What «Task returned to the marketplace» means
If freelancer was unable or didn’t have time to start work on service, the system automatically returns task to general catalog. At that moment, customer receives notification that says:
«Performer didn’t start work on task "[Task title]”. The task has been returned to the marketplace to find a new performer.»
This means that work hasn’t started, no payment was sent to freelancer, funds were returned to the customer, and task is once again available to other specialists.
When does it happen
Task may be returned to the marketplace for several reasons:
- Freelance didn’t confirm the start of work within 24 hours, and the system automatically canceled the task;
- Freelancer declined the task before starting it;
- Both freelancer and customer mutually agreed to cancel the task after discussing details.
In all these cases, system acts in the same way —task is returned to the pool and becomes available to new freelancers.
What customer should do next
After the task is returned, customer can:
- Choose another freelancer from those who have already responded;
- Wait for new responses — the task is again visible on marketplace and open for new applicants.
In other words, task does NOT disappear — it simply moves on to the next potential freelancer.