Can anybody tell me how getafreelance works???

[pro11]

Im looking for help, I placed a job posting on freelance and I got over 30 bids, which makes it really hard to make a decision! but anyways, once I decide who Im working with, how do I make the payment? Do I pay all upfront or how does that work?

[daelx]

Use paypal for payments.

Look at their reputation but also, ask them questions via PM. See how responsive they are. Then ask them more questions. This is a good way to gauge what their personality is like.

[Dollface]

Originally Posted by pro11

Im looking for help, I placed a job posting on freelance and I got over 30 bids, which makes it really hard to make a decision! but anyways, once I decide who Im working with, how do I make the payment? Do I pay all upfront or how does that work?

Need a freelance writer? I will write for you! PM me and we can discuss the basics.

[Ewan Cormack]

I don't really like those sites - I'm sure there are quality writers on there but there's also a load of chaff. Sometimes it's hard to tell which is which before you've paid money. If you find someone good for a decent price, stick with them.

Originally Posted by Dollface

Need a freelance writer? I will write for you! PM me and we can discuss the basics.

There are a few freelance writers on the warrior forum as well

[pro11]

Originally Posted by daelx

Use paypal for payments.

Look at their reputation but also, ask them questions via PM. See how responsive they are. Then ask them more questions. This is a good way to gauge what their personality is like.

but do I have to pay everything upfront?

[pro11]

Im not looking for writers im looking for web designers

GetAFreeLancer is full of great many people that claim they can do this and that.. I have an account there with perfect feedback as a buyer and provider both, I have had thousands of dollars go through my account.

I have not been on the site in months though because it just got to full of scams that steal others work and sell it, people that claim they can do the work and they can not...

You are better off finding someone right here on this forum because there are many talented honest people right here..

James

Originally Posted by pro11

Im not looking for writers im looking for web designers

PM me your job specs including budget, I will consider it ...

James

[kposs]

On GetAFreelancer.com, some providers will request/require that you pay upfront. But do not pay upfront unless you can afford to lose money. They should complete the work first, then you pay. If they propose otherwise and you have not had previous dealings with them, do not select them as the winning provider.

[pro11]

Originally Posted by kposs

On GetAFreelancer.com, some providers will request/require that you pay upfront. But do not pay upfront unless you can afford to lose money. They should complete the work first, then you pay. If they propose otherwise and you have not had previous dealings with them, do not select them as the winning provider.

Thanks a lot Kposs!!

[pro11]

The main problem Im having with this designers from GAF, is what somebody mentioed above, they clain to be able to do this and that but I dont really think they have all the skills... The person I chose as the winning provider sent me all this website he had built in india and they looked good and professional to me, but when I asked him what the front page of my site would look like, he gave me some crappy examples. Im really dissaponited... Anybody have a good provider from GAF they have worked with previosuly and did a good job that had you coming back for more designs????

[marketinggt]

If you are looking for good designs, post a contest on 99designs.com

I've got good work from this site.

Then, you can take that design over to scriptlance and have it built into HTML pretty fast and cheap.

Let me know what you think about 99designs. I use them a lot.

[pro11]

Originally Posted by marketinggt

If you are looking for good designs, post a contest on 99designs.com

I've got good work from this site.

Then, you can take that design over to scriptlance and have it built into HTML pretty fast and cheap.

Let me know what you think about 99designs. I use them a lot.

Looks good but the webdesign starts from $314. Thats a bit high for me right now... I know that I am getting what Im paying for, but I have read that some people here have gotten great results with providers from GAF. i will keep that in mind! Thanks a lot.

[d0rhk]

What I do is ask them A LOT of questions, im basically a drill Sargent when it comes to hiring someone on GAF.

After I find someone who I think is suitable, I lay out everything in the beginning. Once they send me their first draft I usually pay 33% of the total we agreed on.

After they send the final work, I'll send the rest of the payment.

Make sure you get their MSN, AIM, or Skype and keep them for the future, tell them you'll have on going work and you will always have work for them. If you do this they will most likely produce better work and stay with you longer.

Thanks!

[pro11]

Originally Posted by d0rhk

What I do is ask them A LOT of questions, im basically a drill Sargent when it comes to hiring someone on GAF.

After I find someone who I think is suitable, I lay out everything in the beginning. Once they send me their first draft I usually pay 33% of the total we agreed on.

After they send the final work, I'll send the rest of the payment.

Make sure you get their MSN, AIM, or Skype and keep them for the future, tell them you'll have on going work and you will always have work for them. If you do this they will most likely produce better work and stay with you longer.

Thanks!

Thats exactly what Ive been doing, I mean this guy had like 133 reviews there. and 98% of the reviews where good, really good. The guys seems to be professional about things, he didnt ask me for any money up front, also he said he will not take any money until I accept the first draft. Which i thought it was pretty good in his part. I also told him I will have more work for him in the near future. We use msn messenger everyday, he asnwers all my email in a short period of time but I just feel like hes using wordpress or something, the first lay out didnt look so professional...

Originally Posted by pro11

Thats exactly what Ive been doing, I mean this guy had like 133 reviews there. and 98% of the reviews where good, really good. The guys seems to be professional about things, he didnt ask me for any money up front, also he said he will not take any money until I accept the first draft. Which i thought it was pretty good in his part. I also told him I will have more work for him in the near future. We use msn messenger everyday, he asnwers all my email in a short period of time but I just feel like hes using wordpress or something, the first lay out didnt look so professional...

Keep in mind, reviews can be faked... Another reason why I do not deal with GAF anymore. Many will create accounts and bid on their own jobs so they can build feedback up with a certain account.

James

[pro11]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

Keep in mind, reviews can be faked... Another reason why I do not deal with GAF anymore. Many will create accounts and bid on their own jobs so they can build feedback up with a certain account.

James

You are so right... never crossed my mind. Thats f3%k up tho!!!!

Originally Posted by pro11

You are so right... never crossed my mind. Thats f3%k up tho!!!!

That's why I left .. too many scams .. Several of us reported findings to GAF and even started a forum on this, we protested and GAF was much more worried about $$$ vs having quality providers.

So I figured why should I make them another $20,000 or $30,000 in commisions when they obviously do not care about me as a quality provider.

I have built websites for over 15 years and never once have I stolen someone elses work or claim I could do this or that and not deliver.

James

[Martin Luxton]

There is a lot of subcontracting going on at GAF.

There are middlemen in various countries who bid on everything at ridiculously low prices and then outsource it to a design sweatshop for a few dollars.

You'll be lucky if you get something original.

My brother in law does some design jobs on GAF but he's very careful how and who he does business with because it's not just the buyers who get ripped off.

Martin

Originally Posted by senve

How can you verify on somebody if he can do what he claims, or he cannot and is just stealing some other person's work?

If you have been in this business as long as I have you would know what was stolen and what was not.. You can tell how people talk and present their proposal if they really can do what they claim.

Your best thing to do is use a forum such as the WF here... Get to know someone and build a relationship with them. I have made several huge post on this before, no idea where teh threads are.

James

[pro11]

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

There is a lot of subcontracting going on at GAF.

There are middlemen in various countries who bid on everything at ridiculously low prices and then outsource it to a design sweatshop for a few dollars.

You'll be lucky if you get something original.

My brother in law does some design jobs on GAF but he's very careful how and who he does business with because it's not just the buyers who get ripped off.

Martin

WOW!!!! thats even more fu$#ed up!!!

[Richard Tunnah]

I prefer odesk now as they are better at pre-screening outsourcee's for me.

Rich

There is perfectly good designers and others with many different skills right here on this forum. The huge difference is, here you can build an actual relationship, see their post, notice how helpful they really are, notice if they really do know what they talk about, get actual real truthful feedback from other warriors and etc ...

This is something that NO FREELANCE site can offer you..

While some freelance sites claim they have helped buyers and providers find one another.. This forum can say with 100% truth that it has helped build entire businesses and joint ventures worth millions.

James

[Christa_Regalado]

I tried bidding on projects at GAF but the rates are ridiculously low. How can I compete with that?

Providers bidding on their own projects and providing feedback to themselves??! What is up with that?

Originally Posted by Christa_Regalado

I tried bidding on projects at GAF but the rates are ridiculously low. How can I compete with that?

Providers bidding on their own projects and providing feedback to themselves??! What is up with that?

It's been going on for years.. Look at some of those "TOP" feedbacks with 300+ .. Some of those are warez users, when I reported it to GAF that they was in fact selling stolen warez scripts GAF did nothing.

I have had several clients from there that was ripped off by some of those "TOP" users.. One client lost $4,000 and never did get his site. He never could leave feedback for the scammer either because GAF system will not allow you to leave feedback unless that money goes through your account on GAF.

I am not going to mention the usernames or countries here but I think for the most part many know which countries to stay away from when it comes to freelance sites..

James

[Anomaly1974]

And to think I have actually been chastised by people here for pointing out the various scams on GAF and "claiming" that it was less than reputable. The problems seem to be creeping in to Rent A Coder as well but with much less frequency and more being done when complaints are made. The only problem I have with ODesk is that I have problems allowing anyone to access my computer at random. While this may be necessary for some features, to claim that they need to get into my computer, view everything that I am doing just to find out if I am writing their articles or not ... well it just is not worth it to me.

Just my two cents for what it's worth.

PS There still are some diamonds passing through the freelance sites but they are few and far between.

[thehater]

Hey, I have used GAF a few times now and i am like using them. Look at the different people and see who you like the best. I have given some people with no reference a chance. Some will go beyond the call of duty for you and do extra things depending on what you are posting job for. Now you can set it up two ways, First once you pick the winner the post all money inside a free escrow account on the GAF site. Second, you can split it into 2 payments of $15(If project was $30), first one when rought draft done and final payment after you see and check final draft. Any other questions email me.

The Hater

Originally Posted by Anomaly1974

And to think I have actually been chastised by people here for pointing out the various scams on GAF and "claiming" that it was less than reputable. The problems seem to be creeping in to Rent A Coder as well but with much less frequency and more being done when complaints are made. The only problem I have with ODesk is that I have problems allowing anyone to access my computer at random. While this may be necessary for some features, to claim that they need to get into my computer, view everything that I am doing just to find out if I am writing their articles or not ... well it just is not worth it to me.

Just my two cents for what it's worth.

PS There still are some diamonds passing through the freelance sites but they are few and far between.

It has been in Rent-A-Coder for just as long as GAF ... There is a profile on RAC right now that did claim to have done 2 sites that was done by me and I even own the rights to the sites.

So I contact RAC and inform them of the scamming profile and I provide proof of ownership of the domain names, proof of server license, and proof of coding/design. They pretty much emailed me back a nasty reply.

So I decided to respond and demand under copy laws that they remove it. Still got back a nasty reply. So I decided to use the magic of coding, anyone that does from RAC domain or IP is auto redirected to a page that has all posted emails, all proof, all claims of ownership.

I then emailed RAC back and told them where to get off with their scamming site and I provided a link (their own link) and told them to click it. I heard nothing back for about 2 months... Then it happened about 2 months later the page with all proof was showing top listings in google and I got an email this time from supervisor (as she called herself) over the management team in RAC. She begged me to remove the page and they would take care of the profile.

I emailed her back and explained that I do not appreciate a scam company trying to work off my back. I demanded she removed the profile before I do anything. Got an email back right away and the profile was edited and my links removed. In this email was another request to remove the page.

I emailed her back and I told her ok I will remove the page when you meet the following conditions.

* Supply me with the actual financial stats that you and this user has made due to claiming my work as your own.
* Pay me the dividends due to me for using my copy-written work and claiming it as your own.
* Post a retract to all clients that have been involved with this RAC user.
* Delete the RAC users profile and account.

I explained to her once that was done then I will be happy to remove the page. Otherwise it will remain until the day you decide to get your cheap attorney to actually file papers claiming I can not have freedom of speech when your company has actually stolen from me and illegally claimed a copyright that belongs to me.

Well she did none of the above and till this day that page gets about 65 unique visits a day with no advertising at all...

I could also tell you a story about scriptlance too and $800 the company stole from me....

Now I am not saying all these places are bad, but I have dealt with them. In the case above keep in mind this was not the user I was dealing with but the company. If RAC treats me like that and I did in fact own the sites that I built how do you think they run their business...

James

[debra]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

It has been in Rent-A-Coder for just as long as GAF ... There is a profile on RAC right now that did claim to have done 2 sites that was done by me and I even own the rights to the sites.

So I contact RAC and inform them of the scamming profile and I provide proof of ownership of the domain names, proof of server license, and proof of coding/design. They pretty much emailed me back a nasty reply.

So I decided to respond and demand under copy laws that they remove it. Still got back a nasty reply. So I decided to use the magic of coding, anyone that does from RAC domain or IP is auto redirected to a page that has all posted emails, all proof, all claims of ownership.

I then emailed RAC back and told them where to get off with their scamming site and I provided a link (their own link) and told them to click it. I heard nothing back for about 2 months... Then it happened about 2 months later the page with all proof was showing top listings in google and I got an email this time from supervisor (as she called herself) over the management team in RAC. She begged me to remove the page and they would take care of the profile.

I emailed her back and explained that I do not appreciate a scam company trying to work off my back. I demanded she removed the profile before I do anything. Got an email back right away and the profile was edited and my links removed. In this email was another request to remove the page.

I emailed her back and I told her ok I will remove the page when you meet the following conditions.

* Supply me with the actual financial stats that you and this user has made due to claiming my work as your own.
* Pay me the dividends due to me for using my copy-written work and claiming it as your own.
* Post a retract to all clients that have been involved with this RAC user.
* Delete the RAC users profile and account.

I explained to her once that was done then I will be happy to remove the page. Otherwise it will remain until the day you decide to get your cheap attorney to actually file papers claiming I can not have freedom of speech when your company has actually stolen from me and illegally claimed a copyright that belongs to me.

Well she did none of the above and till this day that page gets about 65 unique visits a day with no advertising at all...

I could also tell you a story about scriptlance too and $800 the company stole from me....

Now I am not saying all these places are bad, but I have dealt with them. In the case above keep in mind this was not the user I was dealing with but the company. If RAC treats me like that and I did in fact own the sites that I built how do you think they run their business...

James

James

I hate to be a downer, specially about any of your posts because you are always so helpful.

But...you aren't giving some of us any hope of picking up a little job here or there to make ends meet within a short period of time and not be worried if we might get paid or not.

[Anomaly1974]

Debra,

I would not worry about it so much from the standpoint of a service provider although I do worry some. When I do take work from the freelance sites, I search very carefully, generally take payment through the escrow services there as I do at least have some assurances that I will be paid and I generally have very few problems.

While the prices are rock-bottom I do use them to build up lists of regular clients. As they have more and more problems with people on the lance sites, duplicate content and the scammers there, they generally become willing to pay a little more for quality and service rather than getting cheap prices for something that they may or may not be able to use. What you need to look out for is just how many people are selling your products over and over again and claiming that they are theirs. Despite popular belief, copyscape and others do have severe limitations.

My personal opinion would be to use them when you need them, use them in a way that allows you to build for the future and when you can leave them behind, you still may find some gems from time to time but at least by then you do not HAVE to look for work there.

Again, just my two cents for whatever it's worth

I'm sorry Debra .. Not to worry ...

I always required 50% of the payment upfront paid by Mass Paypal..

Why no escrow ?
* Well because that does not promise you your money, it is still under the control of the site
Why mass paypal ?
* Because if they pay by mass paypal they can not use a credit card, which means very hard to get a chargeback on a virtual service

There are many good buyers and providers on those sites, it's just for me the scams are way too much. I guess you could say I got tired of the rate race...

James