Where and what are the legitimate web sites for freelance graphic art-web design work?
I've been trying to find legitimate web sites for freelance graphic art-web design work. I've seen several, but I also see quite a few complaints about them. Please advise me on which ones to consider and which ones to avoid at all costs?
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May 24, 2016
The only two I would recommend are Flexjobs and Workhoppers. The rest are a waste of time. That's because people are expecting professional work to be done for ridiculously cheap fees. If you're in the U.S., then you've got an advantage because the majority of opportunities on Flexjobs aimed at U.S.-based people. Hope this helps.
May 21, 2016
I found this web site that discusses what they believe are legitimate web sites, but I'm not too sure about this one. http://www.cio.com/article/2983449/it-skills-training/8-ways-to-find-legit-freelance-work.html#slide1
May 20, 2016
Hi Larry
In our early days we worked with Elance (now Upworks). They were great and fees were reasonable.
Things have gone disastrously wrong since the change to Upworks (for the suppliers at least). The fees have been jacked up to 20% (ouch!), they have added transaction fees, and a host of other conditions that has made us walk away despite getting some good contracts when it was Elance. We will have to build these costs in our prices which means ultimately client pay for these fees (then we won't be competitive) or we have to take a hit (can't afford 23%-26% total costs of transaction) or provide inferior service (not on your life will be compromise our service level). So we decided we won't bid on any jobs any more on this site.
We did explore Freelancer.com before but we do get a lot of mixed reports including hidden charges, slow payout, etc. but not having used them ourselves it all sounds hearsay for now.
We joined Guru.com but frankly a waste of time as we have never got any invitation to bid as you cannot bid unless you have been invited to bid!.
In summary, what can I say other than the best channel (Elance) has gone and we feel we are better to put our time and effort in other means of promoting our web design business.
Good luck anyway,
May 19, 2016
I've had good experiences in the past with Upwork (previously known as oDesk) and Behance.
However, I'd say that any site is only the starting point. As with any marketplace there are good suppliers and bad suppliers, and the ones I mention are no different.
To minimize risk, ask for references before committing yourself.
May 19, 2016
Thanks Gee. You are right, I will be asking for references. But just to be safe, who do I ask for the references from? The web sites, or those providing work on those web sites? I'm trying to learn as much about it as I can.
May 20, 2016
Larry: Get your shortlisted potential suppliers to give you references of their past clients. The only opinion that matters is the one of the person who paid ;-)
Thanks Dean.