Drawbacks of Upwork

As an experienced freelancer on Upwork, it’s of course not all rainbows and sunshine. There are a few challenges that you must be aware of. However, keep in mind that these are personal experiences and not universally applicable to all freelancers.

High Fees

• High Service Fee: As an independent contractor, Upwork charges a sliding service fee that ranges from 5 -20% of your total project fee.
• Additional Costs: It costs $2 to withdraw your earnings to your bank account. If you want instant pay, they charge even more.

Competition

The platform has a huge global community, which makes it highly competitive. It might take some time to stand out especially if you are new.

Potential Scams

Upwork has policies oriented towards protecting both freelancers and clients, however, there are certain instances where freelancers might be exposed to potential scams. It’s vital to only take on jobs from reputable sources and to ensure your work is fully funded before beginning.

Client Communication Challenges

Due to varied geographical locations and time zones, sometimes it can be challenging to communicate with clients. It requires flexible working hours and excellent people skills to create a long-lasting client relationship.
All the above drawbacks notwithstanding, Upwork provides a fantastic platform for freelancers to find gigs. The key is to understand how to maneuver around these challenges.