Are you a freelancer looking for a fiverr alternative? Fiverr has been a top choice for both freelancers and clients, providing a wide range of services. However, it comes with a big downside: high fees and restrictions that prevent you from building your own client relationships off platform.. Many freelancers are now searching for alternatives that offer more freedom over client management and better earnings. In this post, we’ll walk you through the 7 best options beyond Fiverr. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
- Fiverr’s Pros and Cons
- Best Fiverr Alternatives
- Key Factors to Consider When Looking for Fiverr Alternatives
- Conclusion
Fiverr’s Pros and Cons
Fiverr offers freelancers a convenient platform to connect with clients globally, but it’s not without its downsides. While its wide reach and user-friendly setup attract many, the platform’s 20% fee on every job completed can significantly reduce freelancers’ earnings. Moreover, Fiverr’s restriction on accepting payments outside the platform can lead to severe consequences, such as account bans. Therefore freelancers often face a dilemma: they want to benefit from Fiverr’s ease of use and wide reach, but they also crave more control over their earnings and client connections. Finding a solution means exploring other platforms that provide higher pay and more flexibility, all while still being easy to use.
Best Fiverr Alternatives:
CheckYa:
CheckYa is an all in one tool designed for freelancers and small businesses that simplifies tasks like invoicing, payment processing, appointment scheduling, selling digital products, receiving donations, and more, all within a single platform.
If you’re feeling constrained by the limitations of Fiverr, CheckYa offers a refreshing alternative. Once freelancers have established their client base on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, they can easily transition to CheckYa to take full ownership of their client relationships. CheckYa simplifies the process of invoicing clients and receiving payments, providing freelancers with a cost-effective solution. Unlike other platforms, CheckYa prioritizes freelancer autonomy by allowing them to maintain ownership of their client relationships. This means you can build lasting connections directly with your clients without being tethered to a platform. Moreover, CheckYa offers freelancers the flexibility to bypass Fiverr’s strict payment rules, providing a secure way to receive payments outside of the platform.
When freelancers operate through Fiverr, they often find themselves at a disadvantage: while they do the work, Fiverr ultimately owns the customer. However, with CheckYa, the tables turn. Our platform puts freelancers in control of their client relationships. Through our customer management system, you’re able to maintain your own database of past and potential customers. Think of it as combining the best of both worlds – the ease of Fiverr with the autonomy of owning your client base. Unlike Fiverr’s 20% fee, using CheckYa is free, allowing you to maximize your earnings. With us, you’re not just a service provider; you’re a business owner with full control over your client connections.
Upwork:
Upwork is a popular platform for freelancers, offering a wide range of job categories and a large client base. Unlike Fiverr’s fixed 20% fee, Freelancers are only charged a 10% service fee when they use the platform. However, clients considering hiring freelancers on Upwork should be aware of a one-time $9.95 contract initiation fee for new projects, as well as a 5% Client Marketplace Fee on all payments to talent. This fee may decrease to 3% for U.S. clients paying with a checking account. If you prefer to avoid these fees, you can work with your established clients independently and then invoice them through CheckYa, which charges no fees for clients and only a maximum of 0.5% for invoicing services.
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is another Fiverr alternative for freelancers seeking diverse job opportunities and a broad client base. Similar to Fiverr, Freelancer.com imposes service fees on both talent and clients, with some differences in its fee structure. For talent engaged in fixed-price projects, Freelancer.com levies a fee of 10% of the project bid amount or $5, whichever is higher. This fee applies universally and is converted into the relevant currency based on the freelancer’s location. On the other hand, for hourly contracts, talent is charged a 10% fee on each milestone payment. Clients using the fixed-price projects are subject to a fee of 3% of the winning project bid amount or $3, whichever is higher. Similarly, this fee is converted based on the client’s location. For hourly contracts, clients pay 3% of every milestone payment.
It’s important to note that freelancers who accept fixed-rate contracts on Freelancer.com are obligated to pay the 10% fee (or $5) upfront. This implies that securing work on Freelancer.com may require freelancers to have some funds readily available.
Toptal:
As a freelancer, gaining entry into Toptal means joining an elite group comprising only the top 3% of talent in each industry. Compared to other Fiverr alternatives, Toptal stands out for its rigorous selection process. While Fiverr offers a wide range of gigs at various rates, Toptal focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring that freelancers are compensated accordingly for their top-notch skills. For freelancers aiming to break into Toptal, the screening process is comprehensive. With a five-stage examination process, including live screening and professional review, Toptal ensures that only the best freelancers are accepted. While gaining entry may be challenging due to the competitive nature of the selection process, those who make it in can expect lucrative opportunities and a platform that values excellence. To hire talent from Toptal clients are required to make a $500 initial deposit, which is credited towards the first invoice upon securing a project. While this deposit may seem daunting for clients, it serves as an investment in accessing premium freelancers and high-quality services through Toptal. If the client decides not to move forward, the deposit will be refunded completely.
People per hour:
PeoplePerHour is a platform similar to Fiverr, connecting freelancers with clients worldwide. PeoplePerHour offers freelancers the option of fixed-price or hourly-rate projects, providing flexibility in pricing. Freelancers can also customize proposals for each client, strengthening relationships and project values. Freelancers on PeoplePerHour don’t face sign-up fees or charges for browsing projects. Instead, they pay service fees based on their earnings tier, ranging from 3.5% to 20%. Clients are charged a service fee of 3.5% to 7.5% on project payments. Here’s the breakdown:
Fees for Freelancers and Clients:
PeoplePerHour charges freelancers a service fee based on their earnings tier:
- Over £5000-lifetime billing per buyer: 3.5% (excl. VAT) service fee
- Between £250 and £5000-lifetime billing per buyer: 7.5% (excl. VAT) service fee
- Below £250-lifetime billing per buyer: 20% (excl. VAT) service fee
Truelancer:
Truelancer is a platform similar to Fiverr, offering freelancers a space to showcase their skills and connect with clients globally. While both platforms offer similar services and prioritize affordability, Truelancer stands out for its flexibility in customizing projects. Unlike Fiverr, which often sticks to standard formats, Truelancer allows for more personalized workflows and unique gigs. Truelancer charges freelancers a Service Fee ranging from 8% to 10% on all billed work, depending on their membership plan. The membership plans, ranging from free to $50, and incur a Project/Service Fee of 10% and 8% respectively. Freelancers must navigate these fees while competing with counterparts in low-cost regions. Despite this, Truelancer remains appealing to businesses seeking affordable outsourcing options across various fields.
Guru:
Guru is another Fiverr alternative connecting talented freelancers with clients looking for different services. It offers an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of job categories, giving both freelancers and clients plenty of opportunities to work together. Unlike Fiverr’s straightforward pricing model where freelancers set their prices and Fiverr takes a commission, Guru operates differently. Freelancers bid on projects by submitting proposals, and clients choose the best fit. It’s important to note that Guru also charges subscription fees for premium memberships, ranging from Basic (free) to Executive ($49.95 per month), in addition to a job fee on every paid invoice. This fee varies based on the membership plan, ranging from 9% for Basic and Basic+ to 5% for Executive. These fees should be considered as they may impact your overall earnings as a freelancer on Guru.
Key Factors to Consider When Looking for Fiverr Alternatives:
As freelancers explore alternatives to Fiverr, several essential factors should guide their decision-making process. Understanding these key considerations can help freelancers identify the best platforms that align with their needs and goals.
Specialization and Job Categories:
Consider the range of job categories offered by alternative platforms. Some platforms may specialize in specific industries or skills, while others offer a broader spectrum of services. Choose a platform that aligns with your expertise and the type of services you offer.
Pricing Structure:
Evaluate the pricing structure of alternative platforms. Look for platforms that offer transparent and fair pricing, taking into account any service fees, membership costs, or commission rates. Consider how these fees may impact your earnings and profitability.
Client Base and Opportunities:
Assess the size and diversity of the client base on alternative platforms. Look for platforms that attract a broad range of clients seeking various services. A larger client base increases your chances of finding consistent work and opportunities for growth.
Quality Control and Reputation:
Research the reputation and quality control measures of alternative platforms. Look for platforms that prioritize quality assurance, client satisfaction, and dispute resolution processes. Positive reviews and testimonials from both freelancers and clients are indicators of a reputable platform.
Flexibility and Customization:
Consider the level of flexibility and customization offered by alternative platforms. Look for platforms that allow you to set your own prices, negotiate terms with clients, and customize project details according to your preferences. Flexibility empowers you to tailor your services and workflows to meet client needs effectively.
Payment Security and Timeliness:
Ensure that alternative platforms offer secure and timely payment processing systems. Look for platforms that provide reliable payment methods, protect against payment disputes, and facilitate prompt payouts to freelancers. Payment security and timeliness are crucial for maintaining financial stability and trust with clients.
Support and Resources:
Explore the support and resources available to freelancers on alternative platforms. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive support services, including customer support, educational resources, and community forums. Access to guidance and assistance can help you navigate challenges and maximize your success on the platform.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, for freelancers seeking alternatives to Fiverr, exploring platforms like Truelancer, Guru, PeoplePerHour, and Toptal offers numerous advantages. Each platform provides unique features and pricing structures tailored to freelancers’ needs and goals. If a freelancer has built their own list of clients and wants more control, then CheckYa would be the best option as it allows them to control and own the client relationship. By carefully weighing all their options, freelancers can make informed decisions to improve their earnings and career growth. The freelance landscape is rich with opportunities, and venturing beyond Fiverr opens new avenues for success in freelancer’s journeys.
