How do I communicate with buyers through Elance?

Elance encourages open, complete and professional communication between buyers and service providers. Buyers and service providers can use the Private Message Boards (PMB)*, Elance Chat, Elance Call, as well as email and telephone to clarify project descriptions, scope or any specific requirements. Open communication helps Service Providers develop relevant proposals and Buyers make informed award decisions.

You are required to use MyElance to manage projects and packages, and are required to use the Elance Private Message Board (PMB) to maintain an electronic record of all written communication including clarifications and agreements around scope, deliverables, milestones, timeframes, price, feedback on deliverables, requests for revisions, acceptance of deliverables and completion of milestones. Also, transcribe relevant emails, instant messages, telephone or in-person conversations between the buyer and the service provider on the PMB to maintain a record of what is agreed.

In the event of an Elance Escrow dispute, all written communication on Elance, including project posting, proposals and bids, business terms and PMB communication will serve as the record for resolution of the dispute. A communication that is not referenced on the PMB cannot be submitted as evidence in non-judicial dispute resolution after a dispute is reported.

Respond to your buyer's inquiries rapidly, at least within 1 business day, and communicate regularly with project status updates on the PMB to avoid miscommunication.

NOTE: If a project is not awarded, Elance will delete uploaded files attached to Project Descriptions, Bid Comments, PMB and Work Space after 6 months. If a project is awarded, uploaded files will not be deleted.