23 replies
So I have been quite happy using Odesk, but recently had a couple of people say they prefer Elance. Anyone want to comment on the benefits of Elance over Odesk?
#elance #odesk
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I find elance is more user friendly. But each have their pros and cons.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketMaster13
    I'm going to have to say Odesk. Great freelancing site and from my experience, quality work has always been delivered.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mrnace
    Have you considered freelancer.com, seeing as they now own warriorforum. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author SunnyDelight
    I haven't heard much about elance but I have heard and seen great reviews and recommendations for Odesk.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wordsmith911
    I personally preferred Odesk over Elance. But that was until ODesk rolled out this seemingly terrible algorithm to find contractors the best match(es) from a pool of applicants.

    Here's an excerpt from what I just mentioned in another thread just a few mins back. Complaints are abound on this issue (I was also at the receiving end of it despite having a feedback score of 4.93 from 27 jobs).

    Off late, the site (Odesk) decided to automate the "application shortlisting" process to make life easier for clients. No price for guessing that it proved to be a disastrous move - both for clients and contractors. The algorithm used seems to be somewhat flawed. There are many instances when applications from even the most suitable candidates land up in the junk/hidden folder. If the contractor manually "unhide" them, the same algorithm moves them to the top of the list.

    Odesk should know that there is a good reason why postmen aren't allowed to decide on the fate of a job-application on behalf of the employer.
    If they have rectified the issue, then I would recommend Odesk over Elance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wage Mills
    y not use both?
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    • Profile picture of the author Wordsmith911
      Originally Posted by Wage Mills View Post

      y not use both?
      I guess most serious freelancers eventually end up preferring one over the other. Both these sites have their own unique advantages and disadvantages; and in the end, it all depends upon the preference of the individual users.
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  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    Ok, I have yet to hear any real specifics about Elance. I may have to try in myself, though very happy with Odesk. I've been to their headquarters twice. Nice folks and well organized. Their staff at their corporate office was pretty young, and I felt most had not been there long, but they seemed to be well positioned to grow and mature.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jimbrown123
    why don't you use both? you can also cosider freelancer.com.
    odesk is great and use friendly but elance seems to be more professional and you can get serious buyers with huge amount in elance.
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  • Profile picture of the author jessiem
    I'd prefer Odesk over Elance.
    In my opinion, they have the most jobs posted in every hour/day compared to Elance.
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    • Originally Posted by jessiem View Post

      I'd prefer Odesk over Elance.
      In my opinion, they have the most jobs posted in every hour/day compared to Elance.
      That's because oDesk has almost zero restrictions on job postings, while Elance does. Which is why the former has more low paying jobs and less high paying jobs.

      And I don't see how any freelancer could describe oDesk as more user friendly when they don't even provide escrow on fixed price jobs, meaning you're infinitely more likely to get ripped off and you're stuck using hourly wages which is a pain for both parties.

      Any freelancer that has been around the block will tell you charging by the word, project, etc. is much preferable to being paid hourly.

      1. Sticker shock. It's much easier to sell clients on $50 articles than $50/hour.
      2. Why should I get penalized for being quick and efficient in my work? Why should the client be penalized if I stretch the job out for extra hours/money?

      Which site is better? When the companies merged, the head of Elance became CEO.

      There's a reason for that.
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      • Profile picture of the author dvduval
        Originally Posted by The Content Professional View Post


        Any freelancer that has been around the block will tell you charging by the word, project, etc. is much preferable to being paid hourly.
        I don't agree with that assumption at all.what about the person who has worked for many years an hourly rate and made tens of thousands of dollars? what about projects that and up having a lot more details then first thoughts?
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        • Originally Posted by dvduval View Post

          I don't agree with that assumption at all.what about the person who has worked for many years an hourly rate and made tens of thousands of dollars? what about projects that and up having a lot more details then first thoughts?
          No offense but tens of thousands of dollars over many years isn't very much money.

          Maybe that's not what you meant to say, but I'm talking about writers, copywriters, web designers, etc. who are clearing six figures a year. I've never seen any successful freelancers in those niches who preferred to work by the hour.

          If the client tries to add more details then you adjust the price accordingly, though I can't say I've ever encountered that problem.

          Either way, you can work hourly jobs on Elance just like on oDesk. The difference is they provide escrow and don't require you to start a job before it's been funded by the client so they can't withhold money on a finished project.

          There was actually just a scammer who ripped off dozens of freelancers using multiple accounts between both sites, so it's something you have to be aware of.
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  • Profile picture of the author marketingdynasty
    I prefer to work on oDesk and freelancer. But elance is also good and many people are working on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author hostdare
    Elance has a significantly higher job floor than oDesk,

    Elance charges a flat fee of 8.75% for every transaction between client and contractor. And while Elance itself is free to use,
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  • Profile picture of the author drem
    I seem to have more luck with elance for higher paying clients. I really believe it depends on whether you are looking to hire people or work yourself. When looking for work, I find that ODesk simply does not pay as well. I am a writer, so this may just be my field. Elance, however, pays much better in respects to writing. Elance also has a slightly smaller commission fee which is always nice.
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  • Profile picture of the author Syed Raza
    Both Are Good ! And have their own pros and cons

    But elance reputation is a little bit more than odesk to be honest because its user friendly

    best of luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Davidconstable
    As far as I know both of the Odesk & Elane is a top classes freelancing market place. Both of these take a strong place in the online working system. Already between the Odesk & Elance there is a conversation that they will be in one company, may be they signed a contract on the matter. I think both of the site is good.
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    No signature, work makes me pleasure
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  • Profile picture of the author Vickcarty
    Dear it's odesk as it's delivering results and that is what matters , no need to confuse yourself.

    Cheers - happy selling.

    Take care
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    hmm, i guess one of them bought the other few months ago, anyway. I would say it depend on the job

    I like odesk for programming jobs, VAs ( more applications and a good tracking for per hour )

    Elance have worked for me only at Writing gigs, there are much higher quality than what you will get on odesk when it come to writing PR or Article.
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  • Profile picture of the author arjch
    I tried freelance few years ago, but after that odesk is been my prime focus for sub contract or side job posting, and always got good results.

    Tried both programming & marketing video.

    The most important thing in any of these is hiring a good genuine freelancer, in most cases I have got my work done from the previous job workers.
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