App Profile: Upwork

ShellsEnglishTeacher

Rating: 5/5

I began freelance copy editing and copy writing in May 2018 and have gotten quite a few jobs (and a number of repeat clients) on Upwork. So, I am thankful. It was a good place to start. (Most of my work now, though, comes from networking and referrals gained from networking.) The frustration comes when Upwork determines that you deserve a lower JSS (Job Success Score) based upon things over which you have no control. For example, some clients never close their projects because they expect to hire you again and again to complete similar tasks but they don’t want to create a new job each time. Well, months go by with the job “open.” I have completed each task exactly in the way they wanted and they are 100% satisfied, but Upwork docks my JSS. Another time, a client who hired me to write three blog articles loved my work and gave me five stars and glowing reviews on Blogs 1 and 3, but accidentally sent the feedback form in without giving me feedback on Blog 2. I have sent her several messages asking her to call Upwork and tell them that she intended to leave me feedback, but she just never has done so. My JSS was lowered because of her non-feedback.

Hudaks89

Rating: 4/5

I love Upwork, but the actual app needs major updates. There’s no reason why I can’t do at least half of the things I can do on the desktop version. To provide one, very basic example, I am a premium member and sometimes run out of Connects. Now, as a premium member, I have the option to buy more. When I’m on my phone and find a job that is suitable for me, I cannot apply to it on my phone nor do I have the option to buy more Connects. I have to constantly go back and forth on my desktop to do basic things, and I can’t always do that. I don’t think there’s any reason why the app version should not have those kinds of options. It’s very frustrating and disappointing. To see that little bar at the bottom saying I don’t have enough Connects to submit a proposal is very annoying, and instead of a LINK to purchase more, they give me a LINK to “learn more.” How incredibly useless. I’d love to see future updates to include BASIC FUNCTIONALITIES SUCH AS THIS. It would greatly be appreciated.

morepepper

Rating: 4/5

I’ve done a few projects through Upwork. The app makes it pretty easy to review and apply for projects. I wish it would have an option to only show projects that came in since the last time I looked, and mark projects that I have viewed. I have turned down some long-term projects, where the pay rate would have been good enough if it weren’t for Upwork taking a flat percentage for the life of the project and any subsequent work with the client. They really could earn more if they would dial back the greed and have a sliding scale for their take of the revenue. Another challenge is competition with the whole world - an American can’t survive on rates that are rich for people in many other countries. Between Upwork’s take and taxes, the rates on many projects offer no benefit at all. Good for them in low-wage countries; now Americans and others have to figure out how to compete fairly.