Reviews and expert opinion UpWork

The Perfect Example of a Freelance Website

UpWork has a clear advantage in the market because of its transparent and reliable platform: it’s clear that they’ve channeled most of their efforts into taking the hassle out of the work sourcing and talent selection process. This is done via their detailed employer and client work history displays, feedback system, escrow payment system, and desktop/mobile apps.

To kick off the process, employers post detailed job descriptions along with their estimated budgets and contractor requirements. This then allows freelancers to identify the jobs they’re best suited for and bid accordingly. One especially unique perk about UpWork is that employers can also go for the UpWork Pro plan, which works like a talent agency in that UpWork vets and handpicks the right professionals for your project, saving you time and the hassle of sorting through dozens of proposals.

Why Choose UpWork?

• Escrow payment system ensures transparency and reliability
• Commission fees are lowered with higher billings
• Access to talents in different geographical regions
• Convenient mobile app and desktop time tracker

Wondering if UpWork is the best option for your needs?
Let us tell you about it!

Keeping Ahead of a Fast Developing Market

UpWork is not new to the scene. However, they are growing at an accelerated rate, primarily due to the variety of gigs on offer, the quality of freelancers  showcased, and their user-friendliness.

One issue that every freelance site faces are spammers and whilst UpWork does an excellent job of fending them off, its popularity exposes UpWork to spam techniques that have corrupted other sites.

Despite the fact that freelancers need to really apply themselves before they gain the highest verification level on UpWork, many persistent unskilled newbies from Third World countries are flooding in on this site. Hopefully, UpWork will sort out the problem of unskilled workforce and remain a safe harbor of respect for skills, not cheap deals. Our advice is to only hire freelancers with complete verified profiles, positive feedback and at least some UpWork test badges. If you are willing to try out a novice freelancer, we advise you offer him/ her a test assignment to begin with and if you are satisfied with the quality, then go for it.

The quality of the work at UpWork is heterogeneous. However, the general stats are in favor of moderately-priced fine-quality work. This is not a site where A-list freelance pros make money on the side. But some lucky finds for your projects are possible. The demographics of UpWork’s population are rather tilted towards the different sides of the planet. The most classic schemes on UpWork  are USA or UK employers hiring a European or Eastern European freelancer.

All You Could Wish for and More

The UpWork team does not limit its developing features. You can find anything, from promotional badges for your private website, to advanced time-tracking software and a Master Card issued by UpWork especially designed for foreign workers.

The hiring scheme on UpWork deviates slightly from other sites and you can hire  or interview a freelancer to discuss the project’s details. Bear it in mind that UpWork will most certainly conceal your e-mail details submitted through private massages, due to its direct contact non-disclosure policy. But a Skype account address will go unrecognized. Freelancers and employers’ performance alike is rated through a 5-star based feedback system. Only completed and paid projects can get feedback.

Registering as a freelancer, there’s quite a lot you need to do to setup a noticeable profile, like upload portfolio items, take skill tests that prove your abilities, verify your identity and add personal information. While this can take you a while, UpWork makes the entire process very easy, by sending you email reminders and notifying you of missing profile elements.

Contract can be made on a project or hourly basis. Hourly contracts require freelancers to download a time-tracking software, that allows employers to see what the freelancer is working on in real time. While somewhat controversial, it does help to build trust between the 2 sides of the deal, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed.

Fresh And Polished

UpWork’s visuals are glossy, colorful and stylish. The active designers’ team has changed the site’s layout 3 or 4 times within a few months.

The navigation is perfectly intuitive, except for the “See my profile as others do”. It keeps migrating with each design makeover on UpWork. The neat private messaging box is also an advantage that UpWork has over other freelance sites. The initial registration process requires nothing but your e-mail, password and a desired username, which you can always change as an employer – however, beware of making this mistake when registering a freelancer’s profile. You must use the name that is written in your passport to register.

They Are Really There for You

Customer support is where UpWork truly delivers – you can get help 24/7 using any one of the many contact means available. There is also an extended and well-written FAQ section where you can find answers to just about anything.

• 24/7 Live-chat
• Support ticket system
• Comprehensive FAQs
• Phone support line
• Direct phone calls might turn out pricey

The Beauty of Simplicity

Unlike some other sites with undecipherable payment policies and multiple membership-based discounts, UpWork has a set rule – 20% – 5% of the freelancer’s pay is charged to the client. Additional fees are charged when freelancers withdraw funds from UpWork. UpWork  funds’ withdrawal fees amount to $2.50. Freelancers are allowed to withdraw amounts no lower than $20 + the withdrawal fee).

There are no premium accounts on UpWork, given their advanced scam-proof verification procedure for making the freelancers’ profiles more attractive on the site.

The payment system is easy – you deposit money from PayPal or your credit card into your UpWork account and begin the hiring process.  UpWork only provides dispute arbitration and resolution for hourly-billed projects that had been tracked through the UpWork Team application on the freelancer’s side. UpWork does not resolve disputes over fixed-price projects.

For clients using the Enterprise UpWork Plan, prices vary according to needs.

• Payment System – Credit card or PayPal
• Payment Protection – UpWork Team time and performance tracking software is responsible for securing your project and money.
• Payment Disputes – Only available for hourly-billed projects tracked through UpWorkTeam application