• Many disputes arise from missed expectations and assumptions made up front.  Make sure that the other party is clear on requirements or terms and that you are agreeing on the same thing.
• Approve a Job Agreement that details all aspects of the job and your relationship.  The Job Agreement addresses the job scope, deliverable dates, payment terms, ownership, confidentiality, termination, dispute resolution, and expenses, and it protects both parties by defining the expectations in writing before proceeding.
• Always pay your Professional using Vumero.com Escrow.  Only release funds once you have had the chance to inspect and accept the work and make sure these release conditions are clearly specified and agreed to up front.
• Professionals should not begin work until funds are held securely in Escrow.  Make clear the conditions under which work will begin.
• Communicate using Vumero.com.  This assures your workroom have a record of communications that will be referenced in the case of a dispute.
• Require the Professional to submit regular status reports through Vumero.com.
• Mutual understanding.  Give the Professional the benefit of the doubt and an opportunity to explain any delays in communication or in getting the completed job to you.
• Professionals should always indicate current job status and highlight any issues that may impede your progress in regular status report.
• Keep your terms up-to-date.  If the schedule, scope, or amount changes, be sure to update the Terms on Vumero.com.  Remember, this is the official agreement between both the Employer and Professional and will be referenced in the case of a dispute.  If you cannot agree on updated Terms, then it may be an indication that you have a dispute.
• It is important that you inspect the quality of work delivered before releasing the funds in Escrow.  Once you release funds from escrow, you cannot recover them.
• Document everything. Use the Vumero messaging and workroom for all your communications. This way both parties have a structured and secure way to reference what was discussed and agreed to.
• Maintain trust.  Follow through with what you have agreed to do, and continue to communicate in a respectful, professional manner.
• Don’t release payment until you are satisfied with the work. Most disputes arise because Employers prematurely release Escrow funds or hastily pay invoices. Review the deliverables thoroughly before you compensate the Professional. Once payment has been sent, Vumero.com has no way to retrieve it.

 
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