Freelancer.com Review: Is It Legit or a Scam?

Freelancer.com has become one of the most popular online freelancing websites in recent years. With millions of users and a wide range of services, it cannot be easy to know if this platform is worth your time and money. In this Freelancer.com review, we’ll explore what Freelancer.com is, its pros and cons, and whether it’s a legitimate way to make money or a scam that should be avoided.

Freelancer.com is a popular online platform that connects clients with freelancers from all around the world, offering a wide range of projects and job opportunities to choose from. As someone who values versatility and the ability to work according to my own schedule, I decided to delve deep into this platform’s features, benefits, and user experiences.

In recent years, the gig economy has grown significantly, and platforms like Freelancer.com have become a go-to place for professionals and clients alike. While navigating the website, I found it easy to use, with the availability of many projects spanning various fields and disciplines. The platform also offers a secure payment system, ensuring that freelancers receive payments for their completed work.

As with any platform, there are potential drawbacks, such as membership fees and restrictions on the number of bids for free users. In this article, I will delve further into the features, benefits, and user experiences shared in reviews of Freelancer.com to provide a comprehensive understanding of the platform and help fellow freelancers determine its suitability for their needs.

What Is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is an online platform connecting freelancers with employers seeking help with various projects or tasks. The platform allows employers to post jobs and freelancers to submit bids on those jobs based on their experience and qualifications. Once hired, freelancers work remotely and get paid through the Freelancer payment system when they complete the task successfully.

Freelancer.com, based in Australia, has been a leading platform for finding freelance work and hiring freelancers for various projects. Established in 2009, it has grown into one of the largest online freelancer marketplaces, attracting millions of users worldwide. My experience on the site has been positive, as it has provided me with a platform to reach potential clients and showcase my skills.

Freelancer vs Upwork vs Fiverr

When comparing Freelancer.com to other popular platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, I find significant differences in certain aspects.

• Project Types: Freelancer.com offers various project categories, including IT, design, writing, accounting, and engineering. In my observation, the variety of work available on Freelancer.com is broader than Fiverr, which focuses primarily on creative and digital services. Upwork also covers a wide range of projects, but its interface and processes tend to be more complex compared to Freelancer.com.
• Bidding System: One key difference is the bidding system on Freelancer.com, where I can submit proposals for projects based on my skills and pricing. While Upwork also follows a similar approach, Fiverr does not, as it is based on gig-style services with fixed prices.
• Pricing and Fees: It’s worth noting that the fees on Freelancer.com and Upwork are similar, with both charging a percentage-based fee on project earnings. However, Freelancer offers a basic plan with limited bids, while Upwork charges for “Connects” which are required to apply for jobs. On the other hand, Fiverr takes a flat 20% commission from all transactions.

Overall, my experience with Freelancer.com has been quite positive, and I find the platform user-friendly and suitable for various types of projects. While competition among freelancers is high, the system provides adequate opportunities to showcase my skills and grow my client base.

Getting Started on Freelancer.com

Setting up an Account

To begin Freelancer.com, I first signed up for an account on the website. Registration is free, and I could sign up via Facebook or email. After choosing a unique username, which would also serve as my ID on Freelancer.com, I completed my account details by providing my full name and address. My first name and the initial of my last name became my public display name on the site.

Creating a Profile

Once my account was set up, I started working on my profile. A strong profile helps attract potential clients and showcases my skills and experience. I wrote a brief and compelling description of my professional background and the services offered. I also made sure to include a professional-looking profile photo to portray credibility.

Skill Set

In order to demonstrate my expertise and attract relevant projects, I selected appropriate skills that matched my experience and interests. Freelancer.com has a wide range of skill categories, so it was important for me to pick only the most relevant ones for my profile. This way, I can better target the projects I am genuinely interested in and confident about completing.

Exams

Lastly, I decided to take some exams on Freelancer.com to validate my skills further. These exams are optional but can help improve my credibility on the platform. Potential clients are likelier to choose a freelancer who has proven their skills by passing related exams. Both free and paid exams are available, and passing them can boost my ranking on the site and increase my chances of being hired by clients.

Starting on Freelancer.com involves setting up an account, creating a strong profile, selecting relevant skills, and taking exams to demonstrate my expertise. Following these steps will increase my chances of success on this platform.

Finding and Bidding on Projects

Project Types

When browsing projects on Freelancer.com, I find various types of projects to bid on. These are mainly divided into two categories: fixed-price and hourly rate. Fixed-price projects have a set budget and are completed for a single payment. On the other hand, hourly projects involve ongoing work with a specified hourly rate.

The right type of project depends on my preferences and skills. I select fixed-price projects when I clearly understand the project requirements and can estimate the time required for completion. On the other hand, hourly rate projects suit me better when the task might be more dynamic and the project requirements could change over time.

Bidding Strategies

I employ several bidding strategies to enhance my chances of winning projects on Freelancer.com. Here are some tips I follow to make my bids successful:

1. Accurate project understanding: Before placing a bid, I carefully read the project description and ensure I have a thorough comprehension of the client’s requirements. This allows me to submit a relevant proposal and avoid misunderstandings later.
2. Competitive pricing: I monitor the average bid price for similar projects to ensure my bid is competitive. I find the sweet spot for fixed-price projects between maximizing my earnings and providing an attractive value proposition to the client. For hourly rate projects, I set my rate by considering factors like my experience, skills, and the project’s complexity.
3. Confidential bids (Sealed): On some occasions, I consider using the sealed bid feature to keep my proposal confidential. This means other freelancers can’t see my bid amount. While opting for a sealed bid costs extra, keeping my pricing strategy undisclosed can sometimes give me an advantage.
4. Tailoring proposals: I personalize my proposals to address the project’s specific needs, demonstrating my understanding and attention to detail. Generic proposals are less likely to stand out among the competition.
5. Showcasing past experience: I provide examples of my previous work similar to their projects to build client trust. This helps them visualize what their project could look like when I complete it.
6. Project milestones: I propose dividing the work into milestones for complex or long-term projects. This ensures both parties have a mutual understanding of progress expectations, and it can be useful for managing the workload effectively.

By adopting these strategies, I can increase my chances of winning projects on Freelancer.com and grow my client base.

Freelancer.com’s Verified and Preferred Freelancer Programs

Verified Freelancer

As a verified freelancer, I have undergone a thorough process to prove to clients that I’m a legitimate and skilled service provider. This process includes verifying my identity, providing a verified payment method, and thoroughly checking my education, skills, and experiences. The verified freelancer program enables me to display a verified badge on my profile, instilling confidence in potential clients who view my services.

The interview process for the verified program can be quite rigorous. I was required to complete several steps, such as submitting documentation and answering questions about my skillset, which proved challenging but worthwhile. Being a verified freelancer has benefited me, resulting in more clients considering my services for their projects.

Preferred Freelancer

As a preferred freelancer, I have been selected among the platform’s top 3% of freelancers based on my skills, service, and excellence in my portfolio and certifications. This allows me to enjoy several perks, such as exclusive invitations to high-value projects ($1500 or higher) tailored to my skills and expertise.

The process of becoming a preferred freelancer involves the following:

• Maintaining a high completion rate and positive reviews
• Not having more than three 1-star reviews in the last 365 days
• Successful completion of the Preferred Freelancer Service Agreement Exam (passing score is 80%)

Being in the preferred freelancer program has led to more substantial and rewarding projects and increased visibility among potential clients. But, this status also comes with responsibilities, such as the expectation to complete project work alone or with my team if I have one.

The Verified and Preferred Freelancer programs on Freelancer.com have offered me several benefits and opportunities to enhance my freelance career. They have contributed to my success by giving me access to a larger pool of clients and providing me with more credibility and visibility.

Customer Support and Communication

Support Team

In my experience with Freelancer.com, their support team has efficiently and professionally handled any issues I’ve faced. They quickly respond and strive to solve any problem to my satisfaction. This has made my overall experience on the platform quite positive.

Help Articles

As a freelancer using their platform, I found their help articles concise and straight to the point. This allows me to understand how the site functions and navigate any challenges quickly. The help articles play a role in easing my experience with the platform and enabling me to focus on my work.

Working with Clients

Communication with clients on Freelancer.com has been generally smooth. The platform facilitates easy collaboration and open channels of communication between me and my clients. This has been very beneficial in ensuring the requirements for my projects are clear and the results are up to the client’s standards.

Overall, the customer support, communication, and helpful resources provided by Freelancer.com have made my experience as a user enjoyable and productive.

Pricing, Memberships, and Fees

Membership Pricing and Benefits

As a user of Freelancer.com, I found that there are different plans to suit my needs. The platform offers a free membership, allowing me to bid on six monthly projects. However, if I wanted to access more benefits and increase my project bidding capacity, I can choose between the paid membership plans:

• Basic: $4.95/month
• Plus: $9.95/month
• Professional: $29.95/month
• Premier: $59.95/month

Each paid membership tier comes with varying benefits, including:

• Increasing the number of project bids per month
• Access to preferred freelancer projects
• A custom portfolio
• Reduced freelancer fees

Project Fees and Commissions

As a freelancer on this platform, I’m subject to project commission fees. These fees are typically 15% for Preferred Freelancers and 10% for everyone else. With a paid membership, my commission fees can be reduced to as low as 3%, depending on the plan.

For clients posting projects, the commission fees are generally 3%, but they can be reduced to 0% under certain promotional offers.

Membership Plan	Freelancer Commission Fee	Client Commission Fee
Free	10%	3%
Basic	8%	3%
Plus	6%	3%
Professional	4%	1%
Premier	3%	0%

It is important to note that other fees, such as transaction fees, remain unaffected by the membership plan.

Payment Methods and Withdrawal

Payment Options

As a freelancer on Freelancer.com, I have experienced a variety of payment options available on the platform to receive earnings and deposit funds. The platform supports several payment methods, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. When depositing funds, I can choose between multiple currencies, although the availability of specific currencies depends on the chosen payment method.

Withdrawal Requests

When it comes to withdrawing earnings from Freelancer.com, I have found the process to be quite simple. The withdrawal requests can be made from the Withdraw Funds option under my profile picture. There, I can select my preferred withdrawal method, enter the desired amount and currency, and provide necessary bank account details.

Freelancer.com processes withdrawal requests on two designated days, namely Mondays and Thursdays. Depending on the payment method and the day the request is made, it usually takes 1-5 business days for the withdrawal to be completed. However, for users with a Plus, Professional, or Premier membership who have successfully withdrawn their earnings, Freelancer.com offers Daily Withdrawal Requests as an added benefit. This allows these members to access their earnings faster and more efficiently.

As a freelancer on the platform, I find the various payment options and withdrawal processes reliable and convenient. Accessing my earnings through different methods, including PayPal and daily withdrawal requests, makes it easier for me to manage my financial transactions and workflow efficiently.

Freelancer.com Guidelines and Policies

Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA)

As a freelance worker on Freelancer.com, I understand the importance of protecting my clients’ privacy and intellectual property. Many projects may require me to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) before starting the work. This legally binding contract ensures that I keep the confidential information about the project and client secure and not disclose it to anyone else.

If a client requests an NDA before discussing project details, Freelancer.com makes it easy for both parties to agree to a standard NDA provided by the platform. Additionally, the client may ask me to sign a custom NDA for specific projects, which is also possible on the platform.

Dispute Resolution

In my experience as a freelancer on Freelancer.com, disputes can arise between the client and me. It’s essential to have a transparent and reliable dispute-resolution process in place. Freelancer.com offers a dispute resolution system to help both parties in such situations.

I can start by raising a dispute ticket within the platform if a disagreement occurs. Freelancer.com’s representatives will then mediate the dispute to reach a fair resolution. The disputing parties have several days to present evidence, and arguments, and negotiate settlement terms. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached during the mediation, the case can proceed to arbitration, where a neutral third-party will review the evidence and make a binding decision.

As a freelancer, I’ve found these guidelines and policies extremely helpful in maintaining a professional relationship with my clients and ensuring a positive work environment. By handling NDAs and disputes effectively, Freelancer.com creates a trustworthy platform for clients and freelancers to collaborate on part-time and freelance work opportunities.

Common Scams and Issues on Freelancer.com

How to Spot a Scam

In my experience, a few warning signs indicate a possible scam on Freelancer.com. These red flags include:

1. Clients who ask for free samples or mockups without offering payment.
2. Clients with no verified payment methods.
3. Clients who want to communicate primarily outside of the Freelancer.com platform.
4. Projects with unclear or unrealistic expectations.
5. Clients who insist on paying outside of Freelancer.com, which goes against the site’s terms and conditions.

It’s crucial not to ignore these warning signs if you encounter any of them in your dealings on the platform.

Protection Measures

Freelancer.com offers several protection measures to ensure freelancers can work securely without fear of being scammed. Some of the protective features include:

• Client verification: Freelancer.com provides different verification levels for clients, including email, phone, and payment methods. As a freelancer, I check the client’s verification levels before bidding on their projects.
• Escrow system: Freelancer.com uses an escrow system called Milestone Payments for fixed-price projects. This system ensures the client deposits the agreed-upon amount, which is held securely by Freelancer.com. I make sure to request a milestone payment before starting any work.
• Dispute resolution: If disputes arise during the project, Freelancer.com offers support through its Dispute Resolution Service.

Reporting Procedures

If I suspect fraudulent activity or encounter a scam on Freelancer.com, it’s essential to know how to report it. The platform provides a reporting procedure to help protect freelancers and maintain a safe environment for everyone. Here are the reporting steps:

1. Document any suspicious activity, including messages, emails, and project details.
2. Visit the client’s profile page and click on ‘Report User’.
3. Provide details about the scam or issue you’ve encountered, along with supporting evidence.

Reporting scams and problematic clients helps keep the Freelancer.com community safe. By staying vigilant and taking appropriate precautions, I can experience a more secure and successful freelancing experience on the platform.

Freelancer.com Alternatives

SolidGigs

I can vouch for SolidGigs as an impressive alternative to Freelancer.com. Geared toward the gig economy, this platform has a unique feature where they carefully curate the best freelance job opportunities from numerous online sources, saving me time while searching for potential projects. Additionally, SolidGigs presents helpful resources such as proposal templates and interview tips, which I find invaluable as a gig-economy freelancer.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs, another reliable alternative, offers screened listings for part-time and full-time remote work options. As someone who enjoys working from home, I appreciate their extensive job database and their ample freelance opportunities in addition to traditional employment. Moreover, FlexJobs is a great fit for virtual assistants looking for flexible, home-based job options.

Guru

Guru.com is another popular alternative to Freelancer.com, focusing on the freelance industry. This platform connects businesses and freelancers through a bidding system, and it is quite popular among virtual assistants:

• Project Fee Simplicity: Guru’s commission fees are straightforward and affordable compared to other platforms.
• Payment Security: Their SafePay system ensures the security of payments and transactions.
• WorkRoom: Guru’s WorkRoom feature allows me to collaborate with clients more effectively.

Despite a few controversial opinions, Guru remains a suitable choice to explore for those working in the freelance industry.

Upwork

Upwork is a prominent name in the freelance industry and rivals Freelancer.com in size, popularity, and user base. With a vast range of job postings and diverse categories, it caters to the needs of many freelancers. While the competition on Upwork might be higher, I find the following features advantageous:

Pros	Cons
Scalability: Upwork has long-term project opportunities	Higher service fees
Hourly Contracts: Reliable tracking of hours worked	Limited connects for free members
Market Share: Access to a larger client base	Intense competition

Considering these alternatives to Freelancer.com, I feel well-equipped to navigate the ever-evolving gig economy and take on new challenges within the freelance industry.

Freelancer.com in Different Countries

Coverage

As a user of Freelancer.com, I’ve noticed that the platform has an extensive global reach, connecting freelancers and employers across 247 countries, regions, and territories. With over 61 million users worldwide, it’s clear that Freelancer.com’s network spans various countries and cultures.

Some of the countries where Freelancer.com has a significant presence include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Philippines
• Canada
• Germany
• Indonesia

This extensive coverage allows me to access job opportunities from diverse regions and cultures, further expanding my potential client base.

Accessibility

Freelancer.com’s platform is available in multiple languages, making it more accessible to users like me who may not be native English speakers. This multilingual approach broadens the scope of potential freelancers and employers worldwide, making it easier for many individuals to find and apply for work.

Some of the languages supported by Freelancer.com include:

• English
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Portuguese
• Italian
• Dutch
• Polish
• Russian

Regarding payment methods, Freelancer.com accepts various currencies, such as US dollars, British pounds, Australian dollars, and euros, among others. This flexibility in payment options facilitates transactions between users from different countries, making it more convenient for everyone involved.

In summary, Freelancer.com’s extensive coverage and accessibility make it an attractive option for me as a freelancer to find work opportunities around the globe.

Pros of Freelancer.com

• A wide range of job opportunities: From web development to data entry, thousands of job postings are available on Freelancer, so you can expect to find something that suits your skillset or interests.
• User-friendly platform: The website interface is intuitive and easy to use. You don’t have to worry about navigating complex menus or understanding technical jargon while searching for jobs or submitting bids.
• Low transaction fees: With only a 2% processing fee for employer payments (and no charge for withdrawals), you don’t have to worry about paying high costs just for using the site’s services.

Cons of Freelancer.com

• Time wasted due to slow customer service response times: If you ever need help from customer support, you may find yourself waiting days for a response which can lead to missed deadlines or frustration from clients who are expecting quick responses from you as well as delays in getting paid due to unresolved disputes with clients over payment terms or other issues beyond your control.
• Risky reputation system: Since ratings are based solely on feedback from previous clients rather than an objective evaluation system, freelancers can sometimes be unfairly rated by irate clients resulting in lower overall ratings, which makes it harder for them to get hired in the future since employers consider ratings when hiring new workers through this platform.

See Related: Simply Hired Review

Overall Conclusion – Is Freelancer Legit?

Yes! Despite some drawbacks, such as slow customer service response times and unreliable reputation systems, Freelancer remains one of the most popular online freelance platforms.

It offers employers an easy way to find talented workers at a low cost while giving freelancers access to various job opportunities without spending too much time searching for suitable jobs elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time employment, try Freelancer – chances are you won’t regret it.

FAQs

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