Some Unfair Practices of Clients and Upwork

Srinivasa Rao K · May 21, 2020 09:45:18 AM

Hi,

I have joined the Upwork team during April 2020 and I would like to put forward some issues which I feel unfair towards freelancers.

During the last two months, I have applied for 30+ jobs and I could not succeed in a single bid despite being lowest on the bid value. Surprisingly, when I checked the past jobs of the same clients, I found that same jobs have been awarded to other freelancers with highest bid values.(Eg: There was a job posting wherein client clearly indicated that around 5 hours of data entry is to be done and the bid value is $30. I have placed my bid for $15 with a timeline of 10 Minutes for completing the job. Unfortunately I could not succeed in winning the bid but the same job was awarded to another freelancer for $30.)

The jobs posted by most of the clients seems to be just for consuming the freelancers’ connects rather than considering their bids. While posting the jobs, these clients are sending invites to their preferred freelancers who had already worked with them, and most of these jobs are awarded to one of those invitees. This is truly unfair practice which Upwork has to review. If the client really wants to go with their preferred freelancers, then they need not post the job for the public. This, at least, saves the connects of the freelancers which are not free these days.

Another issue which needs serious attention of Upwork is the “highly inaccurate search” of freelancers/Agencies database. (Eg: When I type Excel Expert Chennai, it is showing the mobile app developers and other software developers profiles of other countries. I tried most of the options, but the results are nowhere near the topic/location I searched). This might be the reason for clients to work with their preferred/past freelancers rather than searching for the right option. However, I feel, the clients should also consider the bids placed by the other freelancers on the job postings.

If Upwork is providing free connects or making the process of placing the bids free then all the above looks bit fair, but definitely not with the paid connects. Hope Upwork team work on the above and make the platform more effective to create a win-win situation for everyone.

Regards

KS Rao

Petra R · May 21, 2020 10:23:54 AM

Srinivasa Rao K wrote:
I would like to put forward some issues which I feel unfair towards freelancers.

Surprisingly, when I checked the past jobs of the same clients, I found that same jobs have been awarded to other freelancers with highest bid values.(Eg: There was a job posting wherein client clearly indicated that around 5 hours of data entry is to be done and the bid value is $30. I have placed my bid for $15 with a timeline of 10 Minutes for completing the job. Unfortunately I could not succeed in winning the bid but the same job was awarded to another freelancer for $30.)

What's unfair about that? Good clients don't go for the cheapest bid. This is not some kind of reverse ebay, you know? Did you think "the lowest bid wins"?

Srinivasa Rao K wrote:

While posting the jobs, these clients are sending invites to their preferred freelancers who had already worked with them, and most of these jobs are awarded to one of those invitees.

How would you know that the client hired someone they invited? (You wouldn't)

Srinivasa Rao K · Jun 2, 2020 12:13:09 AM

When the client is clearly asking for the freelancers with the lowest rates, we have to keep that in mind and consider it obviously. I think we have to discuss about the issues that I said unfair.

For your second query, if you research, you will easily find which freelancer got the job and whether he has already worked with that employer in previous projects, etc.

Petra R · Jun 2, 2020 12:15:57 AM

For your second query, if you research, you will easily find which freelancer got the job and whether he has already worked with that employer in previous projects, etc.

And?

That has absolutely nothing to do with invites.

When the client is clearly asking for the freelancers with the lowest rates, we have to keep that in mind and consider it obviously. I think we have to discuss about the issues that I said unfair.

Oh I do "consider it" by not applying to such jobs.

Problem solved.

Obviously

Mark F · May 21, 2020 10:44:02 AM

It isn't who bids soonest, it isn't who bids cheapest, it is who bids best.

Look for projects where you know how to do the work and then explain to the client how you can do it better than anyone else. Don't be cheap, but ask for the value you deserve.

Srinivasa Rao K · Jun 2, 2020 12:05:51 AM

Best is in the delivery, not in the Bid. When the client is clearly asking for the freelancers with the lowest rates, we have to keep that in mind and consider it obvisouly.

Amanda L · Jun 2, 2020 12:59:40 AM

"Obviously"

Well you now have 3 successful freelancers telling you that bidding the lowest is not a successful strategy with all clients (or even most clients). So, do you want to believe your opinion based in 2 months of experience on Upwork or 3 successful freelancers who've been here doe years? Bidding first or lowest are not the most important things. That's only a race to the bottom. It IS about who bids BEST, not lowest or fastest. There are multiple factors within your proposal that make it best or worse, and it's not just price or speed.

Martina P · Jun 2, 2020 04:00:02 AM

I don't think bidding the lowest was what kicked you out of consideration, but rather that you offered to finish a task that the client expected to take 5 hours in 10 minutes. That would seem inplausible to a serious client.

Clients can choose 3 levels of expertise. "I am looking for a freelancer with the lowest rate" does (obviously) not mean that the client will hire the lowest bidder, it just means that that is a client that wants to spend little money, but he will still care about quality (obviously).

So, in short, you need to rethink your approach to win serious clients.