Getting ghosted after delivering work is stressful, but panicking rarely helps. A calm, documented escalation is far more effective — and it starts long before any legal step.
Step 1 — A clear, dated reminder
Send a short, professional message restating the agreed amount, what was delivered, and the due date. Keep it factual. The goal is a paper trail, not a confrontation.
Step 2 — A firm follow-up with the record attached
If there's no response, follow up referencing the contract and acknowledgement. A timestamped agreement changes the tone of this message entirely — you're no longer asking, you're reminding them of something they agreed to.
Step 3 — A formal demand letter
A formal demand letter, ideally reviewed by a local lawyer, attaching the contract, the acknowledgement record, and the delivery timeline, is often enough on its own. Many disputes resolve at this stage because the documentation is undeniable.
Step 4 — Formal dispute resolution
- Mediation or arbitration, if your contract specifies it.
- Small-claims court, for many jurisdictions' lower-value disputes.
- Local freelancer-protection or consumer-complaint channels, where available.
Why documentation decides the outcome
At each step, consistent records can make the project history easier to review. Pakkawork can export the draft agreement, OTP acknowledgement, milestone status and available timeline into a project-record PDF. The export does not guarantee payment or a legal outcome.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For high-value or complex disputes, consult a qualified advocate.
Freelancers living this right now
61%
of surveyed Indian freelancers have gone unpaid at least once
Industry surveys (cited by PayPal-India, Razorpay)15M+
freelancers in India's independent workforce
NASSCOM / industry estimates46%
increase in new Indian freelancers (Q1 to Q2 2020)
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