66 replies
I've been working part-time on Elance for almost 3 years now.
Just yesterday, my account was closed.
I contacted them for the reason, and this is the reply.
Hello paypoy,

During a review of your account, we determined that you are not meeting the minimum standards for our community with regards to managing job opportunities and active projects. Specifically, the number of proposals you have submitted without job award falls under our minimum requirements.

After a full review of your account closure response, we unfortunately will not be able to reinstate your account. you do have access to withdraw your current funds and complete any open jobs.

Regards,
Elance Trust & Safety
My account closed because my job award are under their minimum requirements?
I think this is unreasonable! It is a bidding site. You can't always expect to win.

Besides, I think I'm actually getting a high award rate.

They should close those who give crappy work.

Anyway, it's their lost.
#elance #scam
  • Profile picture of the author CyberAlien
    Originally Posted by mrdanilodiaz View Post

    You can't always expect to win.
    No, you can't always win. But, if you're almost never winning then they may not think there's a point to you having an account there.

    Regardless of the situation, there's a place for reviews: Internet Marketing Product Reviews & Ratings
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8154943].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Holmstrom
    Hi, move to oDesk, I think you are going to like it!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8155266].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alrealestate
    Yes Odesk is the big dog in outsourcing for nonprogramming services. We seem to find more work than we can handle on Odesk... Only problem to many weekend get rich courses are sending folks to all the outsourcing sites with the promise of a native English speaking virtual assistant with a masters in accounting marketing and literature for 1.00 an hour. We wont touch any thing for less than the US minimum wage for voice work. Non voice is a different story.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8155574].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tamalanwar
    Odesk is crowded now days and elance is still a cleaner marketplace.

    No Elance/Odesk is not a scam.
    Signature
    Tamal Anwar C.
    I transform old outdated 1990s/2000s websites
    into a fresh site of present time
    Learn How
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8155585].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author techbul
    I personally like Odesk, it's so simple to work with. In my opinion, it's just so much better than Freelancer and Elance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8155647].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vishwa
    Actually They have some requirements which all freelance has to comply. though it is not a fact that they are scam. By the way you can move on odesk, they don't bother you any way.
    Signature
    Techbizmasters.com- Blogging, Technology, and Digital Marketing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8155835].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mindwire
    They are not a scam, they in fact want you to meet certain requirements.
    Save yourself some time and move on to odesk, it's by far the best freelancing site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8156030].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    ...or, open your own ghostwriting website and work harder promoting that than bidding on projects That works too - I know from experience
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8156071].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
      Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

      ...or, open your own ghostwriting website and work harder promoting that than bidding on projects That works too - I know from experience
      I second this

      While some freelance sites can be worth the effort for supplementary income (during any slow months), finding your own clients is by far the best approach. Much more opportunity to build long-term relationships. Besides that, you're build a real business, rather than relying on others to bring the work to you.
      Signature
      Want to speed up your writing and save time?
      This book will show you how:
      --> Write Fast: 21 Powerful Ways to Cut Your Writing Time in Half! <--
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441446].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Iqball
        As with all things internet and business in todays
        climate, you must diversify you operational capabilities friend.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441478].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author WriterWahm
      Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

      ...or, open your own ghostwriting website and work harder promoting that than bidding on projects That works too - I know from experience
      ^^^ This...boy, I still remember when I first started out and used to hang out in those freelance sites. Do yourself a favor and build a business. Really.
      Signature

      PM me if you want a romantic fiction ghostwriter.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8444647].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Fantastic
        Originally Posted by WriterWahm View Post

        ^^^ This...boy, I still remember when I first started out and used to hang out in those freelance sites. Do yourself a favor and build a business. Really.
        How much do you make from your business?


        I make around $500 a week consistently on eLance working 20 hours.


        But I've considered turning it into a business. Any advice?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8444768].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author WriterWahm
          Originally Posted by Fantastic View Post

          How much do you make from your business?


          I make around $500 a week consistently on eLance working 20 hours.


          But I've considered turning it into a business. Any advice?


          I have 6 writers on my payroll and from writing alone, I've grossed in about 6k USD this month.

          The first thing I did when I knew I wanted to do this professionally was carve out a niche for myself. And so I focused on ghostwriting romance novels. Sure, I write other fiction genres now and then and I even have one writer who writes nonfiction, but for the most part, we FOCUS on fiction.

          Here's what I did in no particular order:

          1. I started a blog on fiction writing and gave out free reports and posted short stories too.

          2. I did a WSO selling fiction storyboards and used my writing services as an upsell.

          3. I BUILT a list. This was actually the most important thing I did because 90% of my clients are those who are on my list.

          4. When the work load began to increase, I took on more writers.

          6. I didn't just stop at writing a story...I thought of ways to scale up... so I offered promos, series, packages, etc... I have a main target market and I focus on them with a passion. I don't go looking at other markets (though maybe I should), I just take care of mine and they take care of me.

          Oh and probably the most important tip of all: DO GREAT WORK!
          Signature

          PM me if you want a romantic fiction ghostwriter.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8448928].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Greedy
    I wouldn't sweat it.

    I've spent over $15,000 on eLance and they randomly banned my account a month ago. I hadn't used the account in 2 months.

    I just moved to oDesk. Same different.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8156685].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Greedy View Post

      I wouldn't sweat it.

      I've spent over $15,000 on eLance and they randomly banned my account a month ago. I hadn't used the account in 2 months.

      I just moved to oDesk. Same different.
      They don't just randomly ban accounts. What did they ban your account for?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160903].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    Originally Posted by mrdanilodiaz View Post

    I've been working part-time on Elance for almost 3 years now.
    Just yesterday, my account was closed.
    I contacted them for the reason, and this is the reply.


    My account closed because my job award are under their minimum requirements?
    I think this is unreasonable! It is a bidding site. You can't always expect to win.

    Besides, I think I'm actually getting a high award rate.

    They should close those who give crappy work.

    Anyway, it's their lost.
    First, your anger towards Elance doesn't warrant questioning whether they are a scam or not. THEY ARE NOT A SCAM! Second, they have policies like this one in place for a reason. Finally, it's not their loss. They have plenty of writers and just because you're mad at them doesn't make it their loss.

    Benjamin Ehinger
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8156799].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dudeco
    No, they are not a scam. But good news for you is that there are other options. Like others have said, I have had good success with oDesk, and have also had good success with Guru. So, you have options.
    Signature
    If you're going to direct members to 'click the link in your sig' this is what they'll see.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8156841].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Moneymaker2012
    Elance is not a scam, they don't bear any failure in results. You can move to odesk it is also great to work with.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160862].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Greedy View Post

      I wouldn't sweat it.

      I've spent over $15,000 on eLance and they randomly banned my account a month ago. I hadn't used the account in 2 months.

      I just moved to oDesk. Same different.
      They randomly banned your account?

      Really?

      How does that serve their interests?
      Signature

      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160886].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mbacak
    Many people paint the world with a negative
    paint brush. Instead of getting upset about it,
    you might want to ask yourself....

    What went right, what went wrong and how can you fix it

    ....before I'd think about moving
    to Odesk or any other place.
    Signature
    The Listbuilding Club (join by clicking below)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160869].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kinyash
    Sad as it is, they are having tighter rules these days but that does not mean they are a scam. I am sure they do have their reasons. I would suggest you evaluate what really went wrong and move to the other alternatives. Getting worked up is counter productive.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160902].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BloggerDeen
    Yeah these companies can do anything. When companies become big they stop caring about people who built them but stop getting disappointed move on to something next. Its not a big deal. When you are self employed instead of posting it on forums, move on to next one.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160905].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SoniaB
    You should take a look at freelanceswitch. Great payouts and converts because its a rather small community.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8160954].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author curationsoft
    I have nothing against Elance, they may have the right to change their policy whenever they like. I suggest you go to Odesk, they are one of the strongest recruiter company that I know.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161024].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
    Is Elance a Scam? Obviously, that's why they've been around for so long.

    You aren't doing yourself any favours by asking such a daft question. If you'd asked for help in working out why your account was banned, fine. But to blatantly ask if they are a scam when you KNOW they aren't as you have had had WORK via them, tells me a lot about you and your attitude.

    If it's the same attitude you use towards potential clients, then that tells me why you were banned.

    Instead of screaming scam, why not politely ask them to refer you to the part in their T&Cs that refers to minimum requirements.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161255].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Patrick
      Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

      Is Elance a Scam? Obviously, that's why they've been around for so long.

      Was that a typing mistake ? :p
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161260].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
        Originally Posted by Patrick View Post

        Was that a typing mistake ? :p
        Lol - it was meant to be ironic
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161985].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Patrick
          Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

          Lol - it was meant to be ironic
          lol. For one second I thought you agreed with the OP. But then looking at your post count and blog posts made me think otherwise
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8162240].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jay walters
    I don't believe that Elance is a scam. It is a clean place to hire or work projects.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161312].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    Elance is not a scam.

    But that does not mean that you will get your money's worth of work. I never used Elance but I think the platform is quite similar to freelancer.com. Every time you bid on a project and the project closes, even if you are not the winner, Elance takes a fee.

    I got a negative balance on freelancer.com and almost immediately got a warning email to deposit funds or I will be banned. I guess, you were banned because you forgot to deposit more cash into your account. Am I right?

    Regardless, I think it is best to take matters into your own hands when it comes to finding clients. Don't depend on one website to provide you with all your work.

    Good luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161351].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DTGeorge
      Originally Posted by timbonitus View Post

      Elance is not a scam.

      But that does not mean that you will get your money's worth of work. I never used Elance but I think the platform is quite similar to freelancer.com. Every time you bid on a project and the project closes, even if you are not the winner, Elance takes a fee.

      I got a negative balance on freelancer.com and almost immediately got a warning email to deposit funds or I will be banned. I guess, you were banned because you forgot to deposit more cash into your account. Am I right?

      Regardless, I think it is best to take matters into your own hands when it comes to finding clients. Don't depend on one website to provide you with all your work.

      Good luck!
      Just to clear up your questions...

      Every time you bid on a project and the project closes, even if you are not the winner, Elance takes a fee.
      No, if you bid for a project but do not get it, Elance does not take any money from you.

      I guess, you were banned because you forgot to deposit more cash into your account. Am I right?
      I used Elance on and off for 6 months, and they never threatened to ban me because I didn't have any money in my account.
      Signature
      Kickass writer featured in:
      Make a Living Writing
      Be a Freelance Blogger
      Writers in Charge
      Contact me now for quality content at a reasonable rate
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442906].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MackSell
    Is Elance a scam?

    No! Not At All.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161478].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eClicker
    No scam at Elance, just rules we may not be aware of. This ban may turn into a blessing for your business. There are many great ideas to propel your business forward suggested here. ;>)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161583].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author katherineolga
    That sounds very odd but it's not a scam.

    I think that it is a great opportunity to change tactics. It is all too easy get stuck at those sites.

    What I don't like is that they didn't appear to give you warning - they didn't give you a chance to improve!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8161704].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author msharmjia
    You should read their TOS and if you find they are going against that, then its good time to sue them. Otherwise, better go on finding for some other site and register there.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8162012].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketingva
    After reading the response from Elance in the OP it looked to me that you may have sent out numerous proposals for jobs you weren't qualified to do. I see that happen alot in Elance. Some people or companies send out a response/proposal to every job they see posted in hopes that someone will hire them. This knocks down your award rate and Elance objected to that.

    Bonnie
    Signature

    Magic Wand Author Services helps writers polish their manuscripts and connect to readers.
    http://www.mwauthorservices.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8162898].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webgenco
    I use odesk to hire part time freelance programming help more than elance. I have never been a contractor for either, I just hire from them, but I can say I have had much better luck with the people I have found via odesk vs. elance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8167154].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shannonn
    Banned
    I do not know about elance but freelancer is not my favorite cup of tea. I have had an unfortunate experience with them and I abandoned everything. However, I believe this might be an isolated case, since they are know world wide and have a great rate of success. So, basically, it depends on users and their approach on the projects!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8440656].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MarketMaster13
      Move on to oDesk,they are a bit flexible as compared to Elance.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8440689].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author samscott10
      Nope, they're still evil
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441544].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Elance is the best and cleanest freelance site. One must follow the rules and requirements in order to stay. This is actually a good move by elance. You post an open job at freelancer.com then an army of unqualified bidders start to pour their non-sense offers. Elance don't like this kind of thing that's why it stays clean.
    Signature



    Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

    Signature edited.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8440978].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Start your own site dude. All of the clients that you've worked with already, offer them something valuable (yet free) for a case study or lengthy testimonial. Plus you won't have to play the price game with other people on the freelance sites.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441111].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tim Franklin
    I never cared for Elance, I did not like the way they did business, as a buyer, never even bothered with the seller side of things, they just do not seem like they have it together.

    Odesk, now that is something I can recommend.
    Signature
    Bitcoin | Crypto | Blockchain Secrets |
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441457].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joseph7384
    Is Elance a scam?
    I don't think so but my question is this. Is Burger king a scam? I ordered a Big mac yesterday and the lettuce was wilted.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441472].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      Originally Posted by joseph7384 View Post

      I don't think so but my question is this. Is Burger king a scam? I ordered a Big mac yesterday and the lettuce was wilted.
      Of course that's a scam. Since when did "Burger King" sell "Big Macs". You've been had man. Probably a horse burger. (UK joke)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442283].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

        Of course that's a scam. Since when did "Burger King" sell "Big Macs". You've been had man. Probably a horse burger. (UK joke)
        You're a scammer too, for copying me.

        See last post :p
        Signature

        Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442296].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author EllenMoore
          Elance is not scam, but they may have some weirder regulations. Try another freelancing platform.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442685].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author joseph7384
        Originally Posted by Richard Van View Post


        Now that is a scam, you buy Big Macs in MacDonalds, not Burger King. :p


        Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

        Of course that's a scam. Since when did "Burger King" sell "Big Macs". You've been had man. Probably a horse burger. (UK joke)

        It's about time someone caught that!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8444798].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author samscott10
    Look i've never had any trouble with Elance or Odesk for that matter and it sucks what happened but you can understand their reasoning. You've seen all the spammer bids people put up, it gets annoying. But whatever you do, never use freelancer.com .... EVER
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441509].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author carol951
    Elance is not a scam, they are simple following their guidelines... They did give you the opportunity to complete any unfinished work and access to withdraw your money
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441535].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bradstern
    After reading all the responses on this thread, it seems like the OP has just been hit by one of Elance's rules. That doesn't necessarily rule them out as a spam site.

    In fact, along with oDesk, Freelancer and 99Designs, these are the sites I would recommend for contract work.

    You can check out this infographic that compares these 4 big sites:
    http://biz30.timedoctor.com/odesk-vs...s-infographic/



    It compares their funding, number of freelancers, charge rate, etc.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441613].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wfjason
    I doubt that there are scam as they have been around for some time. But as the other Warriors have mention, I will compile of list of the customers that are happy with my services and follow up with them so that there is a relationship.

    If they ever needed the same work being done again, they will think of you. You can also consider being more active in offline networking event where you can let more people know what you are offering. There is a website call Meetup which will enable you to attend many of these networking event.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8441710].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sanusense
    I knew that because they have cheated with me too. I prefer oDesk, they have really good customers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442009].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      They randomly banned your account?
      I just can't get the connection between the OP being banned and Elance being a scam.

      Why does that make them a scam?

      It's nothing to do with a scam.

      (EDIT. I'm talking to the OP, not you Dennis, I was agreeing with what you said)

      Originally Posted by joseph7384 View Post

      I don't think so but my question is this. Is Burger king a scam? I ordered a Big mac yesterday and the lettuce was wilted.
      Now that is a scam, you buy Big Macs in MacDonalds, not Burger King. :p
      Signature

      Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442036].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    So OP worked on a scam website for 3 years .. hahaha
    Signature

    I can convert your Non-Responsive website to Responsive website ... How sweet is that? :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442359].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mrgoe
    I`m using elance and it works.. I don`t know about you, but try to stick to their tos. And if you`ve worked for them for 3 years then you know how to start from scratch and don`t screw it up again..
    Signature
    Worked as a senior editor on ThePricer.org, experienced in financial topics
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442738].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author IvoryPulse
      I've never worked on Elance, so I'm curious - what are they minimum requirements? Does that mean that users can't have several long term jobs open and work on them without applying for the new jobs or what?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8442839].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fantastic
    No, they aren't a scam lol.

    I've been on there for a few years and consistently make $500+ a week there.

    Sounds like you bid on a lot of jobs and didn't get many/any of them.

    For them to ban you though, your rating is probably lower than the platform average.

    Which I think is a 4.2 or so? With that being said...

    If you bid on a lot of jobs and aren't being awarded any...

    And your rating is lower than average (no excuse for it to be really)..

    You'll get banned if it doesn't change.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8443112].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hbhanot
    They not scam but they try filter good and bad for their business.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8444922].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author scorzaze
    Their not a scam...Been dealing with companies on elance for years that are located all over the world.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8445363].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8448621].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Diesell
    Both Elance and Odesk changed in a negative way, although i like Odesk more. Today i posted a job for setting up a full membership site (Optimizepress 2.0). Within an half our some highly rated software/website developer wanted to do it for just for $70....LOL , that's a bargain!
    Signature
    Do You Need *TRAFFIC* And Want To Get *PAID* To Use This Secret Buyers Source?
    It Takes Only 5 Min. A/D !

    Go Here =>
    Secret Traffic Source
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8448997].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bloggerd
    I personally use odesk myself to find work or to hire. Touch wood never had any issues with odesk or the members
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8449196].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kimberleytin
    They are not scam but they are like that. They are often influenced by the party who is more influential than the other. And the latter just becomes victim of their arbitration etc. But I must admit, most of the Freelance sites on the web can't help you when you need a complex, abstract project done in those domains. They have no expertise or tools to support you about the pricing, deadlines or management of the project. However, they are good in tangible services like web development, logo development etc.
    Statlance from tutorteddy helps you with projects needing abstract thinking.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8450095].message }}
  • Elance is not a scam site. In fact I have a freelance profile there with 4 clients I think they found you suspicious since you the long period of time you didn't win or awarded some project posted on elance.

    Elance is a great site like odesk but what makes it different is that they have more cleaner interface, much easier to navigate, and the most thing I like is that their minimum hourly rate is $3 and up than Odesk you can see some of the posting with hourly rate $.50 which is very frustrating for us freelance but it up to you if you will take time and find some of those high paying job posting. Odesk will be an alternative! I recommend it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8459884].message }}

Trending Topics