With a catchy domain name and a very different business model – it doesn't charge any commission on project fees - iFreelance appears to be an interesting alternative to bigger players such as oDesk and Elance. The site's marketing pitch is that, since they do not rely on commissions, communication is much more open there than at the bulk of competing online job marketplaces; and you will always pay the same to use the site, no matter how much you're making.
Site Fees
Posting projects is free for buyers.
For Providers, there is a Basic membership at $4.69 per month, a Silver plan for $6.75, and a Gold plan for $9. The Silver and Gold plans allow you to have more samples in your portfolio and to be listed on an increased number of job subcategories.
Provider Tips
Something you won't like here is that you won't be able to see your competitors bids. Even if you set your own prices, bids may give you an idea of how much an employer might be willing to pay; if you don´t like the numbers, you don't have to waste your time. But, all bids are blind bids on iFreelance.
Buyer Tips
If you prefer to know the identity of your bidders BEFORE selecting them, this is one of the very few places you can get that information,. Whereas contact exchange is strictly prohibited on commission-based freelancing sites, its not a problem for iFreelancer's.
Verdict
Though the no commission policy could be music to the ears of many freelancers used to paying up to 13% of their fees in commission, it seems that the upfront fees demanded from providers who have no clue as to whether they will ever get a job, remains a big deterrent for would be freelancers.
Reviews from users of the website are mixed, but many consistently state that there aren't that many qualified and reliable freelancers here. It´' a simple rule: charge an entry fee and you won´t see that many people around.
Last modified on Monday, 29 November 2010 09:36
