Virtual Assistant Forums - Online Community for Virtual Service Providers

#1 (**permalink**) 04-30-2012

I joined Freelancer.com and placed several bids on data entry projects but every single one of them came back as a scam and were deleted by Freelancer.com. Now I am in the process of joining Elance.com which seems a little more legit but I'm feeling a little burnt here.

Has anyone here used these companies before??? Are there better avenues to look for freelance jobs? I love the whole concept of freelancing but jeeze you really have to keep your eyes open!!

Jena
Todaysgalfriday.com

#2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2012

I haven't used those two companies. I know people who have and were successful. I think that scammers look for ripe targets. It may be how you are wording your post? It may be that they were less likely to be scams a few years ago (when my friends used it, they have since moved on to another service) when the popularity wasn't the same. I've used Odesk with success in the past, however, recently I've experienced challenges. I will check with my friends and ask why they aren't using elance or freelancer any longer and will get back to you with an update.

#3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2012

That would be great!! Thank you so much!

Jena

#4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2012

*Sigh* I started out with oDesk a few years back, and at that time, they were pretty reputable. Had me telling everyone I knew about it. Anywho, just recently, they have really fallen off with the scam job postings and low bids, it's such a shame. So, I joined Elance a few months ago and got my first gig within a week...I was so excited. It was paying my requested rate and seemed like the perfect thing for the next few weeks. Well let's just say it was bogus, so now I have a payment history, but no valid review for the work I did. So, I'm not sure what to really say about these sites (in a great way anymore), but I think there is some potential still on there. Just still looking for it, I guess. Good luck with your decision and hopefully I helped...a little.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share the experience.

#5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2012

Thanks so much for your "experience" info. It does seem like it would be such a great idea but I have applied for over 30 data entry jobs now and they have all come back scams.

#6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2012

You are very welcome. I'm glad I could help. I am in the same boat, I try to do at least 5 a day on both sites, and I still get disappointed.

#7 (**permalink**) 05-09-2012

I signed up for elance and odesk long ago but have never used them. The low bids are despicably low and sometimes run for pennies a minute. Then the number of scams seems to have risen exponentially because no one at either company seems to be checking up on the employers.

For example.. a way to fix it would be a requirement of the money in escrow before the ad will go live but that doesnt seem to happen. They also need to stop allowing ppl to post so called jobs that are below minimum wage in the country of origin but I dont see that happening any time soon.

Anyway... I just dont feel any of these sites are trustworthy after all the horror stories I have heard.

#8 (**permalink**) 05-09-2012

I have looked for jobs at these sites too and on Freelancer.com several were then listed as scams. I did get one or two jobs from them. I no longer bid on these jobs as the rates are too low. I think one can spend better time marketing yourself to your ideal client and get the rates you want.

#9 (**permalink**) 06-21-2012

I myself am thinking of doing some freelancing. I was JUST about to complete my profile at oDesk and everything and then I stumpled on this post. (hands head)....no one wants to be honest anymore. Everyone is out to get people. So sad.