The interview is the most important step in ensuring your project’s success. At WpCircle, this happens entirely through our secure messaging system, allowing you to vet expertise, finalize details, and align on expectations before any money changes hands.
1. Starting the Interview
To begin a conversation, click the Chat to Interview button on any proposal card.
- Centralized Inbox: All your conversations are stored in the Messages tab in your sidebar.
- Real-time Interaction: You can see when a professional is online and when they have read your messages.
2. The Negotiation Phase (Critical Step)
Unlike other platforms where you simply accept a bid, WpCircle encourages you to use the chat to “fine-tune” the contract. Before you click Pay Escrow & Hire, you can ask the professional to adjust their proposal based on your discussion.
Requesting Changes to the Proposal
During the chat, you may find that the scope or price needs adjustment. You can ask the professional to:
- Create or Revise Milestones: For larger projects, ask the professional to break the work into 3–5 logical stages (e.g., Design, Development, Testing). This allows you to release payments gradually as work is completed.
- Switch to One-Time Payment: For small fixes or quick tasks (e.g., “Fix a CSS bug”), you can ask them to simplify the proposal into a single payment step.
- Update the Budget or Timeline: If the discussion reveals the project is more or less complex than originally thought, the professional can update their bid to reflect the new reality.
Note: The professional must update their proposal on their end for you to see the changes. Always review the final “Fixed Budget” and “Milestones” on the proposal card one last time before hiring.
3. What to Ask During the Interview
Not sure what to say? Use these questions to verify you are hiring the right expert:
- Experience: “Have you worked on a [WooCommerce/LMS/Elementor] project similar to this before? Can you show me a live link?”
- Approach: “What is your step-by-step process for completing this fix?”
- Communication: “What is your typical turnaround time for updates and revisions?”
- Technical Fit: “Which plugins or tools do you plan to use to achieve [Goal X]?”
4. Sharing Files Securely
You can send screenshots, site logs, or project briefs directly through the chat using the paperclip icon.
- Safety Tip: For your security, never share your WordPress admin password or hosting credentials in the chat. Wait until the project has started, and ideally use a “Temporary Login” plugin or a password manager to share access.
5. Communication Rules & Safety
To keep your project protected by WpCircle Escrow, all communication must remain on the platform.
- Stay Protected: If a professional asks to move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype, they are bypassing the platform’s security. Projects discussed off-platform are not eligible for dispute resolution or Escrow protection.
- Report Pressure: If a professional pressures you to hire them before they have answered your questions, use the “Report” flag in the chat.
Ready to Start?
Once the professional has updated their proposal to your satisfaction and you feel confident in their plan, click Pay Escrow & Hire to lock in the funds and begin the work.