Are you a freelancer looking to understand whether Upwork or Fiverr is best for you to find clients? You have come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll cover in detail about Upwork and Fiverr, how it works, the fees associated with them, as well as the rules and penalties to consider. Whether you’re an experienced freelancer or just starting out, this comprehensive comparison will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about which platform to choose. In addition to comparing Upwork and Fiverr, we’ll also introduce you to tools designed to streamline billing processes, allowing you to retain a greater portion of your earnings by minimizing fees. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
Upwork:
Finding Freelance Work on Upwork:
When you sign up for Upwork as a freelancer, you gain access to a wide range of job opportunities. Here’s how you can find work on Upwork:
- Using Connects: Freelancers can submit proposals for jobs by using Connects, which act as virtual tokens required to apply for projects.
- Accepting Invitations: Freelancers may also receive invitations from clients or Talent Scout recruiters, allowing them to explore potential projects.
- Selling Services: Additionally, freelancers can list their services in the Project Catalog, making it easier for clients to find and hire them.
On Upwork, you’ll encounter clients ranging from solopreneurs to large enterprises, offering diverse projects and opportunities.
Fiverr Vs Upwork: Key Differences
While both Upwork and Fiverr serve as platforms for freelancers to find work, there are notable differences between the two:
- Types of Clients: Upwork caters to a wide range of clients, from solopreneurs to large enterprises, with many clients spending significant amounts annually. In contrast, Fiverr tends to attract clients who spend less on average per year.
- Profile Badges and Seller Levels: Upwork offers various badges and seller levels, such as Rising Talent, Top Rated, and Expert-Vetted Talent, based on freelancer performance and achievements. Fiverr, on the other hand, categorizes sellers into levels like New Seller, Rising Talent, Level One, Level Two, and Top-Rated Seller.
- Applying for Jobs: While freelancers on Upwork can apply for jobs using Connects or respond to invitations, Fiverr does not have a direct job application process for freelancers.
- Workflow and Payment: Upwork follows a structured workflow where freelancers submit proposals, discuss project details with clients, enter into contracts, complete work, and receive payment. Payment methods on Upwork vary by country and include options like direct deposit, PayPal, and Payoneer. Upwork charges a flat fee of 10% on all earnings.
Special Features of Upwork:
Upwork offers several special features to enhance the freelancing experience, including:
- 10 free Connects every month for submitting proposals.
- Hourly payment protection and direct contracts for secure transactions.
- A free Talent Scout program that provides handpicked opportunities from Talent Specialists.
- Feedback removal and additional insights with a Freelancer Plus subscription.
- A desktop app for automatic time tracking and submission for client review.
Challenges using Upwork:
The following are the two most common challenges faced by freelancers looking to get clients on Upwork.
- Dealing with Fake Clients: Some clients on Upwork may not have genuine intentions, leading to frustrating situations where freelancers aren’t paid for their work.
- Getting Hired in a Competitive Environment: Competition on Upwork can be fierce, especially for new freelancers.
Upwork Fees:
As a freelancer on Upwork, understanding the platform’s fee structure is essential for managing your earnings effectively. Upwork charges a standard 10% freelancer service fee on all contracts, whether they’re hourly, fixed-price, or through the Project Catalog. For example, if you earn $200 from a project, Upwork will deduct $20 as the service fee, leaving you with $180 in earnings.
Fiverr:
Fiverr is another popular platform that offers freelancers a unique avenue to showcase their skills and connect with clients from around the world. Let’s dive into what Fiverr has to offer and how it compares to Upwork.
Finding Freelance Work on Fiverr:
When you sign up for Fiverr as a freelancer, you gain access to a diverse marketplace where you can offer your services to potential clients. Here’s how you can find work on Fiverr:
- Posting Gigs: Freelancers create and list their services as “Gigs” on Fiverr, showcasing their expertise and offerings to potential clients.
- Responding to Buyer Requests: Freelancers can also respond to buyer requests posted on Fiverr, allowing them to pitch their services directly to clients in need.
Fiverr caters to a wide range of clients, from solopreneurs to large enterprises, seeking quick solutions to their needs.
Upwork Vs Fiverr:Key Differences
While both Fiverr and Upwork serve as platforms for freelancers to find work, there are notable differences between the two:
- Types of Clients: Fiverr attracts clients who may spend less on average per year compared to Upwork clients. However, Fiverr’s marketplace structure makes it easier for clients to find specific services quickly.
- Profile Levels: Fiverr categorizes sellers into levels such as New Seller, Rising Talent, Level One, Level Two, and Top-Rated Seller, based on performance and achievements.
- Applying for Jobs: Unlike Upwork, Fiverr does not have a direct job application process for freelancers. Instead, freelancers rely on creating attractive Gigs and responding to buyer requests to find work.
- Workflow and Payment: Fiverr follows a streamlined workflow where freelancers complete work within an allotted time frame and receive payment upon completion. Payment methods on Fiverr include options like PayPal, Payoneer, and the Fiverr Revenue Card.
Special Features of Fiverr:
Fiverr offers several special features to enhance the freelancing experience, including:
- Fiverr Pro: A curated selection of top-tier freelancers who undergo a rigorous application process to join.
- Promoted Gigs: Freelancers can pay to have their Gigs featured more prominently in search results, increasing visibility and potential client engagement.
- Desktop App: Fiverr’s desktop app provides freelancers with a convenient way to manage their Gigs, communicate with clients, and track their earnings.
Challenges using Fiverr:
While Fiverr offers freelancers a platform to showcase their skills and connect with clients, it’s not without its challenges. Freelancers often encounter pain points that can impact their success and satisfaction with the platform. Let’s explore some of these pain points and how freelancers can navigate them:
- Risk of Project Cancellations and Refunds: On Fiverr, clients have the ability to cancel projects and issue refunds, even after milestones have been completed and accepted by the client. This can be particularly frustrating for freelancers who invest time and effort into delivering quality work, only to have their earnings reverted back to the client.
- Scams and Fake Profiles: Freelancers on Fiverr may encounter scams and fake profiles, which can lead to wasted time and potential financial loss. Reporting fake profiles to Fiverr may result in delays in response time, leaving freelancers vulnerable to further scams in the meantime.
- Challenges with Off-Platform Communication: Freelancers may encounter clients who prefer to communicate and transact outside of the Fiverr platform, which goes against the platform’s terms of service. Refusing off-platform communication can lead to missed opportunities or client ghosting.
Fiverr Fees:
Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on all transactions, including project fees and tips, regardless of their value or type. For example, if you complete a $1000 project, Fiverr will deduct $200 as the commission, leaving you with $800. This commission rate remains the same, whether your project is $2000 or $5000. To ensure you’re earning what you expect, factor in this commission when setting your rates. Additionally, explore ways to maximize your earnings, such as optimizing your gig descriptions, delivering excellent service, and using Fiverr’s promotional tools to attract more clients.
Upwork Vs Fiverr: Comparison Table
| Feature | Fiverr | Upwork |
| Finding Freelance Work | Posting Gigs, Responding to Buyer Requests | Using Connects, Accepting Invitations, Selling Services |
| Types of Clients | Diverse range, often seeking quick solutions | Wide spectrum, including solopreneurs to enterprises |
| Profile Levels | New Seller, Rising Talent, Level One, Level Two, Top-Rated Seller | Rising Talent, Top Rated, Expert-Vetted Talent |
| Applying for Jobs | No direct job application process | Applying through Connects, Invitations, Project Catalog |
| Workflow and Payment | Completion within agreed time frame, payment upon completion | Structured workflow, various payment methods |
| Special Features | Fiverr Pro, Promoted Gigs, Desktop App | Free Connects, Talent Scout program, Desktop App |
| Challenges | Risk of Project Cancellations and Refunds, Scams and Fake Profiles, Off-Platform Communication | Dealing with Fake Clients, Getting Hired in a Competitive Environment |
| Fees | 20% commission on all transactions | 10% freelancer service fee on all contracts |
Upwork Vs Fiverr: Which is better?
Choosing between Fiverr and Upwork depends on your specific needs, preferences, and goals as a freelancer.
Fiverr offers a streamlined platform with straightforward gig posting and a user-friendly interface. It’s ideal for freelancers looking to offer specialized services and attract clients quickly. However, freelancers should be aware of the risk of project cancellations, scams, and the platform’s 20% commission fee and you have no ownership over the clients you work with.
Upwork on the other hand, provides a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries and client types. It’s suitable for freelancers seeking long-term projects, professional networking opportunities, and structured workflows. Challenges include dealing with fake clients and the competitive environment, along with a 10% freelancer service fee.
Therefore, consider your unique skill set, target market, preferred workflow, and fee structure when choosing between Fiverr and Upwork. Exploring both platforms and understanding their features and challenges will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your freelance career objectives.
Bill Your Clients and Keep More of Your Earnings With CheckYa:
As a freelancer, building trust with your clients is essential for long-term relationships and securing repeat business. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide valuable opportunities to connect with clients and showcase your skills, but they also come with fees that can eat into your earnings. Thankfully, there’s a solution that allows you to bill your clients directly and retain more of your hard-earned income: CheckYa.
CheckYa is a versatile platform designed to meet the diverse needs of freelancers. It serves as a comprehensive solution for sending invoices, receiving payments, selling digital downloads, offering consultations, and accepting donations, all in one convenient place.
Both Upwork and Fiverr charge fees on every transaction, cutting into the freelancer’s earnings. Upwork’s fee is 10% of the total payment, while Fiverr charges a higher fee of 20%. For freelancers working with longstanding clients, these fees can become a significant expense over time.
CheckYa offers freelancers the opportunity to invoice clients directly, bypassing the fees associated with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. By using CheckYa, freelancers can bill clients for their services and retain more of their earnings, as CheckYa charges a minimal fee of only 0.5% on transactions. Following are the benefits of billing via CheckYa.
Benefits of Using CheckYa:
- Cost Savings: With CheckYa’s low fee of 0.5%, freelancers can significantly reduce their expenses and keep more of their earnings.
- Client Ownership: By invoicing clients directly through CheckYa, freelancers maintain ownership of their client relationships, ensuring continuity and long-term business opportunities.
- Flexibility: CheckYa offers freelancers the flexibility to bill clients on their own terms, without the restrictions imposed by traditional freelancing platforms.
For freelancers with longstanding clients on Upwork or Fiverr, transitioning to direct invoicing through CheckYa is a straightforward process. Simply communicate with your clients and offer them the option to receive invoices directly from you. Highlight the benefits of direct invoicing, such as cost savings to encourage them to make the switch.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both Fiverr and Upwork offer unique opportunities for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with clients. While Fiverr excels in streamlined gig posting and special features like Fiverr Pro, Upwork stands out for its diverse client base and structured workflow. Freelancers should carefully consider their preferences, such as the types of projects they prefer and their comfort level with fees and challenges, to determine which platform best aligns with their career goals. By exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, freelancers can make an informed decision to maximize their success in the competitive world of freelancing.
