Purpose of Direct Contracts
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Enable employers to invite professionals directly by email. - Provide talent with secure payment protection outside of Marketplace postings.
- Reduce paperwork with clear scopes, milestones, and invoices stored in one place.
- Keep all work and records within the platform for trust and compliance.
How Does It Works?
1. Create a Direct Contract
Employers enter the professional’s email, project title, and scope of work.
2. Define terms
Both sides agree on deliverables, timelines, and price.
3. Fund escrow
Employers secure payment for each milestone or the full project.
4. Work begins
Talent delivers the agreed outcomes, with all communication stored in chat.
5. Payment release
Funds are released once the employer approves the work.
Benefits for Employers
- Invite trusted professionals without posting publicly.
- Keep all contracts, files, and payments in one platform.
- Protect payments with escrow.
- Generate invoices and receipts automatically for records.
Benefits for Talent
- Get paid securely for work done outside the public Marketplace.
- Keep contracts simple with milestones and clear scopes.
- Use escrow to ensure payment is guaranteed before starting.
- Maintain a record of work, payments, and reviews in one place.
Use Cases
- Short projects with a known professional.
- Urgent work requiring immediate start.
- Retainer-style agreements with existing clients.
- Off-platform connections where both parties want payment protection.
Escrow and Disputes
- Employers must fund escrow before work begins.
- Payment is released once outcomes are approved.
- If there is a dispute, support reviews the written scope, chat, and files.
- Refunds are processed based on documented proof.
Best Practices
Employers
- Write a clear scope and timeline.
- Use milestones for larger projects.
- Keep all changes documented in chat.
Talent
- Confirm deliverables before starting.
- Deliver files within the agreed timeline.
- Keep communication professional and clear.
