UpWork's Connects Bidding System is terrible

[stevenvitte12]

I discussed this with other freelancers in another forum topic, but I wanted to start my own thread about this issue that has developed on UpWork. 

This is my honest opinion on UpWork's Connects System of bidding on jobs. It's absolutely terrible. It clearly wasn't well thought out at all when it was implemented. 

You may have read comments from other freelancers about how "bidding wars" have developed where the amount of Connects submitted goes up to astronomical levels. This Connects System of bidding is simply not sustainable for the long-term. It's a system that is already being abused by many freelancers who are simply not qualified for the jobs they are applying for, and in some cases, these same unqualified freelancers will get hired just because they submitted the most Connects out of anyone else. This doesn't happen all the time, but don't tell me this never happens either.

UpWork has allowed this Connects Bidding System to become a casino game of sorts where you have to do the following:

1. Buy X amount of Connects for considerable amounts of $ to even get the opportunity to bid on jobs.
2. Submit your proposals to potential clients with huge amounts of Connects in your bid.
3. (Likely outcome these days) You either a) get outbid by someone who is nowhere near as qualified as you for the job, or b) you are the highest bid for the job but you still don't get the job, or c) the client abruptly closes the job so that no one gets it and you have to start all over again.
4. The end result of all this, whether you get a job or not, is that you end up paying UpWork money. That's basically at the heart of all this. UpWork makes money off the hard work you put in to even participate in their system, to work on jobs, and make money for your own bank account. (Lest we forget you have to pay UpWork % fees and state tax fees as well?)

It's easy for some freelancers who have deep enough bank accounts to simply buy as many Connects as they want and use them to bid on jobs, but ultimately what UpWork has done is promote bad behaviors while doing so. In other words, this Connects Bidding System is sending all the wrong messages to people. For someone who doesn't have a deep enough bank account and lives well below the poverty line (myself), long-term it is unaffordable to keep playing this casino game and "hope" that things turn around, especially if you have so many clients out there who refuse to verify their UpWork Payment methods, or worse, you bump into a scammer.

I have been working here since late 2014, back when we still had Elance and oDesk as separate entities. At least with those platforms back then, they knew what they were doing. They had sturdy business models in place that worked, and they had systems in place where it was fair for freelancers to have a chance to apply for any jobs they wanted. Here with UpWork in 2023, you simply don't get that.

This current Connects Bidding System is a complete joke, and long-term I will not be supporting this anymore. Come 2024, if significant changes are not made to this, such as getting rid of the Connects altogether, then I will be announcing my "retirement" from the UpWork platform and move to another freelancing platform where I will have more freedom to apply for jobs... and without having to waste $20-$100+ on Connects. I would rather work on other platforms, or simply go "lone wolf independent" and get jobs my own creative way than to blow money on a system that doesn't guarantee me any jobs. It's what becomes the definition of insanity. Continuously doing something the same way and expecting a different result.

If UpWork wants to make more money, then surely there are other ways for this organization to do so, which shouldn't involve having to beg us to buy Connects. To say that I have been discouraged by UpWork in these last 2 years alone would be a huge understatement. Productivity on UpWork has gone way down, and I know that's not a coincidence. 

In closing, because I don't want this being long-winded, there is only one way for UpWork to go if they don't make any changes to this Connects Bidding System. Down. I don't just mean down, but I mean rock bottom downhill. I have a theory that UpWork as an organization is losing money left and right, which partially explains why they have this Connects System in place. If freelancers like me who have had 9 years of active experience using your platform are now unsatisfied with it, then you know something is wrong. I don't want to read replies that say "What are you talking about? This Connects System is fine!" because it's obvious you don't understand what is at the heart of this issue. Do you enjoy paying so much money to even bid on a job? Pure insanity that must stop soon.

[yofazza]

Their net profit graph went to the wrong direction since Elance times, so they have the right to "do something", dont you think?

[tlsanders]

Do you have a source of information about elance's profitability? I have looked and have never been able to find an indication that they were ever profitable. 

[yofazza]

No, I only repeated what some people said 😂 but also based on the "startups usually live with investor's money for years"  knowledge. And I mean Elance is also not profiting btw, sorry ESL.

I happened to know a startup built during Elance times where it's now considered one of the top ecommerce marketplace in my country, where they're just starting to focus on profit in the past few months (by starting to charge a little "service fee" on each transaction). What the management doing in the past years are only "looking for more investors", and they get it even from banks abroad. So to any "ranters", know it that it's normal and it's fair if they want to make a profit, isn't it? Your well-being, is not in the equation.

[tlsanders]

Yes, 7+ years is very common. I thought you were saying Upwork was making less profit than elance had is why I asked. 

[spectralua]

You have created separate topic but it will be moved to large topic with freelancers claims and lost.

I wil try to explain, lets calculate. Small job with $100 budget.

1. Without this gambling Upwork can receive $10. Thats all.

2. With gambling, 50 applied, boosted. 50x$2 for bid + 50x$200 for boost +10% fee.  $10110 total.

Still think that option 1 better for Upwork?

And $10 in case if it is real job. No more real jobs here. But with fake job Upwork will receive $10k for sure.

Sorry, man. Bussines as usual.

p.s. One large difference with casino: In casino you able to win!

[tlsanders]

Perhaps the best answer would be to ban jobs under $250 or $500. 

[spectralua]

The advertising campaign that promises newcomers the availability of work will fail then. At the moment the upwork is already lying about the availability of vacancies (the number of real jobs, in my opinion, is no more than a third). If you remove the works below $100 then it will generally be empty. 

Screenshot with fake jobs included. This is not a list, just a little cut. Not filtered, this fakes realy followed one by one. We can see here: jobs posted 14 hours ago. (of course i flagged them) noone will delete them. For now up to 90 freelancers was scammed for connects by Upwork. I think this "jobs" gave to Upwork an $15000. And it continues, fakes still there..

Fake jobs

Or am messed some and my observations are wrong?

[yofazza]

For now up to 90 freelancers was scammed for connects by Upwork.

I don't think they do it intentionally. They just not "rushing" to deal with it 😁

They might delete (and refund the connects) the jobs, or they don't. Yes I've also saved some scam jobs to see some of them deleted and some doesn't until (most likely) expire.

Oh and they will place some of the blame to freelancers by saying, "Please feel free to flag the job posted or the client so that our team can review and take action. You can also send me a PM with the job post.", where from what I see they will remove the jobs if it's reported and it's a very well known (very obvious to some) as scam.

[spectralua]

But them not rushing intentionally. 😁

It can be detected a while posted, spammer must be warned then restricted. Freelancers shouldn't see this fakes at all. But Upwork need this fakes. Thats why my flagging was ignored.

[tlsanders]

I don't know anything about advertising campaigns. But, there have always been those weird garbage jobs that don't go anywhere, and there are certainly more now. I don't know what they're about. But, I do find it hard to believe that Upwork would so blatantly commit such a serious crime, so I doubt thats the explanation.

[feed_my_eyes]

---

Tiffany S wrote:

Perhaps the best answer would be to ban jobs under $250 or $500. 

---

That would eliminate most of the jobs in my category. More than half are below $100, never mind $250 or $500. 

[sadia265]

I agree with you. This platform is getting worse day by day. 

[cgozon]

Their connects system is heading in the wrong direction even before the bidding system.

I understand the purpose of connects because clients here are getting unrelated skill sets applying for job postings. Hence, freelancers should lose something whenever they use it so they won't be too trigger-happy and apply to whatever job. This was good.

However, it got worse through the years. I was here when it was still oDesk way back in 2010, and the evolution of this system is not leaning towards freelancers.

1. First, they implemented limited connects per month, which was understandable once again. It gives a freelancer second thoughts on applying to almost anything they see.
2. Then, connects are not free anymore. It makes sense again to trim down unrelated applications and for Upwork to gain something in their platform.
3. Here it started not to make sense: there were no more discounts for "bulk" purchases of connects.
4. The bidding system allows those who have deep pockets to outbid possible, more qualified applicants.
5. Clients are not closing job postings which (as I could remember) could be a way to get "refunded" with the connects spent to apply.
6. Clients requiring 16 connects for Entry-Level jobs. Upwork should impose a limit on this. (Say... entry-level max 6 connects, intermediate max 12, then Expert max 18 connects). Something like this.

This is tipping the scale way too much, giving freelancers who need a job (hence, not enough money to spend on connects) not to get a job.

**Edited for Community Guidelines** Indeed and LinkedIn may be intimidating for some, but I'm getting better responses there than here. Of course, if I need a job so badly, I won't close my doors on Upwork, but I don't want to spend too much on one application.

[the-right-writer]

Sure, go for those "free" jobs. Those sites are generally absolutely horrible. LinkedIn isn't intimidating, it is full of recruiters.

If you want employment, you can find it on those sites. You don't find many freelancer gigs if any.

The free platforms are garbage with garbage clients, fees, and freelancers. Some will fit right in.

If you can't afford a few connects, you will never succeed in self-employment.

[cgozon]

I would beg to differ. But maybe it depends on the person who spreads out their cards and doesn't lay it all on one platform.

My concern immediately gets a "can't afford a few connects" comment? That's for you in place of privilege. In the Philippines, your $12 can go a long way for your day-to-day expenses, and to spend that to apply for 5-6 jobs just wouldn't make sense, especially if money is hard to come by.

I was able to get freelance work on those free sites more after Upwork had this connects system. I still did spend for connects and chose my applications carefully so as not to waste them. But this didn't also mean I didn't find any gigs on other platforms at all. I had three long-term and 2 short-term gigs there in the span of 3 years. Yes, they are filled with recruiters, but I also knew who to connect with and how to handle them. I can always ignore them, but I wouldn't say 'no' to know more about what they can offer.

Not cashing out that much for connects to apply doesn't equate to not being successful in self-employment. I've been freelancing for over a decade, and I've seen how the market has changed. Unfortunately, that balance is overly tipped to benefit businesses of these platforms and the clients, and so little in the favor of labor.

[the-right-writer]

"My concern immediately gets a "can't afford a few connects" comment?"

Would you be happier with pretty little lies? Then seek it elsewhere because you won't get anything but the straight truth from me. It doesn't matter how rich or poor, your location, your culture, or your bank account - freelancing requires money.

If you do not understand that, then you need to rethink being here. No one comes here and just makes money. No one goes to any platform and just makes money. Too many people treat freelancing like employment. You are responsible for every cost. The cold, hard truth is, if you can't afford to pay for your business expenses, you should not be in self-employment.

That's for you in place of privilege. In the Philippines, your $12 can go a long way for your day-to-day expenses, and to spend that to apply for 5-6 jobs just wouldn't make sense, especially if money is hard to come by.

If it doesn't make sense financially, then don't do it.

Yes, money is different depending on where you live. What you don't understand is that if I charged $5.00 an hour, I would be homeless in the U.S.

You are not understanding self-employment. This is a worldwide platform. You have to pay your way, just as I do. It doesn't matter if you are destitute. It doesn't matter if you are rich. Every freelancer has to have some money, or you will fail.

If I made the rules, I would change it, but I don't. So, I tell people the truth, and if you want to spend your time and energy angry with me and others who tell the truth, well, that's your choice.

One more time. To everyone, If you have very little to no money to spend, and you need that money for housing, food, utilities, medicine, etc. do not spend it on a desperate hope that you might get a job. It makes no business sense and it makes no sense, period.

[tlsanders]

If you want employment, you can find it on those sites. You don't find many freelancer gigs if any.

This may be niche-specific, but I get good inquiries from freelancing clients through LinkedIn.

[the-right-writer]

Maybe it is niche-specific. I seem to get 1 legitimate offer, compared to 50 recruiters who just want a full referral file. I also receive a ton of full time jobs, but few freelancer gigs. The few serious scientists and medical people I've connected with don't hire a lot of people, but they do have some freelancer jobs.

[3e8da0ce]

The new freelancers who are facing inflation and the country's terrible financial problems are struggling to enter this market though they are 200% sure about the job he/she can do this is found to be a monopolistic approach rather than being supportive competitive market to chase the clients and reach out towards success and set the win-win situation for upwork as well.

P.S.: I am worried that Upwork's market share price would fall.

PPS: What about the new entrants, will they exit from here?

Thankyou

Hussain

[yofazza]

Market share

Here it is.

I wrote "Will they beat their historically-lowest point in the next couple weeks?"  before, and looks like it managed to go up a bit instead.

New freelancers

I know  you and many feels that way, but there are actually things Upwork did to make sure the opportunity is "rotated". Some new freelancers gets like 2 hires in the first week, while old freelancers are not even getting any views on their proposal.

Take the last paragraph of Cherie Ann G's post above you. Just the last paragraph. Don't depend on this site, or actually, on any 3rd parties.

I freelance for a living. I'm definitely not backing up on Upwork or something, it's just sad to see you people rants for something that might gets laughed at by the management. They aren't profiting for years, they have their goals where your well-being is not one of them. And they have 18 million of you.

[williamtcooper]

Steven,

Only Bid on Jobs that you are an EXACT match for so that you are tagged as a Best Match and never have to Bid beyond the minimum.

[crart]

I just found a job I know I could win. But sadly, all I see last few weeks is this image. I guess Upwork management is laughing hard now, I am missing exactly 1 connect to apply.

[the-right-writer]

How is Upwork responsible for your lack of planning? As a self-employed  business person, how did you let your business get to the point you have a dollar?

If you want to apply, buy connects. If you don't want to be self-employed and pay your way, like all self-employed business people, then find someone to pay everything for you. Those are your choices.

[crart]

I do wish you're not in a situation like me - funding my medication myself so I can live some more years, with no support from my government nor family. And don't tell me I'm whining, not planning etc. I do not have power over clients that don't pay on time, I do not have power over Upwork milking me dry. The fact that I am asked to pay money to APPLY FOR A JOB is what triggers me. I cannot plan to spend if I have zero because suddenly my meds got more expensive. Think before you start "teaching" others, you have no idea who is sitting behind the screen and what their situation is. And yes, freelance is the only way to go for me because due to my health no one is going to hire me for 9-17 job, I tried.

[the-right-writer]

I just love how everyone assumes they are the only one with issues.  You know nothing about me, and you know nothing of the many, many people who work at freelancing with severe disabilities. Are you aware that there are tens of thousands, if not more, people with disabilities who are making great incomes here? They plan.

There are a lot of people with serious issues here, that all need money. You certainly don't corner the market on having health issues. I know several people who are freelancing here, who are actively dying. So, no, I don't feel sorry for you.

I can't fix the world, make everyone well, and give them all money for free. I stand by my post. Sick or not, you made very poor business decisions.

If you are unable to be employed, you will either have to find a way other than freelancing or figure a way to pay your way like everyone else. That is the way the world works, and I would not be doing you any favors by suggesting you spend a penny here.

I will say this again to everyone. If you are desperate, if you are hungry, need medicine, have to pay for shelter, etc., do not spend money on a desperate bid to find jobs, because it doesn't work.

Upwork is not going to change it's business "model."

Each freelancer has to decide if it is worth their while. In your situation, if the return is nonexistent, or very poor, you are wasting your money. There are plenty of other ways to earn money without being at work 9-5. Many freelances have found their own way, without Upwork or platforms. If you try, you can find them, too.

[tlsanders]

I just love how everyone assumes they are the only one with issues.  

Be careful. The moment you suggest that someone may not be the only person in the world with problems, a horrible little troll will appear to accuse you of trying to play on people's sympathies and exploit whatever problem you have.

[51c66170]

Upwork is saying like this: " All of the freelancers are doing business, and getting jobs must be Business so we have to pay to get success in their business." 

We are just paying to Upwork without any guarantee of success.

Upwork must re-consider about the bidding system soon.

[tlsanders]

And Upwork is spending millions of dollars a month on infrastructure and marketing to bring those clients to you with no guarantee of success...in fact, they failed in every quarter for several consecutive years. 

[crart]

That's not freelancer's fault that Upwork is failing in delivering quality services. Services for which they take money, mind you. Looks like a scam within a scam.

[the-right-writer]

The point is, Upwork, nor freelancers, have any guarantee of making money. All those who are whining about paying pennies for job access should find an employer to pay all the costs.

[caseypletcher]

Pennies? Some bids are 100 connects. That's over $15 just to bid for ONE project you may not get. What are you even talking about?

[the-right-writer]

There are no Upwork jobs demanding 100 connects. If you mean boosting, well, there are lots of people, agencies, farmers, etc. who think throwing boosting at jobs will get one, skills or not. You don't need to do that, so, it's an option. The only time you should even apply, is if you have every skill they need, and you know you can do the job in its entirety, better than most. You only boost when you know you will be one of the top two. Then you boost if you really want the job. Simply being on top does no good if the client hates what they see.

Many freelancers don't boost and find work. Other freelancers boost within business sense, and are hired. There is no need for anyone to be throwing connects at jobs and hoping something will happen. It's a waste of time, money, and effort.

Freelancing means you apply and don't look back. Nowhere in the world of freelancing do you get your investment returned if you don't get the job.

[designcoordinatn]

Especially when its 10 connects for a project worth less than $100 ... there has to be some rational between project value & connects requested ... not just Clients thinking its a big project to them as its more than $5.

[tlsanders]

And yet you continue to spend your time here and pay them money for something you have decided has no value? That's the weirdest business plan I've ever heard, though it seems to be a popular one here.

[the-right-writer]

If you completed your profile, you might land your first job. The problem is not connects, it is your lack of a profile and your title "Other." Can you explain to me what you do as an "other"?

Freelancing comes with no guarantee. That's why you need real marketable skills. You are self-employed and have to pay for everything, including access to job boards. If you don't want to pay your own way, find an employer to take care of you and all the costs.

Right now, you have no chance of success because you haven't done the work, and I would bet you haven't read the Terms of Service and you certainly haven't used the help from the Academy, which you should.

[2578476b]

Not :prohibited: fine.

[designcoordinatn]

Exactly, paying to bid when there is often no real prospect of it being a genuine job post is an issue.

As we see the Clients post them on other platforms, with same text, user name & files ... no doubt its the same project/work.

So when it either does not get awarded, responded to etc.

Should be pretty simple, should be one connect per bid/response, with any qualifying criteria being experience on the platform/feedback as to ability ... not how many connects (money) you are willing to offer.

It actually does not incentivise me to buy any more connects than what we are given free each month.

[marjan22]

 This Connects System is not fine!

[williamtcooper]

Marjan,

What is wrong with it and your solution?