I want to see competitors

[Rekha S]

Otavio,

I've never needed the bid range even when I was on Elance. I simply use client's past job profile to check whether they've ever hired someone who is not from the Original-5 English speaking countries for any website work, or are likely to pay my rates for their blogging and newsletter work.

If they have, I apply.  If the hiring pattern shows otherwise, I don't bother wasting my time on a proposal, as it's going to end up in the trash bin anyway.

But I guess this method may not be useful in your niche.

[Otavio B]

Thanks a lot Rekha,

You understood my point perfectly and you strategy seems a good one. I´m going to spend a minute or two researching client´s hire history. Today I try to avoid client´s with no past history, but it´s not 100% safe, as I already landed good projects from 1st timers.

Your contribution was very helpful.

Best,

Otavio

[Jennifer M]

There is no reason to see other bids. 

[Otavio B]

Can you tell me why? I´d like to have a good reason to get this bug out of my head.

[Stephen R]

Wrong Jennifer.

Its the first time i have ever disagreed with you.

[Tiffany S]

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@Stephen R wrote:

Wrong Jennifer.

Its the first time i have ever disagreed with you.

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That's not accurate. You disagreed with her all over the place about the price increase.

Care to share how you find other people's bids helpful? 

[Stephen R]

"Care to share how you find other people's bids helpful?"

#1 In the Graphics world you have several countries of origin you cant compete against.

Most the time its for logos or brochures. you will see 50 to over 100 proposals. 

Frankly i wont want to apply because its a cheap client who cares nothing about quality.

#2 I stay away from bids when i see "Agencies." 6 people with all the same portfolio with some sales guys bidding on everything they think they can knock out fast. Go to other freelance site and they are everywhere. Upwork has done a good job with them. But now i cant see if agencies are bidding or not.

#3 There are lots of very good designers who would get jobs. Its a chance to look at there profile and learn. Why are they successful and i cant get a job? We can learn from our peers and now that is lost to.

#4 Bidding is competition, Client sets a budget you make an offer. Maybe you busy and you bid high. Maybe you need the work and you bid lower than other freelancers? I can still see high and low bids and you know what i see now? Freelancners adding 20% to bids. I have done it and have gotten the job. On the other hand I have seen clients state "do not bid higher than my budget." 

[Otavio B]

Excellent explanation Stephen. 

[Alexandra H]

Bidding is not a team sport! Why do you need to see the competitors? Like the job description? -- Go for it!

[Otavio B]

Alexandra,

Some of us have to manage our time building proposals, interviews, and so on.

On some circumstances, even manage connects. 

That´s why some of us use different strategies.

Thanks for your attention and encouragement.