Navigating the world of freelance platforms can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to compare fees between different platforms. To make this process easier for you, we have compiled a fun, interactive, and highly readable article comparing the fees of Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. The article is written in an easy-to-understand language, perfect for non-native English speakers. So, let’s dive in and explore these popular platforms!
Fees Difference Between Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr & PPH
Freelancer Fees
Freelancer is a well-established platform that has been operating since 2009. It boasts millions of users from around the world, making it a go-to option for many clients and freelancers. The platform’s fee structure is designed to cater to a wide range of projects and budgets, making it suitable for both small and large-scale endeavors. However, keep in mind that the more upgrades you purchase, the higher your overall costs will be.
Buyer fees:
- Project fees: Freelancer charges buyers a 3% project fee or $3, whichever is greater. This fee is applicable for every project you post.
- Optional upgrades: You can purchase upgrades like Featured Project ($9), Urgent Project ($9), or Private Project ($19) to give your project more visibility or protect your privacy.
Seller fees:
- Fixed-price projects: For projects under $500, Freelancer charges a 10% fee or $5, whichever is greater. For projects between $500 and $5000, the fee is 5%, and for projects above $5000, the fee is 3%.
- Hourly projects: Freelancer charges a flat 10% fee on hourly projects.
- Services: For services, sellers pay a 20% fee on the total amount earned.
Freelancer’s fee structure for sellers is designed to encourage larger projects and long-term collaborations. The reduced fees for higher-value projects mean that sellers can retain more of their earnings as they build successful relationships with clients. However, for smaller projects, the fees can be comparatively high, so it’s essential for freelancers to consider this when bidding on projects and setting their rates.
Upwork Fees
Upwork, previously known as Elance-oDesk, is another leading freelance platform with a vast pool of professionals from various industries. The platform offers a simple and transparent fee structure for buyers, with the 3% payment processing fee applied to all transactions. Upwork’s optional upgrades, such as Premium Job Posts, can be beneficial for buyers looking to attract the best talent quickly. However, this may increase the overall cost of hiring freelancers on the platform.
Upwork’s fee structure for sellers rewards long-term relationships and higher-value projects. The sliding scale encourages freelancers to work with the same clients for an extended period, as they can reduce their fees by increasing their lifetime billings with each client. This structure benefits both freelancers and clients, as it promotes trust and loyalty in working relationships. However, freelancers should be aware of the relatively high initial 20% fee on their first $500 of earnings.
Buyer Fees:
- Payment processing fee: Upwork charges a 3% payment processing fee on every transaction.
- Optional upgrades: You can purchase additional features like Premium Job Posts for enhanced visibility and access to top talent.
Seller fees (sliding scale):
- $0-$500: 20% fee
- $500.01-$10,000: 10% fee
- Over $10,000: 5% fee
Starting May 3, 2023, Upwork will charge a fixed fee of 10% from Sellers.
Fiverr Fees
Fiverr’s unique approach focuses on offering gigs, which are fixed-price services starting as low as $5. This makes it an attractive option for buyers looking for quick, affordable services. The straightforward buyer fees make it easy for clients to understand and calculate their total expenses. However, for more complex or high-value projects, the platform may not be as suitable, as the gig structure might not accommodate the required flexibility.
Fiverr’s flat 20% commission for sellers is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it offers a straightforward fee structure that simplifies calculations for freelancers. On the other hand, it can be quite a significant cut, especially for those offering high-value services. It is essential for freelancers to factor in the commission when pricing their gigs, to ensure they still make a reasonable profit after fees are deducted.
Buyer fees:
- Service fee: Fiverr charges a $2 service fee for orders up to $40 and a 5% fee for orders above $40.
Seller fees:
- Fiverr takes a 20% commission on each completed gig, regardless of the gig’s price.
PeoplePerHour Fees
PeoplePerHour, a UK-based platform, focuses on connecting clients with freelancers for hourly or fixed-price projects. The platform’s fee structure for buyers is designed to reward long-term collaborations. As clients spend more with a freelancer, their service fees decrease, making it more cost-effective for buyers to maintain ongoing relationships with their preferred freelancers.
The fee structure for sellers on PeoplePerHour also encourages long-term relationships with clients. As the lifetime billings with a buyer increase, the platform’s fees decrease, allowing freelancers to retain more of their earnings. However, freelancers should be prepared for the initial 20% fee on their first $350 billed with a new client, which can be quite significant for small projects or one-time gigs.
Buyer fees:
Service fee: PeoplePerHour charges a 10% service fee on the first $350 spent with a freelancer, and a 3.5% fee on any amount spent above $350.
Seller fees (sliding scale):
- First $350 billed with a buyer: 20% fee
- $350.01 – $7,000: 7.5% fee
- Over $7,000: 3.5% fee
Conclusion
Now that you have a detailed comparison of the fees for Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour, you can make an informed decision about which platform suits your needs best. Keep in mind that each platform has its unique features, so you may want to explore them further before settling on one. Good luck with your freelance journey!
