Clarify by posting messages.

Many buyers are inexperienced at hiring a writer. It may be their first time using oDesk and they may be wary or unsure. Part of getting that all-important interview is helping the buyer pin down just what they need. Because buyers frame their job listing in terms relevant to them (the task they need accomplished from their point of view) they often leave out information you need to make a realistic bid.

“I need 7 articles written on dew-claws for $5 each…”

“Well,” you are thinking, “how long are the articles supposed to be? How soon do you need them? Are these rewrites of existing material, or will I have to research the subject? And, what’s a dew-claw again?”

Clarifying just what the buyer has in mind is your first step toward a successful bid. Use the message board. Ask pointed questions. This lets the buyer know you are interested and serious. It also gets them to focus on the job and helps clear up any foggy descriptions.

Send a letter of understanding.
Clients can have expectations that range from easy to impossible. One way to address their concerns is to send them a letter of understanding that plainly states what you will do for them, how much you are charging and clearly sets out any other expectations. Here is an example of one meant to reassure a nervous buyer about confidentiality. Letter

Don’t take on jobs that aren’t right for you.
The interview is your last decision point before you hit the accept-this-job button.

After four days of phone tag and e-mails, I finally talked with the buyer. Almost immediately, I knew I wasn’t right for him. I write original articles and I charge for the time and effort it takes. He wanted bulk articles- cheap.

I turned the job down, but offered several suggestions on where he could find what he needed. I also gave him some tips on customizing articles with embedded links. Maybe he will remember me when he needs what I provide- who knows?

If you take on work that doesn’t suit you, you will end up irritated and your client frustrated. Don’t do it. It’s hard to walk away when things are slow, but over the long haul that’s the only way to keep both your attitude and your feedback score up.

Keep them happy
All clients want quality product at a fair price, delivered on time. This is the best way to get good feedback and repeat business. If you have taken the time to understand the job, and pinned down the details, you have the best chance at meeting and exceeding their expectations.

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