I tag my images in Project Catalog?

When you upload an image, a preview of it will appear with options to crop and add tags from a drop-down box. The drop-down box appears below the Help Clients Find Your Work heading. Your tag options are based on the details you selected in the project overview section. Choose the most appropriate words from the available drop-down choices. You can edit your image tags anytime by clicking the edit icon on the image.

How do I edit tags or add tags to existing images?

Select the edit icon on the image. This will take you to the image preview, where you will be able to add or edit your tags.

Will custom search tags that I add in the Project Overview section be available to tag my images?

No, custom tags are not available for image tagging at this time.

I tried to tag my images but don’t have the option. Why?

For now, this feature is only available to select freelancers in some design categories. We hope to expand it to other categories in the future.

How do I see different choices for tagging in the drop-down box?

The choices in the drop-down box come from the details you selected in the overview section. If you want more details to be available, you’ll need to edit the overview section.

Please note these are questions & comments from CS agents & TLs from previous Project Catalog trainings along with management answers. This section does not include customer FAQs.

Add-ons loom video

FAQs:

For Freelancers: 

I created my project before add-on services were an option. Can I add them now?

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can edit any approved project in your Project Catalog by choosing the three dots (...) button. From there, you can choose to Edit the details.

How do I edit a project?
Thanks for asking. You can edit any approved project in your Project Catalog by choosing the three dots (...) button. From there, you can choose to Preview your project, Edit the details, or Remove it entirely.

How do I offer add-ons to my project? 

Thanks for asking. On the pricing page, scroll down to the “Choose add-ons” section. Choose from pre-populated add-ons, or create your own customized add-on. To create your own, click the Choose add-ons button. Then add the title, description, price, and the number of extra days you will need to complete it.

How is the delivery date impacted with add-ons? 

Thanks for your question. You can set how many additional days you will need to deliver the extra work. If a service will not impact your delivery date, set the additional day to zero. 

How many custom add-on services can I add to my project? 

Great question! You can add three customized add-ons to a project.

Can I set different add-on prices per project tier?

Thanks for asking. For most add-ons, the price is per project, not per tier. However, if you are offering extra-fast delivery as an add-on, you can customize your delivery date and price per tier. 

What is “extra-fast delivery”? 

Thanks for asking. Extra-fast delivery means that you will finish the work more quickly than usual. For example, say you have a starter package for logo design that includes a 3D mockup and you’ve listed delivery days as “5.” As an add-on, you can offer delivery in 3 days.

What happens if I edit an active project to include add-ons? Does it need to be re-reviewed? 

Thanks for asking. We will re-review your project. However, while we are reviewing it, clients will still be able to see it in search and purchase it. 

Can clients purchase add-ons standalone, without a package?

Great question! No, clients must still purchase a package. However, you can create the starter tier of your package as a bare minimum package, and let clients customize it with add-ons.

What if the client changes their mind about the add-on after purchase?

Thanks for asking. Currently it is not possible to edit a project purchase in Project Catalog. The client will need to cancel the current contract and start a new contract.

What happens if I create an add-on that needs separate requirements from the client?

Thanks for your question. You will still list all requirements on the main requirements page. We suggest that you list the requirements for add-ons as optional and explain the details. 

For Clients:

Can I purchase an add-on without purchasing a project?

Thanks for asking. No, add-on services are only available as part of a project package.

What if I change my mind about purchasing add-ons after I check out? Can I edit my purchase to add or drop add-on services?

Thanks for your question. Currently, you cannot edit a project purchase in Project Catalog. You will need to cancel the current contract and start a new contract. We recommend discussing this with the freelancer to make sure they understand why you are canceling.

How do I select add-ons and add them to my order?

Thanks for asking. After you select the project package and pricing tier that you’d like to purchase, click Continue. This will take you to the checkout page. From the checkout page, you can select from available add-ons to customize your order before checking out.

Why don’t I see any add-ons on the freelancer’s project?

Great question! Add-ons are optional, and the freelancer may have chosen not to add them. If you would like to have additional features but want to work with that freelancer, consider contacting them to see if they would be interested in editing the project to include add-ons.