For Filipino freelancers, Fiverr is better for quick gigs and a wider variety of job categories, while PeoplePerHour is better for specialized, higher-paying projects. Here's my honest comparison after using both for 6 years.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Fiverr | PeoplePerHour |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 20% commission | Service fee up to 20% |
| Payment to Philippines | PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer | PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer |
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly | Moderately easy |
| Best For | Quick gigs, diverse categories | Specialized, high-paying projects |
When to Choose Fiverr
In my freelancing journey, Fiverr has proven beneficial in several scenarios: - **Quick Gigs:** If you're looking to earn quickly, Fiverr offers a platform where you can start selling services almost immediately. In my first month on Fiverr, I completed 10 small projects, earning $500, which was a significant boost compared to local opportunities. - **Variety of Services:** For freelancers who have multiple talents, Fiverr's diverse categories allow you to offer various gigs. This was particularly useful for me as I could sell both writing and graphic design services. - **Ease of Entry:** As a Level 2 Seller on Fiverr, I've found the platform very welcoming for beginners. It doesn't require extensive profiles or portfolios to start, making it ideal for new freelancers. - **High Traffic:** Fiverr has a massive global audience, which increases the likelihood of getting noticed. This wide reach helped me secure clients from the US and UK, expanding my network significantly.When to Choose PeoplePerHour
On the other hand, PeoplePerHour is preferable in these situations: - **Specialized Skills:** If you have a specific skill set, such as software development or digital marketing, PeoplePerHour often attracts clients seeking specialized services. I landed a long-term project in digital marketing here, which paid $3,000 over three months. - **Higher Budget Projects:** Clients on PeoplePerHour are generally willing to pay more for quality work. This platform allowed me to gain projects that were higher in value compared to the gigs on Fiverr. - **Professional Networking:** PeoplePerHour facilitates connections with more professional clients, which can be beneficial for building long-term relationships. I was able to develop a professional rapport with several UK-based companies, leading to recurrent business. - **Flexibility in Payment Terms:** Unlike Fiverr, PeoplePerHour allows more negotiation with clients regarding payment terms and project scope, which can be advantageous for larger projects.Detailed Comparison
Fees and Costs (Philippines-specific)
Both platforms charge a service fee, which is crucial for Filipino freelancers to consider due to the impact on take-home pay. Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on each transaction, which can be significant for high-volume sales. On PeoplePerHour, the service fee varies but can also reach up to 20% depending on the project size. For bigger projects, PeoplePerHour might slightly reduce fees, which I found beneficial when dealing with larger contracts.Payment Methods
Both Fiverr and PeoplePerHour offer multiple payment options suitable for freelancers in the Philippines, such as PayPal, Payoneer, and bank transfers. I personally prefer Payoneer Payoneer guide due to its reliability and competitive exchange rates, ensuring more pesos in my pocket. Using Payoneer, the transfer time is relatively quick, usually within 24 hours, which is crucial for managing cash flow effectively.User Experience
Fiverr excels in user experience with its intuitive interface and easy navigation, making it a breeze for freelancers to set up gigs and manage orders. PeoplePerHour, while slightly more complex, provides detailed project management tools that are beneficial for handling larger, ongoing projects. Both have mobile apps, but Fiverr's app is more streamlined and user-friendly.Client Quality
In my experience, the client quality on PeoplePerHour tends to be higher, especially for specialized work. The projects are often more detailed and come with a higher budget, reflecting the client's commitment. Conversely, Fiverr's larger user base includes a wide range of clients, from hobbyists to professionals, which can sometimes make it challenging to find high-quality leads.For Beginners vs Experienced
Fiverr is generally more accessible for beginners due to its straightforward setup process and the ability to offer diverse services without extensive prior experience. In contrast, PeoplePerHour is better suited for experienced freelancers who have a portfolio and seek higher-paying, more specialized projects. When I started, Fiverr provided a perfect learning ground, but as I grew more experienced, PeoplePerHour offered opportunities to leverage my skills for higher earnings.My Personal Experience
In my six years of freelancing, starting from my time as an OFW, both Fiverr and PeoplePerHour have played pivotal roles in my career. On Fiverr, I began by offering writing services, and in my first month, I earned $2,500, which was a breakthrough moment. This income was crucial as it allowed me to stay in the Philippines and support my family without the need to work abroad. On PeoplePerHour, I secured a digital marketing project that lasted six months and brought in $10,000. This project not only boosted my income but also enhanced my skills, leading to more opportunities. The lesson I learned was the importance of diversifying service offerings and maintaining a high standard of work to attract quality clients.Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls I encountered and how to avoid them: - **Underpricing Services:** Many freelancers, including myself initially, tend to underprice their gigs to attract clients. This can lead to burnout and low earnings. It's essential to value your time and skills appropriately. - **Ignoring Client Communication:** Effective communication is key to project success. I once lost a client due to delayed responses. Always keep communication timely and professional. - **Overcommitting:** Taking on too many projects can lead to poor quality work. Focus on a manageable number of projects to ensure high standards. - **Neglecting Platform Rules:** Violating terms of service can result in account suspension. Always adhere to platform guidelines to maintain a good standing.Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform offers better earning potential?
PeoplePerHour often has higher-paying projects, especially for specialized skills, while Fiverr can offer quick earnings through multiple small gigs.
Can I use both platforms simultaneously?
Yes, many freelancers use both platforms to maximize their opportunities and income. It's important to manage your time effectively to handle projects from both.
How do payment withdrawals work?
Both platforms allow withdrawals via PayPal, Payoneer, and bank transfers. Payoneer is recommended for better exchange rates and reliability for Filipino freelancers.
What are the key differences in client quality?
PeoplePerHour tends to attract clients looking for specialized services with higher budgets, while Fiverr has a broader range of clients, including those looking for quick and affordable solutions.
Is it easy to start freelancing as a beginner?
Fiverr is more beginner-friendly due to its straightforward setup and wide range of service categories. PeoplePerHour requires a more comprehensive profile, which might be challenging for newcomers without a solid portfolio.