One of the easiest ways for freelancers and customers to meet is through freelance platforms—websites where contractors register, showcase portfolios, and clients decide whom to hire. But not all platforms work the same way.
How Each Platform Type Works
Bidding Platforms
Examples: Upwork, Freelancer, Peopleperhour
Non-Bidding (Vetted) Platforms
Examples: Boundev, 99Designs, ClearVoice, nDash
Key Difference
Non-bidding platforms often specialize in narrow-profile professionals. This allows them to develop better criteria for vetting specialists. Only about 4 out of 100 applicants typically pass all tests and are allowed to work with clients.
Non-Bidding Platforms: Pros and Cons
We believe successful cooperation requires clear principles, fair payment, transparent communication, and guarantees. Vetted platforms deliver on all these through rigorous vetting processes.
Client's Perspective
Pros
- • Guaranteed skilled professionals who passed vetting
- • Substitute provided if freelancer can't continue
- • Work with legitimate legal entity, not unknown individuals
- • Protected from scammers who disappear mid-project
- • Platform acts as arbiter for problem-solving
Cons
- • Can't browse entire freelancer pool—platform selects matches
- • Hourly rates typically higher than bidding platforms
Freelancer's Perspective
Pros
- • No need to search for work—platform supplies orders regularly
- • Guaranteed payment for completed work
- • Platform mediates if client problems occur
- • No competing with poorly qualified freelancers on price
Cons
- • Vetting procedures take time to complete
- • Limited choice over which projects to work on
- • High entry threshold—not beginner-friendly
Bidding Platforms: Pros and Cons
Bidding platforms are extremely popular. You've likely heard of Upwork, Freelancer, or Peopleperhour. They provide a marketplace where freelancers compete for jobs. If you're building a dedicated development team, understanding the tradeoffs matters.
Client's Perspective
Pros
- • Finding someone seems easy (doesn't mean they're reliable)
- • Global pool—find contractors in your time zone
- • All kinds of professionals available
- • Usually cheaper than vetted platforms
Cons
- • No real way to verify if freelancer is skilled or reliable
- • Scammers target bidding platforms frequently
- • Professional and communication skills often doubtful
- • Platforms rarely help resolve conflicts
Freelancer's Perspective
Pros
- • Quick way to start career and build portfolio
- • Beginners can find clients eventually due to volume
- • Beginners and pros compete on equal terms
Cons
- • Dumping: must lower rates to compete with low-price bidders
- • Time wasted on profiles, forms, bank verifications, tests
- • High commissions (Upwork takes 20% on first $500 per client)
- • No guarantee of payment despite Escrow services
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Bidding Platforms | Non-Bidding (Vetted) |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Assurance | None—client must verify | Rigorous vetting (~4% pass rate) |
| Pricing | Lower (race to bottom) | Higher (quality premium) |
| Scam Protection | Limited—high risk | Strong—verified entities |
| Conflict Resolution | Minimal platform support | Platform mediates disputes |
| Freelancer Selection | Client browses all bidders | Platform matches best fit |
| Best For | Budget projects, beginners | Quality-critical projects |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform type is better for hiring developers?
For quality-critical projects, non-bidding vetted platforms are better. They guarantee skilled professionals, provide substitutes if needed, and mediate conflicts. For budget projects or quick tasks, bidding platforms offer lower rates but with higher risk of quality issues.
Why are non-bidding platforms more expensive?
Vetted platforms invest heavily in screening—only about 4% of applicants typically pass. They provide guarantees, substitutes, and mediation services. You're paying for quality assurance and reduced risk, not just developer time. The higher upfront cost often means lower total cost due to fewer problems.
Can beginners use non-bidding freelance platforms?
Non-bidding platforms have high entry barriers. They're designed for experienced professionals who can pass rigorous vetting. Beginners typically start on bidding platforms to build portfolios, then apply to vetted platforms once they have proven experience. It's a natural career progression.
The Bottom Line
Bidding platforms have been popular for too long while posing a compromise between accessibility and security. They can't provide freelancers with high incomes (unless they make top ratings) or provide customers with reliable, high-quality solutions.
Non-bidding platforms operate differently. Security, reliability, and high-quality services are keystone propositions. Clients know they'll work with tested and approved specialists. Freelancers know they'll get paid well.
Rather than searching for a perfect match yourself, address a mediator who ensures mutual security and benefits from cooperation.
Skip the Bidding Wars
Boundev vets developers so you don't have to. Only 4% pass our screening. Match with quality talent in 24 hours.
Hire Vetted Developers