Create a small service package

Choose a deliverable you can finish reliably, such as editing a defined document or building a basic spreadsheet. Say which files, formats and client inputs are required. Use a sample you created yourself or work you have permission to show. Never imply a fictional client endorsed you.

Put the agreement in writing

Describe scope, delivery timing, revision boundaries, price and payment milestones. Clarify ownership of final work and whether source files are included. Ask how changes will be approved. A written agreement reduces ambiguity but does not replace jurisdiction-specific legal advice.

Price the whole job

Count discovery, messages, revisions, invoicing and administration, not just production time. Include software and payment fees. For an unfamiliar project, break the work into a paid discovery step rather than promising an open-ended result. Use the earnings calculator to compare your quote with the effort required.

Protect delivery and payment

Keep versioned backups and a record of approvals. Use the payment protections actually offered by the channel you choose; read exclusions and dispute deadlines. Do not accept an overpayment and forward the balance. After delivery, ask what was useful and improve the package before accepting larger commitments.

Your working checklist

  • Write the deliverable, exclusions and revision boundary in language a customer can check.
  • Agree how missing client inputs or a changed brief affect the price and delivery date.
  • Save approval and payment records in a private project folder before starting the next job.

Should a first project be free?

A self-directed sample can show your ability without creating a client obligation. Real client work should have a clearly agreed scope even if you choose a reduced fee. Do not accept unlimited unpaid revisions in exchange for an uncertain promise of future work or exposure.

Primary sources & further reading

Editorial review: November 2026. Sources are background guidance, not endorsements of this site. Check current local requirements.