Marketplace Updates: Changes to Upwork Applic... - Page 3

50768745 · ‎08-16-2023

Our goal is to make the number of Connects per proposal better reflect the demand for work in the Marketplace. This change will help us facilitate better matches, increase flexibility to price projects accurately, and attract more top tier clients to the platform.

Check out the product release for Marketplace Updates: Changes to Upwork Application Prices, and let us know your thoughts and question in the comments below.

shibajyoti · ‎08-20-2023

SO avg price for a job on Upwork is 12 - 16 connects ?

free monthly connects per account is 10.

Can somebody explain me how do I utilize these connects ? Is there a facility to order Pizza and fries on this platform ?

Or is Upwork so broke, that it wants its freelacners to spend my OWN MONEY TO GET A JOB ?

Well Clients dont dance to Upwork's rules. they have better ways of contacting freelacners, other than UW portal, including other freelancing sites.

wishing luck to Upwork Management. Unfortunately you cant suppress everthing in this world.

spectralua · ‎08-20-2023

Yep, you can apply to one job for each 2 months for free. With many fake\scam jobs it will be one real job for an 50 years. 🙂

oahmad1 · ‎08-21-2023

And there is this as well.
Have you noticed an uptick in scam offers on Upwork recently?

I think the May 4th layoffs have affected UW similarly as they have affected Twitter/X.
Upwork to Lay Off 15% of Workforce or 137 Employees

vitaliypos · ‎08-21-2023

Hi all,

I've been with Upwork for around 8 years, and this year is the worst year in terms of competition (it has increased dramatically) and requirements to apply for a job. I don't mind paying a FAIR price for a project but what's the sense of using Upwork if for the general project, there're over 20 or even over 50 proposals applied in 1-2 hours? Furthermore, you need 16 connects just to apply for a job, I'm not talking about actually receiving an offer!

I'm really disappointed with the latest updates. I receive 10 connects monthly and I can't even apply for a job I like - what's wrong with the system? Seems the platform become not freelancer-friendly.

cjourney · ‎08-23-2023

Wow! Now Upwork is charging freelancers 16 connects to apply for projects and jobs?

They just recently raised it to 8 and now it's double?!

This is pure GREED on Upwork's part!

I've recently applied to several so-called projects that never had any subsequent activity on them. Freelancers have to "pay to play" now, and many of the projects are either scams or just a waste of time and "connects" because the client never hires anyone.

I've been on this platform a long time, and I remember when freelancers could submit proposals for any project absolutely free. Plus, the projects/clients were of higher quality. Now, the platform is full of spammy junk jobs, freelancers are being charged at every turn, and they keep raising prices.

Upwork used to be a reputable freelance platform with decent, legitimate projects. Now, it's just a money pit.

1d168948 · ‎08-23-2023

try PLUS membership

cjourney · ‎08-23-2023

80 connects a month on the Plus plan only allows you to submit 5 proposals a month (16 x 5), which is basically 1 per week. Freelancers actively searching for work are going to submit more than 1 proposal a week.

If Upwork's end goal is to "cull the herd" and offer a premium service, then they should move to a monthly subscription model with one flat rate and unlimited proposals (similar to FlexJobs). This current piecemeal model is a rip-off and only serves to frustrate freelancers.

Furthermore, the 10 connects given on the Basic plan each month are now useless since they've raised the price to 16 connects per submission.

...And if there's been no activity on a job posting, then freelancers who submitted proposals should get their connects back. It's not fair to waste our money on clients who aren't serious about hiring.

tlsanders · ‎08-23-2023

How much would you be wiling to pay for unlimited free proposals? Figure that now they have huge numbers of freelancers who are sending 100 proposals/month, which is $240/month at 16 connects. Some send more. Are you up for a $250+ monthly fee?

cjourney · ‎08-23-2023

IMO, a tiered monthly subscription model would be better than paying per submission.

cec1c8e3 · ‎08-25-2023

You've spoken well, my sister. The 10 free connects a month is as useless as anything. I was so shocked when I came on to submit proposals for jobs and discovered I needed 16 connects to apply for a job. Yet some of these jobs are scam jobs or the ones that no activity is done afterwards. I guess Upwork is now a marketplace for the elites. It's crazy though.

marjan22 · ‎08-23-2023

"This change will help us facilitate better matches, increase flexibility to price projects accurately, and attract more top tier clients to the platform."

According to this logic, if they make 25$ per job or more, not just 2.5$ per job, we will get best matches,not just better, and for sure that will attract the best of best clients to the platform.

Thank you Upwork

cec1c8e3 · ‎08-25-2023

Why do we have jobs that require as high as 16 connects to apply? Why are there no longer jobs of 2, 4 and 6 connects? The little connects I had has finished, yet no jobs yet.

Am I the only one noticing this?

194c3f89 · ‎08-25-2023

It's a problem we also have in the Middle East, and I thought it was just me

731b24c8 · ‎08-25-2023

Stan - while it's an initiative with great potential that helps curate better quality experiences - why was the community not involved in the discussions about increasing connects. Many won't have the budgets to deal with these increases in connect prices. A better way IMO would have been to embrace the community and to say "why" the decision is being made and to phase it in so the supply side can plan.

Sadly, it clearly shows that Upwork does not respect that it is a two-sided marketplace - where the supply side (freelancers) and clients come together, and that is does not respect its supply side. Of course, Upwork has to make money and the reduction in commissions taken was a great initiative. That said by initiating a top-down strategy without community involvement against a community-driven platform is a recipe for disaster.

It sends a very bad signal. I understand that the AI landscape presents a major long-term risk to your entire platform as knowledge work is under threat but without involvement of the community there WILL be an exodus of core stakeholders that make the platform so good.

Knowledge work-based freelancers are already feeling the pain through AI don't make it even worse by not involving them - or at the very least give them a voice.

By working collaboratively the end result will be :

more engaged stakeholders

longer-term contracts supported by longer-term freelancers

increased profits in the long -run

jessalou14 · ‎08-25-2023

I don't think they reduced their commissions. They were most likely losing more money with the 5% charge for long term clients than implementing a 20% charge for the first $500. I was happier with the previous commission structure because it rewarded long term relationships.

731b24c8 · ‎08-29-2023

Great point Jessa - longer-term relationships are rewarded. I guess for most it takes time to find the longer-term clients which means there are more and more smaller jobs that have to be done - much as we all hate it, they pay the bills...

93eafed7 · ‎08-26-2023

This makes no sense and sounds like something our government would say to cover up greed.

Demand for work in the Marketplace - you mean more people are needing to apply for jobs so you want to take advantage of the supply/demand to increase your profits.

This change will help us facilitate better matches - how? I am not going to spend 16 connects on a job from a client who just created their profile yesterday. New clients are not going to get a lot of proposals and will stop posting jobs on the site. Only people who will apply are going to be the ones more desperate, not more qualified.

Increase flexibility to price projects accurately - what does this have anything to do with connects?

Attract more top tier clients to the platform - crazy you think having disgruntled freelancers, less people proposing because now we have to be even more selective about the jobs we PAY TO APPLY FOR, and freelancers using other sites to find jobs. For the first time in a few years, I'm going back to using other platforms to find work. Upwork has mad a fortune from my hours and now want more from me.

I hope you take all the suggestions in these replies about refunding connects for jobs where employers don't respond or never even interview anyone. I'm worried clients will see less proposals and stop depending on upwork as their only source.

dacash11 · ‎08-28-2023

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

This is a job post of 50$. The client is asking a minimum BID of 12 connects...

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SYSTEM INNOT SUSTAINABLE ANYMORE AND WE ARE ALL MOVING OUT FROM THIS PLATFORM??

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE RISK OF NOT LISTENING TO FREELNCERS NEEDS?

sajal36 · ‎08-28-2023

Hi Ciro,

Can you post the statistics for this job post. Remove your data from the statistics before you post. I want to understand what is the client hiring ratio, from when he is member and other details in the right column when you click the job post.

the-right-writer · ‎08-30-2023

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE RISK OF NOT LISTENING TO FREELNCERS NEEDS?

Your threat means nothing. There are many millions of freelancers here, and if 90% left, the platform would be doing much better.

Your profile says 30K, and you can't afford $1.80 to apply? You are a freelancer. Who pays for your costs? You are supposed to, but if you have some fairy freelancer godmother that pays for everything, then have her pay for the connects.

a4125790 · ‎08-28-2023

What's going Upwork, I can barely see a job with 8 connects, it's all been 16 connects and above. This is getting too much, I have spent some amount of money on connects making just peanuts to reach my wallet. Even Invitation are not coming like before, Is it the competition? or what?

lascap_01 · ‎08-28-2023

60 connects per months give us the opportunity of bidding on 3 jobs per month without having to buy any new one, since most of all the jobs are 16 connects, now how should I do whit only 3 jobs opportunity per month, knowing that maybe none of the 3 will work for me, ... what is going on Upwork?

spectralua · ‎08-28-2023

Do you mean 60 bundled with freelancer-plus? It is also not free, you pay for it. Upwork want you to pay more.

jessalou14 · ‎08-29-2023

I'm so sick and tired of being charged 16 connects only for clients to disappear without any activity whatsoever. Ghosting is bad enough. Paying for ghosting makes it way worse. There should be a refund policy if Upwork really wants to be fair. Freelancers also need to be protected somehow.

the-right-writer · ‎08-30-2023

There is nothing in the Terms about being "fair." It is a subjective term that is not applicable in freelancing. If you think it is not "fair", whatever that means to you, then stop doing it. If your ROI is poor, stop doing it. How long will people continue to do the same thing when the results are always poor?

Protected? Would you like Upwork to find you jobs? And not charge? Well, you are not alone. Many freelancers whine bitterly about the unfairness of Upwork. Upwork has serious issues that they are ignoring, but the connects should not be a problem.

Freelancing means you are responsible for all costs. Connects should be the tiniest amount of your budget. Your profile says 10K. How can you make money and never spend it? If your ROI is poor, stop doing what you are doing. Upwork is not going to take people by the hand and guarantee jobs. That's called employment.

dacash11 · ‎09-15-2023

Hi Jeanne,

you should make the maths with other people money. That is rude, arrogant and you lack of view.

Oh I forgot, your view is just to think about yourself.

we dont need your comments

shibajyoti · ‎08-29-2023

Dont blame the F/L's for your platforms incapability to run a business model.

Freelanceers pay for everything, and the money is always reaching to your account irrespective of what happens to them.

The moderators are just sitting to censor or delete things that arent of your liking. And then your expect people to feed your for free ?

Stop assuming freelancers as "Dumb".

624c7259 · ‎08-29-2023

Hello, I am Yusra. I have been working as a freelance writer on Upwork for over 2 years now. This amazing platform has given me so much, no doubt.

But in last few months, I have seen that I have been spending a lot in buying connects for job hunt. I have a 100% JSS and I have completed numerous jobs.

My main concern is that when Upwork has increased the "required" connects for jobs, they should also increase the amount of free connects(10 free connects every month).

One more thing that I feel, maybe I am wrong. Despite my very very relevant samples and all, most of my proposals are not even being viewed. Is that because I am from Pakistan? I have been beginning to feel that lately (may sound lame though).

tlsanders · ‎08-29-2023

My main concern is that when Upwork has increased the "required" connects for jobs, they should also increase the amount of free connects(10 free connects every month).

How does this make sense? What would be the point in raising the price if they were just going to offset it by giving away more connects?

shibajyoti · ‎08-29-2023

Why Should People spend on something blindly without getting anything in return ?

My money is surely going to your account. What am i receiving with a surity in return ?

I am really confused whether if you are running a charity platform in the name of freelancing.

the-right-writer · ‎08-30-2023

Why Should People spend on something blindly without getting anything in return ?

Because you are supposed to be an adult in business. You are self-employed. If you don't want to be in self-employment, and pay your way, find an employer. Those are your only two choices.

shibajyoti · ‎09-08-2023

You are taking my money without any guarantee of return, and instructing me about choices ?

Can you please show one more business in this world that takes your money without any service guarantee in return ? that too increasing its price every day ?

Of course the expcetions are betting & lottery business where the playing party either lose or win, while the organizer always win no matter what. You consider this Platform among one of these ?

Are you trying to justify why I should keep paying on your platform ? The other people writing here are mindless, and you people are the only intelligent species sitting out there ?

I got paid becasuse the client thinks I am eligible for thier work. Your platform is running because we are paying you in every other way.

Be careful whom you point your fingers to. Without freelancers like us, YOUR PLATFORM WONT SUSTAIN, AND EVENTAULLY CEASE TO EXIST.

THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS IN LIFE.

the-right-writer · ‎09-08-2023

You are taking my money without any guarantee of return, and instructing me about choices ?

I'm not Upwork, and I'm not taking your money. Yes, you have choices in business. If your return on the investments is poor, then you need to change. Basic business.

Can you please show one more business in this world that takes your money without any service guarantee in return ? that too increasing its price every day ?

First, they are not increasing every day. Freelancing means you are self-employed and responsible for all costs. Freelancing means there are no guarantees - none. When I meet with a prospective client, there are no guarantees that I will leave with a lucrative contract, or any contract at all. I could meet with one hundred people, and not get a single job. Everything, each of the costs involved, is part of being self-employed. Every expense from putting together a professional, specific portfolio, Internet, printing, gas, phone...every thing.

No platform will guarantee you a job, nor will you find that guarantee in the physical world. Your only option is employment.

Are you trying to justify why I should keep paying on your platform ? The other people writing here are mindless, and you people are the only intelligent species sitting out there ?

I don't care if you are on the platform or not. I try to get people to look at the risks and protect themselves. I don't make the facts, but I recognize them. Freelancing is self-employment, which means you have to pay for everything. If you are not getting a good return, stop and examine your business. I never said anyone was mindless, but I do tell people when they are harming themselves, like applying for jobs they will never get and spending their last few dollars if they have no marketable skills.

Be careful whom you point your fingers to. Without freelancers like us, YOUR PLATFORM WONT SUSTAIN, AND EVENTAULLY CEASE TO EXIST.

That is a nice fantasy for your revenge, but it won't work. Upwork is flooded with freelancers, with many who have no marketable skills. With millions of freelancers, 20 million?, Upwork could lose 90% and be fine. Freelancers have power only when we work together, like I have been advocating on the scams.

keywordadv_aus · ‎08-29-2023

Is this happening to me only? I hope not.

The connects amount I need now to bid on any project went from 4 or 6 or 8 on average, to minimum 8 max 16, sometimes 4.

What is this? We already paying generous fees to Upwork (20%) and now I need to buy connects almost twice per week. This is not good, this is very unprofessional and taking advantages of all freelancers.

I hope it's a bug in the system and you can solve it quickly, because this is simply outrageous.

faizzanimran42 · ‎08-29-2023

Hello,

Upwork has increased the amount of Connects needed to apply to certain jobs to better match the value of a job with the cost to submit a proposal.

Regarding your 2nd query, Upwork has also decreased fees from 20% to 10%.

Thank you!

8466f583 · ‎08-30-2023

I am already an established architectual freelancer, but I had some free time in between big projects so Upwork seemed liked a good platform to find these smaller jobs. But after making an account I got fimiliar with how the platform works. I ordered jobs on Upwork and Fiverr in the past and I noticed that there was a 10% fee which is fine because you use the platform. Then I noticed that if you are a freelancer you also need to have these connects. I have one word for that and thats **Edited for Community Guidelines**. If it was just the 10% I would be fine. This is my first and last post on this platform. They just lost a very professional freelancer and im guessing more will leave. Bye!!

njdeyo · ‎08-30-2023

I haven't visited the forum in a very long time but was wondering if anyone else is aghast at the number of connects required to submit a proposal for the most mundane of projects. I just did so; it cost 12 connects for a $70 potential payday. To me, that seems really excessive.

the-right-writer · ‎08-30-2023

Connects are .15. You think spending $1.80 for a $70.00 job is excessive? Freelancers have to pay their way, no matter where you find work. That's a bargain.

sourceprouk · ‎08-30-2023

Apart from the obvious revenue with the excessive number of connects we buy, it may be that Upwork is doing this to put off people who just bid on all jobs regardless, in order to reduce the saturation of bids on jobs, where clients get overwhelmed and probably just leave without awarding the job. But I still see jobs with up to 50 bids all the time.

yofazza · ‎08-30-2023

Some jobs can now provide Upwork with a larger profit than the job's fee, EVEN IF the job isn't awarded to anyone. So of course it's working. The enormous number of freelancers are now "paying" them instead of roaming their expensive servers for free.

They raised it twice (8 max - 16 max, 3 slots - 4 slots) because it's working so greatly.

I still see jobs with up to 50 bids all the time.

I saw a small decline but it's true that 50+ in 10 minutes can still be easily found. Are you saying they're not raising the connects enough? 😁

Apart from the obvious revenue

The obvious revenue is the main purpose I think, not "reduced proposal".

They can have "reduced proposal into only high-quality proposals" by vetting the freelancers and they've been doing it for years but it doesn't do good to their cashflow. So they try something new by opening the gate and "play" with the flood.