Client went quiet after sending a proposal (they'd even shared an API key). Okay to nudge them off-platform?
I'm a freelancer (AI/automation dev). I've been talking with a client on Upwork for a few weeks about a fairly large project. Early on they were genuinely engaged. We discussed scope, hosting, and the overall plan. They even shared their API key with me early on (before any contract) to help me start building the integration. I sent a detailed proposal about two weeks ago. They said "I'll review and get back to you," then went quiet.
I've followed up a couple of times on Upwork (polite, spaced out) with no reply. I also found their company online. It's a small business, around 4 people, and I have a couple of ways to reach them outside Upwork.
My questions:
- Is it against Upwork's rules to message them on another platform to nudge them back toward the proposal on Upwork?
- I found them on LinkedIn and Instagram. Would it be okay, or even wise, to reach out there to reconnect, or is that overstepping?
- Does following up off-platform just look desperate?
- The client shared their API key before any contract. Is that normal, and how should I handle it now (rotate it, delete my copy)?
- How long would you wait on a proposal like this before treating it as dead?
It's a potentially high-value project, so I don't want to lose it, but I don't want to overstep either. Any advice appreciated.