Upwork feedback to client samples: what to write for every kind of contract

Feedback samples for great, new, slow, short, long-term and difficult Upwork clients, what to leave out, and how to ask a client for feedback.

By Omar Jayed, Software Developer

Published November 6, 2026

Data: our own samples; client figures from Upwork jobs we recorded in the last 12 months

Short answer: good feedback to an Upwork client is short, specific and honest: what the project was, one thing the client did well, and whether you would work with them again. Below are fourteen samples for the situations you will meet, from the dream client to the difficult one, plus what to leave out and a message for asking your client for feedback in return.

How feedback works, in plain terms

When a contract ends on Upwork, both sides can rate each other and write a comment. Clients look at the freelancer's feedback before hiring, and freelancers read a client's feedback history before spending Connects on their job. The exact rules (when it becomes visible, what counts toward scores) are set by Upwork and do change, so check the current article in Upwork's help center rather than any blog, including this one.

Your words about a client matter more than they seem. In our data, 36% of jobs came from clients who had never hired anyone, and 33% from clients without a verified payment method. A client with no history is a risk for every freelancer who sees their next job. A fair, specific comment from you is how the next person tells a good new client from a dead end. We cover reading that history in how to spot risky Upwork jobs.

A simple formula

1. The project, in a few words. “Rebuilding our Shopify product pages.”
2. One specific strength. Clear brief, fast answers, quick approvals, fair about changes.
3. The verdict. Would you work with them again? Say so.

Two or three sentences. If it reads like a greeting card, add a detail; if it reads like a complaint, cut a line.

Samples for a great client

[Name] was a pleasure to work with on [project]. The brief was clear from day one, feedback came quickly, and payment was on time. I'd happily work together again.

A well-organized client. [Name] had everything ready before we started, which kept [project] on schedule. Highly recommended for any [skill] freelancer.

Samples for a client new to Upwork

These carry the most weight. A client with no history gets judged by the first thing a freelancer writes about them, so say what the next person would want to know: did they pay, were they clear, would you go back?

[Name] was new to Upwork but easy to work with: clear goals for [project], quick decisions, and payment exactly as agreed. Freelancers can apply to their next job with confidence.

First project on Upwork for [Name], and it went smoothly. They asked good questions, gave feedback in one round, and approved on time. I'd work with them again.

Samples for a long-term client

Six months on [project] with [Name] and every week was easy: clear priorities, respectful of my time, and quick to approve. Looking forward to the next phase.

[Name] treats freelancers as part of the team. Regular check-ins, honest feedback and fair rates throughout our contract. One of the best clients I've had on Upwork.

Samples for a short contract

Quick, well-defined task and a smooth handover. [Name] knew exactly what was needed and approved the work the same day. Thank you.

Short project, clear instructions, prompt payment. Would gladly help [Name] again.

Samples for a good client who was slow to reply

Be fair: mention the good part first, and describe the delay without blame.

[Name] was friendly and paid on time. Replies sometimes took a few days, so the project ran longer than planned, but the requirements were clear and the result was worth it.

Good client with a clear vision for [project]. Approvals were slower than expected at times; freelancers should plan for a little extra time.

Samples for a project where the scope grew

The project grew beyond the original brief, and [Name] was fair about it: we agreed on the extra work and adjusted the contract before I started. Professional and easy to talk to.

[Name] had new ideas as we went, which kept things interesting. Clear scope at the start helps any freelancer working with them.

Samples for a difficult client, handled professionally

Facts, not feelings. Write what happened and what the next freelancer should know, in words you would be comfortable reading aloud to the client.

The requirements changed several times during [project], which made planning hard. Payment was made as agreed. Freelancers will do best with a detailed written scope before starting.

We had different expectations about the timeline and revisions. I delivered the agreed work. I'd suggest confirming the number of revisions in writing at the start.

What to leave out

• Anger. Write the comment a day later if you need to. The next freelancer reads the words, not the mood.
• Private details. No contact information, prices from your messages, or anything said in confidence.
• Vague praise. “Great client!” tells the next freelancer nothing. Name one thing.
• Deals for ratings. Don't trade feedback, and don't ask for a rating in exchange for anything.

How to ask your client for feedback

Ask once, after the client has approved the final work, in the same message where you wrap up. Keep it light: the request is easy to ignore if it feels like pressure.

Hi [Name], thanks again for working with me on [project]. I'm glad [result]. When you close the contract, a few words about how it went would mean a lot and help other clients find me. And if [next idea] is ever on your list, I'd be happy to help.

Your first reviews do more for you than almost anything else when you are new; our guide to Upwork entry level jobs covers how to choose first contracts that end well. For the messages earlier in a contract, see our Upwork message to client samples.

Feedback starts with picking the right client

The easiest feedback to write is for a client who was organized, clear and paid on time. You can raise your odds of getting one before you apply: verified payment, a hire history, and past feedback from other freelancers that sounds like the first two samples above. The numbers on how often clients hire are in do Upwork clients actually hire.

Samples: our own. Client figures: Upwork X-Ray, November 6, 2026, public Upwork job posts we recorded in the last 12 months, any client country. We make Upwork X-Ray and OLL.E and are not affiliated with Upwork.

Questions people ask

What should I write as feedback for a client on Upwork?

Two or three sentences: what the project was, one specific thing the client did well (clear brief, quick answers, fair payment), and whether you would work with them again. Specific beats glowing.

Should I leave honest feedback for a difficult Upwork client?

Yes, but keep it factual and calm. Describe what happened, not how you felt, and leave out anything you would not say to the client directly. Other freelancers read it to decide whether to apply.

How do I ask an Upwork client for feedback?

Ask once, at the end, after the work is approved. Thank them, mention the result, and say that a few words about working together would help you. Never offer anything in exchange for a rating.

Why does feedback to clients matter if they pay anyway?

Because the next freelancer reads it. 36% of the jobs we recorded came from clients who had never hired anyone, so for many clients, the first written feedback from a freelancer is what everyone else will judge them by.

Where can I find Upwork's current rules on feedback?

In Upwork's help center. How and when feedback appears can change, so check the current article rather than relying on a blog post.