TIL a client can vanish after you finish the work

I was in my home office last month when a client for a full website redesign just stopped replying after I sent the final files. I had to file a claim through the payment platform, which took 3 weeks, to finally get the $2,000 they owed. Has anyone else had to chase a client through a platform's dispute system?

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thomas_young5mo ago

Oh man, that's the worst feeling. I had a client ghost me after a logo project last year, just completely stopped answering emails. I ended up having to go through the whole dispute process on the freelance platform too, and it took forever. It really makes you rethink how you handle final payments, doesn't it? What platform did you have to use for your claim?

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foster.wade5mo ago

Actually going through the dispute process can be a good thing in the long run. It forces you to get your contracts and payment terms really clear. That clarity protects you way more than just hoping a client pays up.

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wells.morgan4mo ago

Tbh "forces you to get your contracts really clear" sounds like the universe's way of giving you a free lesson in "don't trust anyone." Ngl I'd rather just get paid on time and skip the clarity workshop.

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