For Filipino freelancers, Fiverr is better for quick gigs and creative projects, while Freelancer.com is better for long-term projects and varied categories. Here's my honest comparison after using both for 6 years.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Fiverr | Freelancer.com |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 20% per gig | 10% or $5, whichever is greater |
| Payment to Philippines | PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer | PayPal, Wire Transfer |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly for creatives | More complex but versatile |
| Best for | Quick, creative gigs | Long-term, diverse projects |
When to Choose Fiverr
If you are a Filipino freelancer focusing on creative services like graphic design, writing, or video editing, Fiverr is an excellent choice. In my 6 years of freelancing, I found Fiverr particularly beneficial in these scenarios: - **Quick Turnaround Projects**: Fiverr is built for gigs that require quick delivery. In my first month, I completed over 15 small projects, earning around $500. - **Showcasing Creative Skills**: The platform allows you to display your portfolio prominently, attracting clients looking for creative talents. - **Setting Your Own Rates**: Unlike other platforms, Fiverr allows you to set your own prices, which helped me maximize my earnings when I offered niche services. Fiverr has been my go-to for quick projects where I could leverage my creativity and deliver results swiftly, which is important when you're aiming to make the most of your time.When to Choose Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com caters to a broader range of project types and may be more suitable if: - **Long-term Projects**: For extended engagements, such as software development or consultancy, Freelancer.com provides a more structured approach. - **Diverse Categories**: The platform offers a wide array of job categories, from simple tasks to complex engineering projects. - **Competitive Bidding**: If you thrive in a competitive environment and can offer competitive pricing, Freelancer.com is ideal. I once secured a project that lasted three months, earning over $2,000. For Filipinos looking to engage in long-term work or those who enjoy tackling a variety of project types, Freelancer.com can be a rewarding choice.Detailed Comparison
Fees and Costs (Philippines-specific)
Both platforms have their fee structures, but they impact your earnings differently. Fiverr charges a flat 20% fee per transaction, which is straightforward but can add up significantly if you’re working on high-value gigs. Freelancer.com charges 10% or $5 per project, which can be more economical for larger projects. However, they also charge fees for contests and certain features. For Filipinos, every peso counts, so it's essential to calculate the net earnings after fees. For instance, on a $100 project, Fiverr takes $20, while Freelancer.com takes $10, potentially saving you around PHP 500. That's like a half-week's worth of groceries in Manila.Payment Methods
Receiving payments is crucial for freelancers, and both platforms offer various methods. Fiverr supports PayPal, Payoneer, and direct bank transfers, which are convenient for Filipinos. Payoneer guide Freelancer.com also allows PayPal and wire transfers, but the latter can incur high fees and longer processing times. Using Payoneer has been advantageous for me because of its lower withdrawal fees compared to PayPal and direct bank transfers to my BDO account, which helped me save on unnecessary costs.User Experience
Fiverr is lauded for its user-friendly interface, which is particularly appealing to creative freelancers. Its gig-based system allows freelancers to clearly define their services and pricing. On the other hand, Freelancer.com can be overwhelming with its numerous features and project types but offers more flexibility for varied work types. In my experience, Fiverr's simplicity in navigation and project management helped me focus more on delivering quality work rather than managing complex settings.Client Quality
Both platforms attract international clients, but the nature of clients differs. Fiverr clients generally look for quick, creative solutions, while Freelancer.com clients often seek freelancers for long-term engagements or complex projects. I noticed that clients on Freelancer.com tend to have a more detailed scope of work, which can be advantageous if you're aiming for higher-value projects.For Beginners vs Experienced
For beginners, Fiverr's straightforward system is less daunting. You can start with simple gigs and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience. Experienced freelancers might find Freelancer.com's bidding system advantageous for landing higher-paying jobs. In my case, starting on Fiverr helped me build a solid portfolio, which later allowed me to compete for more significant projects on Freelancer.com.My Personal Experience
In my freelancing journey, I initially started with Fiverr and gradually expanded to Freelancer.com as I sought more varied projects. In my first month on Fiverr, I earned about $2,500, thanks to the platform's simplicity and demand for creative services. Transitioning to Freelancer.com, I aimed for longer-term engagements, which paid off when I landed a $5,000 project over six months. The key lessons I learned were the importance of showcasing my skills effectively on Fiverr and the value of strategic bidding on Freelancer.com. Both platforms contributed significantly to my financial independence and allowed me to stay in the Philippines, close to my family.Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Underpricing Services**: Many freelancers start low to attract clients, but it's crucial to value your work appropriately to sustain your freelancing career. Consider the cost of living in the Philippines and set competitive yet fair prices. - **Ignoring Platform Fees**: Always factor in the platform's commission when pricing your services. This oversight can lead to lower-than-expected earnings. - **Overcommitting**: Taking on too many projects can lead to burnout. Focus on quality over quantity to maintain a good reputation. - **Skipping Client Research**: Always vet potential clients. Reading reviews and understanding their requirements can save you from problematic engagements.Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform charges higher fees?
Fiverr charges a flat 20% fee per transaction, while Freelancer.com charges 10% or $5 per project. Freelancer.com generally has lower fees for larger projects.
Can I use Payoneer with both platforms?
Yes, Payoneer is available on Fiverr, providing a cost-effective option for receiving payments. Freelancer.com primarily uses PayPal and wire transfers.
Which platform is better for beginners?
Fiverr is generally more beginner-friendly due to its straightforward gig system and user interface, making it easier for new freelancers to start.
How does client quality compare?
Fiverr attracts clients looking for quick, creative solutions, while Freelancer.com often has clients with long-term projects and detailed requirements.
Is it easier to find long-term projects on Freelancer.com?
Yes, Freelancer.com is better suited for long-term projects due to its project-based structure and variety of job categories.