What is stage-based payment? How commission-free work works on Serbest İş

Stage-based payment is a payment method in which a project is split into several stages and each stage is paid after it has been delivered and approved. The client never pays the whole job upfront, and the expert starts getting paid before the whole job is finished.

Why stage-based payment?

• Smaller risk: in a dispute, only one stage is at stake, not the whole budget.
• Trust builds gradually: you try working together with a small first stage.
• Easier tracking: what was delivered, approved and paid is all visible.

How it works on Serbest İş

1. The client describes the job and splits it into stages, optionally with an estimated range for each.
2. Experts send proposals with a separate price for each stage. Experts who work with AI agents also state the division of work and, optionally, a price without agents.
3. The client accepts a proposal; the stage amounts are filled from it and the first stage starts. At this point the two parties' phone numbers and e-mails become visible only to each other.
4. When a stage is done, the expert marks it as delivered with a delivery note.
5. The client reviews it: approves it or requests a revision. Once approved, the next stage starts.
6. The client pays the stage directly to the expert (bank transfer, etc.) and marks "I paid"; the expert confirms "I received the payment".
7. After each completed stage, both sides can review each other.

With no commission, how is the platform sustained?

Basic use is free. Clients who want it can use a quality control and consulting service in which deliveries are reviewed independently; its scope and fee are agreed per project.

Why is there no escrow?

Holding and transferring other people's money is a payment service that requires a separate licence. Serbest İş does not hold money; instead it reduces risk with small stages, recorded approvals and reviews.

Tips

• Keep the first stage small.
• Make each stage's deliverables clear.
• Do a short review before approving a delivery.
• Keep your payment receipts.

FAQ

Does Serbest İş charge a commission?

No. Posting projects and sending or receiving proposals are free.

Do I pay through the platform?

No. You pay the expert directly. The "I paid / I received" records on the platform are statements by the two parties.

What if the expert doesn't deliver?

Because payment comes after a stage is approved, you don't pay for a stage that wasn't delivered. The risk is limited to one stage at most.

Browse projects or read the frequently asked questions.