PeoplePerHour is a community built around trust and your safety is our #1 concern. A lot of work happens behind the scenes at PPH to keep the community safe but we also offer key tools so that you can also use the marketplace safely, whether buying or selling services.
A. Buying Safely
- Choosing a Freelancer
You will find lots of information available about the Freelancer on PPH to help you choose wisely including:
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Feedback reviews, a key tool to see the track record of the Freelancer from other projects completed on PPH.
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Endorsements, testimonials from clients, colleagues and peers from outside PPH
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Social connections, verified links to the individual's Facebook or LinkedIn account can provide an extra layer of trust.
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Portfolio, examples of the Freelancer's work.
Find out more about choosing a Freelancer
- Keep communications in the WorkStream
The WorkStream is a tool to keep track of all communications connected with a particular project. A WorkStream is created when you first start communicating with a particular Freelancer. If there is any confusion it is also an important record to refer back to, and in the unlikely event that you need PPH support to resolve a Dispute with a Freelancer, the WorkStream is used as the sole indisputable evidence to determine a fair outcome.
- Depositing funds in Escrow
To protect Buyers and Freelancers alike, we provide an Escrow system where a Buyer can deposit funds at the start of a project so that the Freelancer has the confidence to start work but also so that the Buyer does not have to risk paying any money upfront. Funds are released to the Freelancer as payment by the Buyer when they are happy that the project has been completed.
- Payment for Project Done
When work has been completed your Freelancer will raise an invoice to you through the WorkStream. Once you have checked the work delivered and you are happy that it has been completed (if it is a fixed price project or offer) you can confirm payment which includes releasing funds in Escrow.
Find out more about paying invoices.
- Always pay through PeoplePerHour
Paying outside of PPH leaves you unprotected. PPH cannot provide any assistance for projects where any payment has been completed outside of PPH, against our terms and conditions.
B. Selling Safely
- Dream project or too good to be true?
Is the pay amazing and you have to do very little in return? As attractive as it may seem to be wary of such dream projects, particularly if you haven’t worked with the Buyer before. If you have any doubts then as hard as it can be, it’s often safer to steer clear. Also be cautious of any Buyer requesting free samples of work or suggesting free trials with promises of larger work; if the samples in your portfolio aren’t sufficient then make sure to always send samples via the WorkStream with suitable watermarks or in low resolution (if applicable).
- Ensure sufficient funds in Escrow before work begins
To protect Buyers and Freelancer alike, we provide an Escrow system where a Buyer can deposit funds at the start of a project so that the Freelancer has the confidence to start work but also so that the Buyer does not have to risk paying any money upfront. Freelancers are encouraged to always ensure that there are funds in Escrow before starting any work, or at least before handing over deliverables, and to think carefully about the Escrow deposit amounts you request in your Proposals, particularly for new Buyers. Find out more about Escrow deposits.
- Keep communications in the WorkStream
The WorkStream is a tool to keep track of all communications connected with a particular project including any key agreements such as deliverables and timescales. If there is any confusion it is also an important record to refer back to, and in the unlikely event that you need PPH support to resolve a Dispute, the WorkStream is used as the sole indisputable evidence to determine a fair outcome.
- Always get paid through PeoplePerHour
When you have completed work arrange for payment by the Buyer (including releasing funds held in Escrow) by raising an invoice in the WorkStream. Paying outside of PPH leaves you unprotected. PPH cannot provide any assistance for projects where any payment has been completed outside of PPH, against our terms and conditions.
Find out more about raising an invoice for payment.
- Avoid exchanging personal details
Avoid exchanging personal contact details as much as possible, particularly before a Proposal has been accepted or an Offer has been purchased and funds paid into the Escrow account. Never share your bank details, forms of identity nor address details with anyone you “meet” online whether on PPH or elsewhere. Remember you can communicate fully in the WorkStream including exchanging files and even share samples of your work via your Portfolio, and all payment must be conducted safely through PPH without the need to exchange personal information such as bank details.
C. Report abuse / get Help
Our Customer Support Team are on hand to provide you with advice if you are unsure about anything and also to take fast action on any rogue individuals threatening the safety of the community. Alternatively, you can quickly report problems to us by using the “Report” flag you will find on every listing, message and member profile page. Find out more about contacting Customer Support.
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