Is PeoplePerHour legit? An in-depth explanation

Is PeoplePerHour legit?

Yes, PeoplePerHour is a legit freelance platform that has connected real clients and freelancers since 2007.

• It has hosted over 1.1 million job postings across many countries.
• It uses escrow to hold payments until work is approved.
• It does charge service fees and has some scam invites to watch for.

Freelance work shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, freelance sites like PeoplePerHour matter more than ever. However, is PeoplePerHour the best option out there? Is it worth using, or should you look elsewhere? This article digs into the question “is PeoplePerHour legit” and what the site offers.

What is PeoplePerHour?

PeoplePerHour is a freelance website where you can find remote workers. So freelancers and gig workers can search for jobs and earn extra income.

Created in 2007, it is one of the largest and longest-running gig economy platforms in the United Kingdom. In fact, it has more than 1.1 million job postings across over 89 countries.

The site offers a wide range of freelance jobs that anyone can apply for, such as:

• Content writing
• Graphic design
• Technology and programming
• Digital marketing
• Music
• Business
• Social media
• Photography
• Videography

How does PeoplePerHour work?

PeoplePerHour lets anyone post the services they offer. Meanwhile, clients search for the right person for the job. So Freelancers can get started with a few simple steps.

Create a profile

Like other freelance sites, you first make an account and profile. The site asks if you want to hire or work as a freelancer. So make your profile clear and appealing. Write a short bio, and list your skills and services. After that, you may wait seven days for approval. However, you can get approved right away for a fee.

Check out the competition

Next, look at what other freelancers in your niche do. While you scope them out, ask yourself these questions:

• How much are they charging?
• What do their outputs look like?
• What are clients saying about them?
• Are there gaps you can fill with your services?

This gives beginners a clear idea of what pros do. As a result, you can set fair prices and plan your output. In addition, you learn what clients want. So take a look at the top-rated freelancers and their projects.

Look for projects

Both freelancers and businesses can search from the Search bar. From there, you can pick:

• Search offers (for businesses)
• Search freelancers (for businesses)
• Search projects (for freelancers)

For freelancers

As a freelancer, you can browse projects that fit your skills. You can also see how many people applied. So you get a feel for how tough the competition is. Each project shows details such as:

• Prices
• Experience level
• Duration of the project
• When the project was posted

To apply, click a project and send a proposal. However, there is a catch. You have a limited number of proposal credits. You start with 15 free credits. After that, you must buy more when they run out.

For buyers

On the other hand, buyers can view freelancer profiles. So you get access to details such as:

• Their services
• Ratings (out of 5 stars)
• Rates (hourly or fixed rate)
• Portfolio
• Offers they have posted
• Reviews from past clients

If you like a specific project, just click “Buy Now.” Or you can message the freelancer directly.

Post offer

Freelancers can post an offer once they feel sure about their skills and rates. As noted, your first step is to build a profile. There, you list your skills and set your price, either by the hour or at a fixed price. So write a clear, strong bio to attract more clients.

How do you get paid on PeoplePerHour?

PeoplePerHour makes payments simple. You add a withdrawal account and cash out through PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer. However, there is a catch. You do not get paid the moment you finish the job. Instead, the money sits in escrow. So a third party holds it before it reaches you.

The client must confirm the job is done first. Also, they get seven days to do this. One thing to note is that PeoplePerHour charges fairly high service fees. Here is the general fee breakdown:

• First $350 earned with a buyer (excl. VAT): 20%
• $350 to $7,000 earned with a buyer: 7.5%
• Over $7,000 earned with a buyer: 3.5%

Advantages of using PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour has many perks for both freelancers and buyers.

Wide range of services

There is something for everyone, whatever your niche. So one of its strengths is the wide range of services. In fact, there are many job options across different fields. For businesses, there are many freelancers to choose from.

Choice of buyer or seller

A unique option lets you be a buyer or a seller. The site is built for freelancers. Still, business leaders can also use it to find talent. So even if you joined as a freelancer, you can switch if you decide to hire.

Flexibility for freelancers

Freelancers get a lot of freedom on the site. For example, they set their own hours and prices. As a result, they have more time to manage a heavy workload.

Convenient features

PeoplePerHour is easy to use and has handy features. For example, the mobile app makes it simple to apply on the go. In addition, invoicing is automatic, and chat is built in.

Access to other freelancers

You can view other freelancers’ profiles, too. So you can see how they work and price their services. In this way, new freelancers learn from pros. Also, this helps businesses find the best person for the job.

Disadvantages of using PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour has some downsides that new freelancers should know.

Long waiting time

For new freelancers, the first job can take a while. That is because they have not built a reputation yet. So in a sea of freelancers, it is hard to get noticed.

High competition

Freelancing is a competitive industry, and PeoplePerHour is no different. With many people after the same job, beginners face long odds. As a result, more experienced freelancers often win the work.

Platform fees

PeoplePerHour charges several fees, such as high service fees and proposal credits. So it can cost a lot for new freelancers to keep applying. However, service fees drop as you earn more. That is a fair trade-off, but it still takes work.

Fake project invitations

One of the site’s biggest flaws is fake project invites. Here, people who claim to be buyers stay vague about the details. In addition, these posts often repeat the same phrase. Other red flags include a wrong name, prices that seem too high, and a push to chat off-platform. So freelancers must be wary of these fake buyers.

Is PeoplePerHour worth it or a scam?

PeoplePerHour is a legit site. It offers real chances for freelancers to earn extra income through side hustles. In addition, it is a great place for businesses to find talent.

The site does put new freelancers at some disadvantage. Still, these hurdles are not impossible to clear. So with a little patience and practice, beginners can enjoy the perks over time.

Is PeoplePerHour legit FAQs

Is PeoplePerHour safe to use?

Yes, PeoplePerHour is safe for most users. It uses escrow to protect payments. Still, watch out for fake project invites and vague buyers.

How much does PeoplePerHour charge?

The site charges a service fee based on how much you earn. The fee starts at 20% and drops as you earn more. In addition, extra proposal credits cost money.

How long until I get my first job?

It can take a while for new freelancers. That is because you must build a reputation first. So stay patient and keep sending strong proposals.

How do I avoid scams on PeoplePerHour?

Watch for red flags. For example, avoid buyers who use the wrong name or push you off the platform. So report anything that feels off.

Key takeaways

• PeoplePerHour is a legit freelance site running since 2007.
• It uses escrow, so payments stay safe until work is approved.
• Service fees start at 20% and fall as your earnings grow.
• New freelancers face high competition and a slow start.
• Watch for fake project invites and vague buyers.