Introduction
Almost every freelancer, at some point, dreams of being their own boss. In Dehradun, a young video editor named Semwal was chasing that dream, eager to kickstart his freelance career.
He came across a post that read, “We’re hiring a freelance video editor. Paid. DM for details.” It looked genuine — the kind of gig any aspiring editor would jump at.
After a quick chat, the ‘client’ asked Semwal to create a sample video to finalize the selection. He put in his best—smooth transitions, sharp edits, music timed to perfection.
The next day? Blocked. Vanished. No payment. No feedback.
It’s a crushing feeling—burning the midnight oil for a project, only to be ghosted. Sadly, this lack of trust and accountability is common in informal freelance deals. And that’s exactly the kind of gap escrow was made to bridge.
What is Escrow?
Escrow is a secure financial arrangement where a neutral third party holds money on behalf of a buyer and seller until both sides meet the agreed-upon conditions.
It acts like a digital middleman — neither party needs to blindly trust the other.
It’s commonly used in real estate and large business deals, but now, platforms like PayShri are bringing escrow to freelancers, Instagram buyers, and even Facebook group deals.
Think of it like having a trusted mutual friend — you hand them the money, and they only release it once the work is done and everyone’s happy.
Why Escrow Matters Today
Scams are everywhere—on Instagram DMs, WhatsApp chats, Facebook marketplace deals, and Telegram channels. From fake payment screenshots to sudden ghosting, both freelancers and buyers fall victim to these shady transactions every single day. What starts as a simple deal often ends in frustration, wasted effort, and lost money.
Take, for example, a post from r/developersIndia, where a college student shared his first freelance experience. He said:
“I shared UI mockups and worked day and night… he avoided calls… after weeks, he said ‘We don’t hire 2nd-year students.’ I wasted weeks and got paid nothing.”
Imagine pouring your energy into a project, only to realize you were never going to get paid. Sadly, these stories aren’t rare — they’re becoming the norm in today’s informal online economy.
This is exactly why escrow systems are no longer optional — they’re essential. Escrow acts as a financial safety net, ensuring both parties hold up their end of the deal before money changes hands.
Escrow Workflow (Simple 4-Step Process)
Buyer/Client creates a deal and places money in escrow.
The Seller/Freelancer delivers the work or ships the product.
Buyer/Client reviews and approves.
Escrow releases funds to the seller/freelancer.
Platforms like PayShri automate this process, making secure deals accessible even in informal social-commerce settings.
You can kickstart a deal in just 2 minutes—simply list the deliverables and important details in the description. This acts as your agreement. Once done, share it with the client and you're all set to proceed securely.
How Escrow Secures Freelancers From Non-Payment
Escrow protects freelancers. No more unpaid work or chasing down payment.
From the same r/developersIndia thread: “Never work without upfront payments.” Few students realize that lesson before losing time and effort.
Imagine knowing the client has already deposited the money securely with PayShri. That lingering fear of “Will I even get paid?” just disappears. You can shift your full focus to doing great work, without the mental load of chasing payments. Suddenly, freelancing feels a little less stressful—and a lot more professional.
Here’s How It Safeguards Clients
For clients, escrow prevents low-quality work or disappearances after payment. If any disagreement arises over the quality of work, the escrow process provides a structured way for the client and freelancer to discuss and come to a fair resolution. This could involve partial payments or milestone-based releases, ensuring both sides are treated equitably.
Why PayShri works for India
With India’s job market growing increasingly uncertain, more people are turning to freelancing and side gigs for income. While platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are popular, they come at a cost—charging around 10% in commission fees.
PayShri offers a simpler, faster, and more affordable alternative. You can create a deal with your client in just 2 minutes, with fees as low as 1%. It supports secure transactions starting from ₹1,000 and is backed by trusted payment partners like Razorpay and Cashfree. Your money stays safe in an escrow account until the job is done—no risk, no hassle.
Real Escrow Stories
Today, users are relying on PayShri for everything from logo design, video editing, and web development to everyday transactions like buying gym memberships, concert tickets, or second-hand items from Facebook sellers—fridges, phones, you name it.
“Used PayShri for a ₹4,000 gig. Client was happy. I got paid instantly. No follow-ups. Just delivered and done.” — Rohan, Freelance Designer
Conclusion
In today’s fast-moving digital economy, trust alone isn’t enough—especially when deals are struck over DMs, Facebook groups, or freelance platforms. Escrow steps in as the silent safety net, protecting both the buyer and the seller from fraud, ghosting, and non-payment. Whether you're a freelancer delivering your first project or a buyer trying to avoid being scammed, escrow ensures that your money and effort don’t go to waste. With platforms like PayShri, secure transactions are no longer a luxury—they're the new standard. It’s time we stop relying on good faith and start transacting with confidence.
Secure your next deal with PayShri today—be it a gig, ticket, or gadget—without breaking a sweat. No more ghosting. No fake payments. Just peace of mind.