How do you feel about test assignments on Upwork?

Question

Freelance

Hello colleagues!
Such a situation, I communicate with the customer, we agreed on all things, but he asks to complete a test task (of course, bypassing Upwork). The task is very confusing because of its realism, that is, the problem to be solved has a practical origin and is specific to a particular company. Naturally, there is no question of paying for a test task.
Is it normal practice to give a freelancer a test task? Or does the customer want to solve one of his tasks for free? How to check the customer?

Answer 1

I don’t really know the structure of Upwork, but it would be right to ask you to create this test task on it with all the inputs and give it to you without a competition.
If the functionality of the site allows.
I don't believe in free work. You can let the customer know how you plan to solve his problem without paying. That is, a certain scheme "in general".
Or. If the test task is small enough, and you, in principle, do not strain to do it, then you can do it. But.
You from Upwork plan to have, in fact, 2 important points. Rating and money. And, even if you are ready to complete a test task without payment, then getting + to the rating is your sacred right.

Answer 2

Test tasks are very convenient for the client.
The performer must understand this, and I always agree.
However, test tasks must be paid, and if the client wants something for free, and bypassing the exchange, then he simply wants to cheat and get a job for free.

Answer 3

You can invite him to discuss the task on Skype. If you can do it quickly, then there will be no problem in order to do it on Skype in 15-20 minutes on a piece of paper and by voice. If he continues to ask for implementation, then it is already suspicious.

Answer 4

Test tasks must be paid. There is no need to work with unverified clients bypassing the upwork.

Answer 5

Is it normal practice to give a freelancer a test task?

It is normal practice to give a real task, which will be paid if you can complete it. The length of such a task can be a week.
Of course, we are not talking about the fact that you are applying for a simple and low-paid job.
For example, recently tested in a similar way. Got a rate of $60 an hour.
Now I continue to finish the same project that was a test task.
The trial period has been paid.
The reason is that any project is claimed by 95% of people who will not be able to complete it. And there are no other ways to weed out really qualified people - no.
Reputation means little - it can be earned on completely different (simple) projects.
Those who do this are looking for young talents. This is a chance for a beginner (no reputation).

Answer 6

Do nothing outside of Upwork, especially for free!!! Firstly, you can be caught and delisted, and secondly, you want the client to pay you?
I did the so-called "test" for an Australian bypassing Upwork for three months, after which, of course, no one paid me anything! Here, I tell in this video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw-ezj3RhQc