Client wants to meet with me to work on the task
As a brand new provider I bid on my very first job and have received the following reply: "Are you based in NYC. I would prefer that we meet up and work on this technical glitch. My email is..."
So, she has provided me with her direct email and wants to meet in person. I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with inviting someone, who I do not know, into my home. Further would she have oDesk Team on her computer so that I could log in from there? I'm feeling really unsure about how to respond, and would appreciate any advice.
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pkalimuthu 474 posts - India - Joined Mar 07 2008
Hi,
Most freelancers do not mind (and sometimes encourage) if the client calls them by phone. But meeting in person doesn't happen (and I never heard of) for a freelancer in an online marketplace. I'd feel uncomfortable too in this situation (okay, none of the buyers are from the same country as mine:) ). You can definitely tell the client that you do not prefer to meet in person at the moment. May be, you could meet after the hire and after a few weeks of good working relationship. Personally, I'd meet (or call) the client only if it is necessary for the assignment.
Pothi.
jpittenger
While this is an unusual request, it's not totally unheard of on oDesk. But the buyer usually mentions it in the job post or the interview.
I don't know you or the buyer, so I can't really say whether or not to agree. Just be cautious. If you're concerned about a face-to-face meeting, say so. I know personally I'd want to know a lot more about the buyer and their company than what's in an oDesk job post before agreeing to meet in person.
And please contact Customer Support if you think there's anything suspicious or inappropriate to report.
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