Workstamped

Workstamped is a freelancer protection platform that payment-gates file delivery, formalizes scope change approvals, and cryptographically proves the entire project timeline — so freelancers get paid for the work they deliver.

What is Workstamped?

Workstamped is a web-based tool that helps freelancers protect themselves from non-payment and scope creep. It takes project agreements, deliverables, and payment confirmations as input, and produces signed agreements, locked deliverable vaults, automated payment reminders, and one-click evidence reports. It runs entirely in the browser (no app to install) and is built by a freelance developer who experienced non-payment firsthand.

Key Features

• Payment-Gated File Vault — Deliverables stay locked until the freelancer confirms payment. Clients see the files are ready but cannot access them until payment is marked received. Vault storage is 1GB on the free plan, 20GB on Pro.
• Formal Scope Change Control — When a client requests additional work, the freelancer raises a scope change. A new agreement version is generated, both parties re-sign, and the price adjusts. Version history is preserved.
• Cryptographic Proof Trail — Every signed agreement includes a SHA-256 hash. Deliverable logs, download receipts, and payment receipts are timestamped. One click generates a full evidence report for legal disputes.
• Automated Payment Reminders — When a milestone is overdue, Workstamped sends escalating reminders automatically: friendly reminder at day 3, second notice at day 5, final reminder at day 7, overdue notice at day 10.
• Red Flag System — Freelancers can privately flag clients who don’t pay or are abusive. If three freelancers flag the same client, a public warning appears. Before starting a new project with a flagged client, the freelancer sees the warning.
• Token-Based Client Portal — Clients sign agreements, approve scope changes, view invoices, and download files via a single email link. No account creation, password, or friction required.
• Milestone-Linked Invoicing — Generate invoices with line items, tax, and custom branding. Invoices are tied to specific milestones.

Who is it for?

• Freelance designers and developers who deliver digital files and need to ensure payment before release.
• Freelance writers, photographers, and videographers who face scope creep or non-payment after delivering work.
• Social media managers and retainer-based freelancers who want automated payment follow-ups and a formal paper trail.

What can you do with Workstamped?

• Send a project agreement with milestones and payment terms → Client signs via token link (no account).
• Upload deliverables to the vault → Files stay locked until payment is confirmed.
• Confirm payment → Vault unlocks instantly; invoice generated automatically.
• Raise a scope change → New agreement version signed by both parties; price updated.
• Generate an evidence report → One click produces a PDF with hashed agreements, payment receipts, deliverable logs, and scope change history.

How does Workstamped work?

1. Create a project, add milestones or a retainer, and generate a plain-English agreement. Send the client a secure link.
2. Client reads and signs via the link — no account needed.
3. As you complete milestones, submit deliverables to the vault. Files are locked until payment is confirmed.
4. Client pays via bank transfer, UPI, Wise, PayPal, etc. You confirm receipt. Vault unlocks automatically.
5. If payment is late, Workstamped sends escalating reminders automatically.
6. All actions are logged. One click generates a full evidence report.

Pricing

Workstamped offers a freemium model. The Free Forever plan ($0/mo) includes 3 projects/month, 5 agreements/month, 5 scope changes/month, 1GB vault storage, invoicing, automatic payment reminders, payment tracking, deliverable vault, and scope change requests. The Pro plan ($19/mo or $190/year, saving 17%) adds unlimited projects, agreements, and scope changes, 20GB vault, client reviews & red flag system, custom agreement templates, invoice branding, and tax report export.

Alternatives

• Bonsai — solid workflow tool but misses payment-gated delivery and scope enforcement.
• HoneyBook — great client experience but designed to impress clients, not protect freelancers from non-payment.
• Dubsado — powerful CRM but takes weeks to configure and still doesn’t lock files behind payment.

FAQ

Is Workstamped really free?

Yes. The Free plan is free forever — no trial, no expiry. You get 3 active projects per month, 5 agreements, and 1GB vault storage. No credit card required.

Does my client need to create an account?

No. Clients sign agreements, approve scope changes, view invoices, and download files via a single email link. No account, password, or app required.

Are the agreements legally binding?

Yes. Agreements are plain-English and include e-signatures. The platform also records SHA-256 hashes and delivery logs to strengthen legal enforceability.

How does the Deliverable Vault work?

When you finish a milestone, upload the deliverables to the vault. The client sees the files are ready but cannot access them until you confirm payment. After you mark payment received, the vault unlocks instantly.

What happens if a client refuses to pay?

Workstamped sends automated reminders. You can flag the client privately via the Red Flag System; after three flags, the client gets a public warning visible to other freelancers. You also have a complete evidence report for legal action.