[KKoher]

So, I used elance.com for the first time this week...as a provider, and I just got my first payment this morning. I'm pretty excited about this (if you read my other recent post, you'll notice I'm pretty excited about everything lately, lol) I worked for about 6 hours yesterday, while I was at the store, and got paid $10/hr. I could have put in a bid for any $ amount per hr, but I went with low one so my bid would be accepted. I think or hope, that this will be a new thing, as long as my bids get accepted, to do in my spare time while I 'm here at the store all day...And for all you out there looking for a VA or random help or assistance with a project you should check it out.

[warrensway]

I have used guru.com I think it is more or less the same concept.

[JLeezer]

I have used Elance once before for some data entry from paper forms. The provider I used was quite nice and responsive, but I have learned that I must include every imaginable detail with the work simply because the vision in my head compared to someone else's head can differ greatly, even in the most minute details. But considering the relatively low expense and huge time savings, I'd certainly use another Elance provider again.

[PrivateerNation]

Hi,

I've used Elance a number of times. I've had some great experiences but you definitely get what you pay for. I have to be exactlyingly specific with my instructions or I get headaches from what's not done that seems obvious. For the price though I am not complaining...

[Fanatik]

I've used eLance quite a bit... mainly for web development. I have had nothing but nightmares with developers from India. Missing deadlines, lack of communication, and completely off the mark designs. The thing is, once they get the upfront deposit, things begin to collapse. I've found it easier to do layouts myself, to ensure I get what I need... this seems to work much better - but I'm still dishing out a few rupees for it! lol.

None-the-less, things usually come around in the end and I get a decent product. I think eLance and oDesk are good tools for certain things... then disastrous for others.

[ChrisBenjamin]

I used both Elance & Guru... both good sites. I do much better on Elance myself. Better quality of jobs.

Also checkout GetAFreelancer.com is totally free... that said, you get what you pay for.

[mrx]

Elance is great depending on what you want.

You have to check portfolios and references. Many of the providers ( even the high bidders ) pad their portfolios with other people's work. Others create multiple accounts, bid on their own projects to build a good rating and then *BAM* Walk away with several K of your hard earned money.

It's a bit easier to higher a single freelancer then going through a offshore firm. Good individuals don't have a problem finding work and will not be cheap. Firms often give small uninteresting projects to low paid or unpaid interns.

My advice is to use an escrow service. You don't pay until the work is done but the developer has assurance you won't be able to walk away without paying. getafreelancer.com has a built in escrow service with experienced arbiters.

If you don't have a clear outline or project specs, find or hire someone to help you write them. It will save you many hours of frustration and waisted work.

[CIsaac]

I like guru better. Their methods of payment is protective of both client and employer and there's a much more broader base.
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