What can you use the application for?
Elance can be used to find and hire professionals to complete a variety of different projects, not only that but you can also search for projects on Elance and complete them for some spare cash. There are thousands of providers listed on Elance, with a variety of different skills. It’s possible to get numerous projects completed on Elance, including computer programming jobs, writing jobs and even web design projects. Posting a project on Elance is very easy and you will automatically be notified whenever a provider places a bid on one of your projects, you will be notified by email. You can then see a list of the different providers and be able to look at their qualifications. Elance also features skills tests to ensure that providers are qualified enough to take care of your every need.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Elance was founded in 1999 and is one of the longest established freelance websites around. It has a very good reputation for providing high quality providers who will get a job well done. It’s well equipped to allow you to search for all types of different providers. Elance is one of the most popular freelance websites available.
What are the differences to other applications?
Elance is similar to any other freelance website, although it does offer some interesting features including business to business and featured project listings. The skills tests are also a great way to make sure that you are hiring a qualified provider.
How does the application look and feel to use?
Elance has a unique appearance and it is fairly easy to use, the problem with the site is however that they update it far too often. Although the design is very good and pretty user friendly it does take time to get used to. When they update the appearance of the site and add various other features then learning about them can be fairly difficult. Finding out certain information is very difficult as you might have to click two or three links just to find out the original proposal. Placing bids is easy enough, however the emails rarely seem to work. Elance is supposed to send emails out containing various pieces of information, however these are fairly unreliable. Replying to emails also often doesn’t work.
How does the registration process work?
Registering on Elance is the same as you would expect from any other site. You need to enter information and then confirm your email address. You will also have to confirm your phone number and pass a test before you are allowed to place bids or post projects. The test is very easy and tests you on the basic Elance terms and conditions; this test is a bit of a waste of time really and makes the registration process more complicated than normal.
What does it cost to use the application?
It’s free to sign up to both provider and employer accounts on Elance, however with a provider account you will have to pay a deposit to show you are serious about hiring people, this deposit is fully refunded. When posting a project the buyer can either post it for free, or pay to post it as a featured or business to business listing. Providers can sign up for free accounts, or sign up to a number of other types of accounts such as the personal $9.95/month account which allows 20 bids per month. Providers also have to pay between 6.75% and 8.75% on invoiced orders depending on your earnings.
Who would you recommend the application to?
Elance is an ideal website for anyone looking to start working for themselves as it’s an ideal place to find clients without having to first build up your business. This makes it possible to either work full time, or during your spare time for a bit of extra cash. If you are trying to start work for yourself then Elance could provide you with a wonderful way to start your business without having to hunt for your own clients.
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