Step-by-step process
Sign up and create a deal
Create your free DokaWork account in under a minute. Then set up your deal by defining the project name, deliverables, milestones, timeline, and payment amounts. Invite your client by email — they don't need an account to accept the deal.
Your client receives a secure invite link. They can review the deal terms, accept, and fund the first milestone — all without creating an account. This removes the most common friction point in getting clients to commit.
Both parties sign the contract
DokaWork automatically generates a legally binding freelance contract based on your deal terms. It covers project scope, milestones, payment terms, and intellectual property transfer. Both the freelancer and the client sign digitally before any work begins.
The contract is stored securely and accessible to both parties at any time. A signed contract is required before any milestone can be funded — protecting both sides from scope creep and payment disputes.
Client funds the milestone in escrow
Before you start working, your client deposits the milestone amount into DokaWork's secure escrow account via Stripe. The funds are committed but not yet released — visible to both parties as locked in.
This is the most important step for freelancers: you never start work on a promise. Once the escrow is funded, you have certainty that the money exists and is allocated to your work. No more 'I'll pay you when it's done' situations.
Deliver your work
Complete the milestone deliverables and submit them through DokaWork. Your client reviews and can approve the submission, triggering an automatic payout. Funds arrive in your connected bank account typically within 1–2 business days.
If the client doesn't respond within 7 days, the milestone auto-releases to protect your time. If there's a disagreement, either party can raise a dispute — DokaWork mediates and rules fairly, keeping funds safe throughout.
Why freelancers trust DokaWork
Every feature is designed around a single goal: making sure you get paid for work you deliver.
You never start work unprotected
Escrow ensures funds are locked in before you begin. The client cannot back out without losing the escrow amount — you always have payment security from day one.
Legally binding protection
The auto-generated contract is enforceable and covers your scope, IP rights, and payment terms. Both parties are held to the agreement they signed.
Fair dispute resolution
If there's a disagreement, DokaWork mediates. Both parties submit evidence and a DokaWork specialist rules fairly — funds are protected in escrow throughout the whole process.
Auto-release protection
Clients who go silent after you deliver don't hold your payment hostage. The 7-day auto-release rule ensures you always receive payment for approved work.
Common questions about freelance escrow
Everything you need to know before your first deal.
How does freelance escrow protect me as a freelancer?
Escrow ensures your client has committed the payment before you start work. The funds are locked in a secure account and can only be released to you (on approval) or refunded to the client (only if a dispute is ruled in their favor). This eliminates the risk of working without payment.
What happens if a client doesn't respond after I submit my work?
If the client does not respond within 7 days of deliverable submission, DokaWork automatically releases the milestone payment to the freelancer. You are never left waiting indefinitely.
Can DokaWork be used for any type of freelance work?
Yes. DokaWork works for any project-based work — web development, design, writing, consulting, marketing, and more. Any work that can be defined in milestones with clear deliverables can be managed on DokaWork.
Does the client need a DokaWork account?
Clients do not need to create a DokaWork account to review and fund a deal. They receive a secure invite link and can pay directly via card. This eliminates friction and speeds up deal acceptance.
How quickly do freelancers receive payment?
Once a milestone is approved and released, Stripe processes the payout to the freelancer's connected bank account. Funds typically arrive within 1–2 business days depending on the bank.