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Fiverr vs. Freelancer.com
Santiago Sanchez

Santiago Sanchez

10/7/2024

Fiverr and Freelancer.com are two popular companies when it comes to freelance work, but they have different approaches. That's why it’s important to review this comparison between Fiverr vs. Freelancer.com.

Fiverr is a marketplace designed for you to sell your services as a freelancer, while Freelancer.com is defined as a job board where you can apply to projects and participate in contests.

Both cover a wide range of job opportunities, with distinctive features that make them attractive to different working styles. So, to find out which is better—Fiverr or Freelancer.com—read this post.

Fiverr vs. Freelancer.com: A Comparison to Choose the Most Convenient Platform

Fiverr vs. Freelancer: Key Differences

The differences between Fiverr and Freelancer mainly revolve around how projects are structured and operated.

On Fiverr, the focus is on short-term jobs. Here, you can offer pre-designed services at different price levels based on your skills. This way, buyers can choose you according to their needs and budget.

At the same time, you have control over the format of the service you offer.

Freelancer.com, on the other hand, is one of the many alternatives to Fiverr, but this business model has a broader focus. It can encompass one-off jobs, ongoing projects, and even local work.

Clients or employers typically use this site to post customized projects and find professionals that fit what they’re looking for.

Additionally, the terminology they use to refer to users and the jobs also differ:


Fiverr

Freelancer.com

Jobs are called

Gigs

Jobs

Freelancers are

Sellers

Freelancers

Clients are

Buyers

Employers or clients

Factors to Consider

To determine which is better—Fiverr or Freelancer.com—here are the points you need to keep in mind:


Fiverr

Freelancer.com




Memberships

Free.

Seller Plus Program—Standard or Premium.

Free. 

Basic.

Plus.

Professional.

Premium.

Types of Jobs

By project.

Hourly, fixed price and on a competitive basis.




Commissions

Takes 20% of the earnings from each gig.

Per fixed project charge 10% or 5.00 USD (whichever is higher).

Per hour: 10%.

For competitions: 10% or USD 5.00 (whichever is greater).




Payment Methods 

PayPal.

Payoneer.

Bank Transfer. 

PayPal.

Payoneer.

Skrill.

Credit card.

Transfers.

Neither platform charges you for signing up on their websites.

Fiverr: Overview

This platform was launched in 2010, where services were initially capped at $5—hence the name. Of course, this changed as it grew, expanding its offerings to include projects of various price points.

Today, Fiverr has categories of all kinds so freelancers can sell their services based on their skills, including developers, designers, marketing experts, and more. It’s become a great option for making money from home.

The company was designed for freelancers to start the process by offering their services.

Pros

Cons

The commission charged by the platform is deducted when you receive the payment.

It has an internal messaging system to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers.

Holds the funds until the job is completed and the client approves it.

You can promote your gig to reach more clients.

Depending on the quality of your work, you can earn badges like Fiverr Choice and stand out from your competition. 

High commission rate.

Clients can purchase services without contacting the seller first.

Jobs

On Fiverr, there are two main ways to get projects:

1. Offering services: You can post your services or “gigs” and wait for clients to buy them or contact you with questions. This is the most common way to get jobs.

2. Applying to client requests: You also have the option to review buyer requests and offer your skills based on what they are looking for.

Additionally, you can apply for verified Fiverr Pro status and access higher-profile clients and exclusive job opportunities.

Pricing

There is no standard price on Fiverr, as you are responsible for setting your own rates. However, keep in mind the platform’s 20% commission on each sale you make. For example, if you’re paid $100 for a project, you’ll receive $80 after the 20% deduction.

Additionally, clients are charged an extra fee, so your prices need to be competitive to attract more opportunities. Your success and earnings depend on this, along with the projects you secure.

How Reliable is Fiverr?

Using the Fiverr Mexico version as a seller is safe. The platform won’t disclose your information, especially your financial details. Also, its protection system ensures that your payment reaches you once the project is completed.

Verification

As a freelancer, you can move up on Fiverr through a level system:

  • New Seller

  • Level 1

  • Level 2

  • Top-Rated Seller

These are automatically awarded (except for Top-Rated) and are based on your performance on the platform. So, when you start, you won’t have a badge, but as you progress, this changes along with the benefits. Of course, to advance, you must complete your orders on time with a high level of satisfaction.

This system reflects your consistency and ability to complete projects, helping you stand out among other freelancers. Higher levels, like Level 2 or Top-Rated Seller, make you more visible and help build trust with buyers.

Disputes

Disputes between sellers and buyers can happen on any platform, although it’s rare. Fiverr uses an interesting method to ensure fair resolutions for both parties.

When an issue arises, buyers and sellers must choose a solution from a predetermined list.
Options include:

  • Canceling the order.

  • Extending the delivery deadline.

  • Sellers can modify the order to add revisions or additional services.

  • Buyers can request an update on the project’s status.

The aim is for both sides to resolve the issue themselves before contacting customer service.

If responses aren’t provided in time, the platform may automatically cancel the order. This encourages the parties to reach a quick agreement, avoiding time and money losses.

Freelancer.com: Overview

Freelancer was founded in 2009 and is one of the alternatives to Fiverr for independent work.

Here, freelancers and employers can collaborate in various ways, giving you the opportunity to choose the one that suits you best.

The platform offers job opportunities for freelancers in different professions, from graphic designers and programmers to writers and accountants.

Unlike Fiverr, Freelancer.com focuses more on small and medium-sized businesses, which are the main entities seeking freelance services.

Pros

Cons

You can find fixed-rate, hourly, and contest-based jobs.

Clients come from all over the world.

You can search for projects or wait to be contacted by clients.

Commissions can be high in certain cases.

Participating in contests involves working without the guarantee of payment, as only the winner is compensated.

Jobs

Freelancer.com operates differently from Fiverr. On this platform, the main ways to find work are:

  • Submitting proposals: You can apply for projects posted by clients, whether it’s hourly or fixed-price work. However, you’ll need to wait for them to review your proposal and contact you.

  • Participating in contests: Instead of submitting proposals, Freelancer allows you to join contests, where you deliver a finished product, like a logo or design. If the client selects you, you get paid.

  • Selling services: You can always create your service listing in a format similar to other platforms, including the price, duration, and details of each service.

Additionally, you can filter projects by budget, duration, and required skills, making it easier to find listings that match your profile.

Pricing

On Freelancer, you can add your hourly or project rates to your profile. However, if you apply to a project, it will already have a set price determined by the client.

In any case, you can submit your proposal with a budget based on the number of hours or total project cost within the specified range. Keeping your prices competitive while valuing your experience and skills is essential.

You can also negotiate the rates.

It’s important to consider commissions when calculating your fees to ensure they remain competitive. Remember, for fixed-price projects, the commission is 10% or $5.00 USD, and for hourly projects, it’s 10%.

Similarly, they take 10% or $5.00 USD if you win a contest.

How Reliable is Freelancer.com?

Like Fiverr or Upwork, Freelancer.com provides a secure payment system for both parties. This means the platform holds your payment before you start working on the project.

However, spam and scams have become a constant issue on the platform in recent years. As a result, many freelancers and employers have stopped using the service.

Verification

On Freelancer.com, the approach is different from Fiverr.

Their system varies based on identity verification options. You can verify your identity using your phone number, social media account, or payment method.

For employers, this process isn’t very convincing since it doesn’t reflect your project history on the site or your ability to complete jobs. But while it doesn’t offer the same level of confidence as Fiverr’s levels, it can improve your initial credibility with clients.

Disputes

If issues arise on Freelancer.com, you’ll encounter a more formal and structured process than on Fiverr.

In this case, documented evidence must be presented to support both parties' positions. If the dispute advances to the final stages, additional fees may apply.

Additionally, clients tend to have a slight advantage as they are given a longer response time for resolution.

It could be said that the options are more limited than Fiverr’s when it comes to quickly resolving conflicts.

So, Which Is the Best Option for You?

The models are different, so deciding which is better—Fiverr or Freelancer.com—depends on the style you prefer.

Fiverr is excellent for offering specific services and working with multiple clients simultaneously. Plus, the workflow and pricing structure favor your autonomy.

On the other hand, Freelancer.com may be better suited if you lean toward ongoing or hourly projects.

Both platforms offer valuable opportunities, but Fiverr is one of the freelancers' favorite companies.

The good news is that DolarApp will work well on either platform for receiving your payments. It allows you to receive dollars quickly and securely, with favorable exchange rates and no hidden fees.

FAQs

What are other good alternatives to Fiverr and Freelancer?

Upwork is an excellent option, with useful resources and features for both new and experienced freelancers. Other alternatives include Toptal, which offers specific approaches for different types of projects.

Which platform is easier to use, Fiverr or Freelancer?

Fiverr is well-organized, has a simpler interface, and is easier to navigate, making it ideal for any freelancer. Freelancer, while offering more features, can be more complex for freelancers and clients.

Between Fiverr vs. Freelancer, which is more suitable for beginners?

Both platforms are good for beginners, but if you plan to sell specific services, Fiverr is more appropriate. Meanwhile, Freelancer may be your best option if you prefer to apply for client projects.

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