Freelancer.com is a platform that has been connecting freelancers and clients from all over the world since 2009.
It offers both parties a range of services, including finding work or freelancers, bidding on projects, and paying or receiving payments.
However, it’s natural to question its legitimacy like any other online platform.
This article will review Freelancer.com’s legitimacy by examining its history, features, pricing, customer support, and user reviews.
How Legit Is Freelancer.com?
Yes, Freelancer.com is a legitimate platform that has been in operation since 2004.
It is one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, with millions of registered users and a wide range of job opportunities.
Freelancer.com offers a range of features and services that can benefit freelancers and clients.
Its bidding system allows freelancers to bid on projects and clients to select the best proposal, which can help save time and money.
Additionally, Freelancer.com offers dispute resolution services to help resolve conflicts between freelancers and clients.
However, like any platform, Freelancer.com has its pros and cons.
Some users have reported issues with payment delays and the quality of work delivered.
Researching and reading user reviews before using any online platform is important.
Freelancer.com can be a reliable option for finding freelance work or hiring freelancers.
Its legitimacy, history, features, pricing, customer support, and user reviews indicate that it can be a useful tool for connecting freelancers and clients.
History of Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com was founded in 2009 by Australian entrepreneur and software engineer Matt Barrie.
Originally called GetAFreelancer.com, the platform began as a small marketplace for freelance jobs.
However, it quickly grew in popularity and expanded its services to include features like paying and receiving payments securely through the platform. In 2012, Freelancer.com acquired another popular freelance job platform, vWorker.com, further solidifying its position in the industry.
Today, Freelancer.com has over 50 million users and is available in more than 247 countries and territories.
Features of Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com offers a range of features to both freelancers and clients.
Freelancers can create profiles, search for jobs, bid on projects, and communicate with clients through the messaging system.
Clients can post jobs, review bids, communicate with freelancers, and pay for completed work securely through the platform.
The bidding system is a unique feature of Freelancer.com that allows freelancers to compete for projects by submitting proposals and estimates.
This can lead to lower client costs and higher earnings potential for freelancers.
The platform also offers a dispute resolution process to resolve conflicts between freelancers and clients.
Pricing on Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com charges fees to both freelancers and clients.
Freelancers are charged a fee based on the project value, ranging from 5% to 10%.
Clients are also charged a fee based on the project value, ranging from 3% to 5%.
However, there are additional fees that freelancers and clients should be aware of, such as currency conversion fees and withdrawal fees.
Compared to other freelance job platforms, Freelancer.com’s fees are relatively competitive.
It’s important to note that the fees may vary depending on the type of project and the payment method used.
Customer Support on Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com provides customer support through several channels: email, live chat, and phone.
The response times for customer support can vary, with some users reporting delays in receiving responses.
However, overall, Freelancer.com’s customer support is considered to be adequate.
Additionally, the platform offers a help center that includes a knowledge base and a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section.
User Reviews of Freelancer.com
User reviews of Freelancer.com are mixed.
On the platform’s website, Freelancer.com has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, based on over 35,000 reviews.
Many users praise Freelancer.com for its ease of use, a wide range of job opportunities, and the ability to find work or freelancers quickly.
However, some users have reported issues with payment delays, poor communication from clients or freelancers, and the quality of work delivered.
Third-party review sites and social media also contain a mix of positive and negative reviews.
Pros of Freelancer.com:
- Wide range of job opportunities
- Competitive fees
- A bidding system can lead to lower client costs and higher earnings potential for freelancers.
- Dispute resolution process to resolve conflicts
Cons of Freelancer.com
- Payment delays reported by some users
- The quality of work delivered may not always meet expectations
- Some users report poor communication from clients or freelancers
Ultimately, whether Freelancer.com is the right platform for you depends on your needs and experiences.
Researching and reading user reviews before using any online platform is important.
Overall, Freelancer.com is a legitimate platform with a range of features and services that can benefit freelancers and clients.
Conclusion
Freelancer.com has been a legitimate platform connecting freelancers and clients for over a decade.
Its history, features, pricing, customer support, and user reviews indicate that it can be a reliable platform for finding freelance work or hiring freelancers.
However, like any platform, it has its pros and cons.