Leaving feedback for a client on Upwork can feel tricky. You want to be honest but professional, appreciative but not fake. After all, your words stay on their profile forever—just like their feedback stays on yours. A well-written review can help other freelancers understand what it’s like working with this client while maintaining your professional reputation.
Many freelancers struggle with what to write. Should you mention payment speed? Communication style? Project challenges? The key is balancing honesty with diplomacy. In this guide, we’ll walk through real feedback to client Upwork sample messages for different situations—great clients, difficult ones, and everything in between. Plus, we’ll share tips to make your feedback stand out (in a good way).
Why Client Feedback Matters More Than You Think
Your client feedback does two important things: First, it helps other freelancers decide whether to work with this client. Second, it shows potential future clients what kind of professional you are. A thoughtful review demonstrates your communication skills and emotional intelligence—qualities clients value.
But here’s what most freelancers don’t realize: Clients read their own feedback too. That five-star rating you left with a generic “Great client!” comment? They’ll remember. The detailed review highlighting their clear communication and prompt payments? They’ll appreciate that—and might even hire you again because of it.
The Anatomy of Perfect Client Feedback
Good Upwork feedback has three key parts:
- Specific praise – Instead of “Good client,” say what made them good
- Project details – Mention the work you did together
- Future recommendation – Would you work with them again?
Here’s how this looks in practice:
“Working with [Client Name] on their website redesign was a fantastic experience. They provided clear requirements, responded quickly to questions, and made prompt payments. Their organized approach helped us deliver the project two weeks ahead of schedule. I’d gladly work with them again and recommend them to other freelancers.”
Sample Feedback Messages for Different Situations
For an Excellent Client
“Sarah was one of the best clients I’ve worked with on Upwork. Her project brief was incredibly detailed, which helped me deliver exactly what she needed. She gave constructive feedback and was always available for quick calls when needed. Payments arrived like clockwork after each milestone. I hope we get to collaborate on more projects in the future!”
For a Good (But Not Perfect) Client
“John’s e-commerce project was interesting to work on. While there were some delays in feedback at times, he was always respectful and paid on time. The scope changed a couple times, but we worked together to adjust the timeline accordingly. Overall a positive experience working with someone who genuinely cares about quality.”
For a Difficult Client (While Staying Professional)
“This project involved creating 20 blog posts under a tight deadline. While we completed all deliverables, clearer initial instructions would have helped streamline the process. Payments were made as agreed upon in our contract. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this project.”
What Never to Include in Client Feedback
| Don’t | Why | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “Client was cheap” | Sounds unprofessional | “Budget constraints required…” |
| “They didn’t know what they wanted” | Comes across as insulting | “The project scope evolved…” |
| Personal complaints | Makes you look difficult | Focus on work-related aspects |
When to Leave Feedback
The best time is:
- After you receive payment
- When the project is fresh in your mind
- Before the 14-day feedback window closes
Pro tip: Wait until your client leaves feedback first if you’re unsure how they’ll rate you. Once you see their review, you can tailor yours accordingly.
Handling Negative Experiences Professionally
If you had a truly bad experience:
- Sleep on it before writing feedback
- Stick to facts, not emotions
- Consider whether to leave feedback at all (sometimes silence is better)
Example of diplomatic negative feedback:
“This project involved multiple revisions beyond our original agreement. While we ultimately completed the work, clearer initial expectations would have made the process smoother. I appreciate the opportunity nonetheless.”
How Feedback Affects Your Future Work
Clients often check a freelancer’s past feedback to see:
- How you handle challenges
- If you’re professional in disagreements
- Whether you’re someone they’d enjoy working with
That one angry rant you left three years ago? It might still cost you jobs today.
Final Thoughts
Writing good feedback to client Upwork sample messages isn’t about flattery—it’s about providing value to other freelancers while maintaining your professionalism. The best feedback is specific, balanced, and future-focused. Whether you’re praising an amazing client or diplomatically describing a challenging one, your words create your professional reputation just as much as your portfolio does.
Remember: The Upwork community is smaller than you think. That client you reviewed today might be your dream client’s best friend tomorrow. Choose your words wisely, and they’ll serve you well throughout your freelancing career.