Why Use A Non-Bidding Platform To Hire Freelancers

Around 35% of the American workforce is now made up of freelancers. This also means that more businesses are starting to bring freelancers on to help with all kinds of tasks. But since hiring freelancers is a bit different than hiring employees, many businesses don’t know where to start.

For that reason, freelance platforms are beneficial for both groups: clients looking for particular skills and freelancers as well as freelancers and contractors who can provide those skills.

There are a lot of freelance marketplaces out there, but they can be categorized into two main groups: bidding platforms and non-bidding platforms. In this article, we will discuss why non bidding platforms are your best option for hiring freelancers.

Understanding Bidding and Non-Bidding Platforms

In short, the difference between bidding and non-bidding freelance marketplaces is in how clients are connected with freelancers.

On bidding platforms, clients post a project and freelancers submit their bids. The client then sifts through the bids and chooses who to interview and eventually hire.

On non-bidding platforms, clients are connected with pre-vetted freelancers based on their project requirements.

Let’s dive into each type in more detail.

Bidding Freelance Platforms

Bidding platforms are very common. On bidding marketplaces, clients post information about their project and what type of freelancer they’re looking for. Freelancers can view the listing and submit bids and proposals that include why they’re qualified, their experience with similar projects, and their cost bid.

Bidding platforms are more like open markets—where clients can view information about and connect with any and all freelancers, and freelancers can bid on any and all projects. There’s no middleman in the process; there’s direct contact between clients and freelancers.

How a Bidding Platform Works

Each bidding-based freelance marketplace works a bit differently, but here’s an overview of the general process of hiring a freelancer:

1. A freelancer signs up and fills out their profile. If the freelancer is approved, they will be included in the pool of registered freelancers.
2. A client creates an account and is generally automatically allowed on the marketplace.
3. Clients post projects and the requirements of the freelancer(s) needed.
4. The project is posted on the platform and freelancers who are interested in it will submit bids, naming their rates and why they’re qualified.
5. Clients review all of the freelancers’ bids. They can view the freelancers’ profiles and send questions within the platform.
6. The client chooses the freelancer(s) they will interview and eventually make a decision on who to hire for the project.
7. The project begins with the hired freelancer.
8. The client pays the freelance platform and the platform passes the payment on to the freelancer, minus the designated fee charged by the platform.

Non-Bidding Freelance Platforms

Non-bidding freelance platforms are much more structured and controlled bidding marketplaces. On these platforms, freelancers who wish to be a part of the site’s pool of remote talent undergo a vetting process before they’re allowed onto the marketplace. This process helps in knowing whether the freelancer qualifies or not based on skills, experience, and communication abilities. Non-bidding platforms often focus on certain specializations and therefore offer a higher level of expert talent than more generic bidding sites.

For example, FreeUp is a platform that offers a more efficient way of hiring remote talent. Freelancers who wish to be a part of the platform go through a rigorous screening process. FreeUp receives thousands of applications daily but only about 1% of them qualify. How a Non-bidding Platform Works

Every non-bidding freelance platform is a bit different, but here’s an overview of the general process:

1. A freelancer signs up and fills out his profile.
2. The freelancer needs to pass a series of tests (language proficiency, professional skills, communication, work ethics). If a freelancer passes all of these, they will be added to the pool of freelancers.
3. Clients request a ticket specifying the requirements of the project they have or the freelancer needed.
4. The platform’s support team searches the pool of freelancers for the best fit. They match the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the candidates to the client’s required qualifications, including rate requirements.
5. The freelancer who is chosen is then assigned to the client and the project begins with the hired freelancer.
6. The client pays the freelance platform and the platform passes the payment on to the freelancer, minus the designated fee charged by the platform.

Pros Of Non-Bidding Platforms

• Clients can be sure that the freelancers they hire possess all the skills and qualifications needed for the job. Freelancers in non-bidding platforms go through a vetting process where they are evaluated on several factors including their communication and technical skills.
• For clients, hiring qualified freelancers is easier and hassle-free on non-bidding platforms. Freelancers are chosen from a pool of professionals who are already vetted for specific skill sets, and clients don’t have to surf through dozens of proposals.
• Clients are safer from scammers because the freelancers in non-bidding platforms are tested for their legitimacy.
• Hiring on non-bidding platforms often moves faster from beginning to end. Which also means immediate replacement of freelancers who continue to work anymore.
• Clients can be assured that they will always have an arbiter who can act as a mediator whenever there are issues or conflicts with freelancers.

Cons of Non-Bidding Platforms

• Fixed prices and hourly rates can be a bit higher on non-bidding platforms compared to the ones who allow their freelancers to bid. This is because of the extra vetting as well as the level of expertise available.
• Clients can’t browse through the whole pool of freelancers. They can only view the profiles of the freelancers they were matched with.

Who Chooses Non-Bidding Platforms

Clients who want to find the right freelancer—the first time and fast—choose non-bidding freelance platforms. If you’re comfortable giving up control of browsing through everyone’s freelance profiles, non-bidding marketplaces are a great option for finding vetted freelancers. If you get overwhelmed by the number of proposals on bidding platforms, a non-bidding platform may be a good option for you.

Use A Non-Bidding Platform To Hire Your Next Freelancer

Hiring freelancers can be one of the best decisions  you make for your businesses. If a non-bidding site sounds appealing, sign up for FreeUp, submit your ticket, and find vetted freelancers for your project fast.