Using Upwork? There has to be a better way

4 points by marisolchallen ↗ HN
You are a founder.

You have been using Upwork for years. It’s not cheap but you are used to it.

You like how it handles the payments. All your freelancers listed in a single place.

It’s easy. You feel in control. Payment comes out of your account automatically. You get a weekly report with the hours they’ve worked. A dispute resolution system gives you peace of mind (some think it sucks though!).

And don’t get you started on the fees.

Problem is…

You are now sourcing most of your freelancers through word of mouth and networks.

Vin - a .Net developer in Spain. He is a freelancer and invoices you directly once a week with the hours he’s worked.

Remember you are still using Upwork, right?

Next hire: Alice - a graphic designer you found in a Facebook group. She is a project based freelancer uses Payneer.

Friday. End of week. Vin worked on your company report all week. Sends his invoice.

Monday morning. Get a text from Vin.

Oh sheeeiit! Forgot to pay him - not the first time :(

"Hey, all good but had to find more work elsewhere. Can only commit to 4 hours per week now man”, he says in a funny tone.

I hear you say.

“Fk! - he was good! I need him!”

I need all my freelancers in one single payment platform. Like Upwork but just to manage their payments. That’s it.

5 comments

[ 2.8 ms ] story [ 28.4 ms ] thread
Many people hire a secretary (possibly part time) to do this.
Exactly! In this digital era that shows that there has to be a more efficient way.
This just shows your incompetent. No web platform can fix that.
Setup reminder for payments? What's the problem?
Are you saying that as soon as you forgot one single payment, the freelancer stopped working for you? One single payment?