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Rule #1 when working with/on a platform: Transform customers to your own platform. Do it in a way that does not violate the AUP of the platform but do everything you can to „own“ the customer contact. Never become dependent of a single platform that temporarily may work in your interest.

This rule is somewhat universal and matches all business types and platforms: Amazon, eBay, AirBnB, Uber, YouTube, App Stores.

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Unsurprisingly, Upwork expressly forbids this. "Keep contact with potential clients inside Upwork [... or risk account termination]".

https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211067618-Freel...

I'd say once a good match between a contractor and a client has been established, both parties should swiftly move away from the Upwork platform, their rent-seeking "rules" be damned!

> Keep contact with potential clients inside Upwork.

You can email, Skype, phone once on a contract.

True, but of course Upwork cant help you if a problem then arrises.

Not saying one shouldn't do it, but as Upwork is so flooded with shady characters I'd be hesitant to move clients off the platform too quickly.

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