So, you’ve taken the plunge and decided to outsource some of your Internet business to Elance.
Good for you! Elance has a tremendous marketplace of designers, writers and other professionals that can help you take your business to the next level. Still, if you’ve never done business on Elance, there can be some things worth thinking about. Here are seven things to keep in mind when handling providers on Elance:
1. Use Escrow.
The Elance Escrow service is free, and it’s essential. The escrow service allows you to place the funds for your project into an escrow account while the provider does their work. When the work is complete and you’ve reviewed and approved of it, you release the escrow funds to the provider. Escrow protects you in the event that the provider’s services aren’t up to par, or if the provider disappears.
2. Try to be clear about your expectations.
The more details you can give to a provider, the more likely it will be that the project turns out the way you’re hoping it will. If you’re hoping for an ebook that’s 100 pages in length, make sure to include that in the bid. If you only want a local provider, make sure to state that, as well.
3. Use the Elance feedback system.
You need to rely on the Elance feedback system the same way you rely on the feedback system on sites like Ebay. Check a provider’s feedback prior to hiring them. Don’t just look at the overall rating, either. Look for specific comments, and see what others have thought about the provider. Likewise, when your project is over, be sure to leave honest and accurate feedback about your experience with the provider.
4. Don’t be tempted by low prices.
The old axiom about getting what you pay for is as true on Elance as it is anywhere else. If you can’t afford to hire someone capable, wait until you can. Don’t throw your money down the drain by using a substandard provider just because they’re cheap.
5. Be wary of suggestions to work outside of Elance.
The Elance Terms of Service dictate that projects have to be done within the Elance system. There is no practical benefit to you of taking your business outside of Elance. Many people who have done so in the past have found themselves scammed, because they didn’t have the protection of the Elance system or the Escrow system.
6. Communicate clearly.
If you want regular status updates on your project, ask for them. Many providers won’t bother you during the course of the project unless they’ve got a question. Don’t be afraid to ask how things are going along the way if you want to know.
7. Remember that Elance is worldwide in scope.
This means a few things for you. First of all, it means you may be in different time zones from your provider. It also means that some providers may have a weak grasp of English, and so you may have difficulty communicating with them on the project. This doesn’t mean they won’t do a good job, it just means you should expect some bumps in the process as you try to overcome the language barrier.
If you want more information on Internet Marketing I’ve written an ebook, you can find an introduction to this free Internet Marketing Guide here or you can download it free here
