Lessons learned from my online gigs

Nowadays, it is common to conduct your business entirely online. You set up a home office -- basically a computer with sufficient memory to hold all your files, a stable internet connection and you're good to go. Working at home, be it part-time or full-time, is a better alternative than working in a traditional office outside the home. You save on lunch money and gas. Plus, you get to spend more time with the family.

An online business like any other business also has its downside. Since most if not all transactions, financial and trade, are done via the internet, you run the risk of dealing with scammers and dishonest people. To cut the story short, I've been duped in the past by these people. Here are some lessons I have learned:

1. Google them up.
It's advisable to check their reputation online for any adverse feedback from other service providers. Scheming people may put up a dummy name every time they deal with a different provider but it's still a good move to check them up regardless.

2. Ask for an upfront fee.
This strategy may turn off some clients but it is to your advantage if you ask for a down payment for the work to be done. Say 10% at the start of the project then another 30% when you're halfway through the project and so on.

3. Choose clients with escrow accounts.
This is applicable for the freelancing sites online. Usually, the companies who act as middlemen hold an escrow account for buyers or those people/entities who contract work with freelancers. So if the buyer decide to quit the project unexpectedly, you will still get paid for the work done.