Freelancer.com review: site is greedy and sets up its policies to punish you 10

I have been working with Freelancer.com for last 10 years. I am shocked and feeling devastated after I got my account suspended day before yesterday. I got the reason that 3 clients in the period of last 1.5 years have been unhappy. And that we were absconding. But its not the case ever. We have delivered atleast 10 + projects in last 1.5 years with very good reveiws from clients. And in fact out of these 3 clients 2 were given out of way helps at 20 + occasions and modules. 1 of the client case we can agree, that we were not able to match the frequency. And now even out of those 2 whom we supported more than 20 times post delivery, we are helping the 1 since yesterday with free modules and deliveries. And we are not charging too, because freelancer.com wants us to give free service to them.

We are writing and sending multiple messages to support and we are now not getting any response. We have NEVER SCAMMED money from any client and we are being treated like so badly, just because of those 3 issue, where our fault was about 0.00001 % or less. And infact our fault was we kept giving clients the space to keep asking us more and more and we gave them that.

Our whole team is so much feeling devastated that, we dont have words for this.

This is live partiality in front of our eyes. Our complaints are never considered right, even we are working for 10 years and never scammed or mis behaved with anyone.

In fact, we reported violations by clients and made couple of clients from outside to come to the site and give project there. We billed outside clients on Freelancer.com. Our Honesty and feel good towards Freelancer.com is hit & broke so badly by suspending account and on mere allegations and NO PROOFS of any wrong doing!

We always have looked for a safe environment. And had been feeling the same on Freelancer.com in last 10 years. But it seems the new management dont care for anything. And in fact never responds after giving the verdict!

Here is the trail of what went on:
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from: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 6:31 PM
subject: Project Client: AliDhaif
mailed-by: gmail.com

Hello Support

An client ( AliDhaif) whose works were done in last year 8/12/13/ And then we gave them Free Of cost Support for 3 months. And then they said all Ok.

Now they are back after months and asking for some works done. And we said, there shall be charges for that. They saying, they want it to be done in the same project contract.

How is it possible ?

Please advise. They are saying they will chargeback money!

its Ridiculous!
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from: Freelancer.com Support
reply-to: support@freelancer.com
to: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
date: Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 6:35 AM
subject: [#IJE-[protected]]: Project Client: AliDhaif
mailed-by: freelancer.com

Hi,

Thank you for writing back to us.

We fully undertand your concern with the project. However, it is best to communicate with your employer first to discusss any amicable settlement on this. We hope all projects will be successful on the site. The success of the project depends on how each party communicate with each other. We encourage you to try ans reach out to them to come up with an amicable settlement.

Should you need any further assistance, feel free to contact us again.

Sincerely,
Aidan M.
Freelancer.com Support

e: support@freelancer.com
w: http://www.freelancer.com

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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 12:25 PM
subject: Re: [#IJE-[protected]]: Project Client: AliDhaif
mailed-by: gmail.com
Hello Adian

Thanks for writing again.

But we did replied the person and we did do, two more Fixes to make it Co-ordial relation, as you wanted and to make it amicable.

But if you want us to give free services always to clients post deliveries for lifetime and for FREE, please include this in your policy too.

And make it acceptable by everyone.

Because, if we keep on providing free services always, then I am not sure, how a project will be completed and freelancers will make money ?

Please advise.
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from: Freelancer.com Support
reply-to: support@freelancer.com
to: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 12:41 PM
subject: [#IJE-[protected]]: Project Client: AliDhaif
mailed-by: freelancer.com
Hi there,

Thank you for contacting Freelancer.com Support.

We understand that you are having an issue with the employer. However, we still encourage you to contact the employer and try resolving the issue regarding the project. Note that this is important since this is the best option to get a resolution on the issue. We suggest contacting them and inform them of your concern.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact us back.

---
Sincerely,
Mervin
Freelancer.com Support
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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: support@freelancer.com
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 12:43 PM
subject: Re: [#IJE-[protected]]: Project Client: AliDhaif
mailed-by: gmail.com

My dear friends!

We did it!

We solved two issues to free of cost.

Now what you want us to do?

Keep giving them everything for Free?

If you will say so. We will do it.

Please advise.
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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 11:29 AM
subject: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Hello.

My Account is suspended.

May I know the reason please?

Thanks.

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from: Grady C.
reply-to: support@freelancer.com
to: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 1:55 PM
subject: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: freelancer.com
Hi Saurabh,

Thank you for contacting Freelancer.com Support.

We received multiple complaints from different employers for different projects. You have been absconding, asking for upfront payments, and delaying the project completion even after receiving the payments for the projects.

You may refer below for the details:

Project: Build a website accordingly to specs
ID: 5143293
Project: Travel Platform Website
ID: 4337963
Project: Drupal Site Development
ID: 4363026

We do not tolerate such behavior in our site, and we impose a zero tolerance policy to anyone who will bring the marketplace into disrepute. Thus, a suspension was imposed in your account.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

---
Sincerely,
Grady
Freelancer.com Support

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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 2:07 PM
subject: Re: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Dear Grady

Yes, I accept your words.

We have done many projects in this time period and have recieved very good reviews and couple of bad too.

But we never have ran away with money.

We totally respect the poilcy.

And we always are abided by it.

Coming to the project:

Project: Build a website accordingly to specs
ID: 5143293

The client gave the project. We did the project. We did extra steps and then he wanted further works. Which was not possible after Delivery and Free support period. We discussed and told additional charges for the same. And they said, they wont pay. I said fine. Then I contacted support on the issues. And I was being advised to solve amicably. I again accepted it and then further agreed to work on it.

Later we did the FREE works. And he got the site on his server.

I understand this led for wrong relation and he gave bad review, And we too gave the same with our end of story. And you will agree, Reviews are not visible before both of us leave it. So I posted by end of story.

Project: Travel Platform Website
ID: 4337963

The clients Ali Dhaif, is a very nice person. We worked with him And all is well till last 2 weeks. The site was delivered 9 months back. And we kept of providing further support too.

Now he wanted some additional works. We said money for that. He said no.

But IF YOU WILL INSTRUCT WE WILL DO THE FREE WORKS FOR HIM to make YOU ONLY Happy!

BUT our relation was very good with the client.

Project: Drupal Site Development
ID: 4363026

Honestly I dont have words to explain this project. Sometimes I thnk couple of clients dont give us project. They give us some disease and want us to suffer with them This was a bad one.

And I wont accept the charges of this client at all. He was a BAD PERSON.

Gary,

We are working since 10 years. We make good, we make bad. We try to keep it good.

If you have a checking system, you will see, atleast 100 times I have told clients not to violate rules.

I never ask funds out of way. Every time on delivery or before delivery.

ALSO I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABSCONDING. IF I WAS BEING, then so many projects we are doing and making clients happy.

I am sorry for any problem And I will look forward for you to a help to get this issue solved

I will do my level best to KEEP GIVING FREE WORKS on the WILL OF FREELANCER.COM to clients, even the client is bad.

Because this is my bread and butter.

Kindly advise.

Thanks.

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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 3:02 PM
subject: Re: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Dear Grady

I have couple of things to add here:

1. For the project 5143293, the client Sasha, asked us to couple of more things not from the actual scope. To ensure what we did extra, we can send you the emails and screenshots. And we always try to ensure to get good reviews from clients.

For this only, we did extra works without asking any extra money. And in the FEAR to not get bad reviews.

But clients take advantages of this. And in this scenario we didnt get a rightful payment. Can you please advise, what should we do ?

2. For project: 4337963

As I mentioned in my last response, client has been extremely good. And we also liked working with him.

Our only concern is, he came after 9 months asking for some works. And that too in the same payment, in which delivery of the site was done.

Can you please advise, what should we do then? Give Free works whenever client comes back ?

We know repurtation of the marketplace is the top prioroity. And we are working for last 10 years here and have always tried to make our end clear.

But in this type of scenarios what will be your suggestion ?

We are then stuck from both the end ?

Also, WE ASK Support many a times, that if client is not paying money, what should we do ? Support Says, ( at many occasions ): We will advise not to do/delivery any works, if the payment is not secured.

Now, we are in middle of things:

1. We have to provide services to ensure we do great works to make them satisfied.

2. We always keep doing YES SIR for everything.

3. Taking advantage of this YES SIR attitude, they ensure to take atleast 5-10 extra modules. For which there is no guidance & undertanding from Freelancer.com, what to do ? And at the end if client wants, he can charge back money after delivery or make dispute. And our account gets suspended

4. This is the first time my account is suspended. Because I never have done any violations so far. Also, Please check I have always tried to help the community by reporting spams or contact information posting. Now I dont know what to do else!

I am very confused and disturbed.

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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Mon, Sep 29, 2014 at 7:57 PM
subject: Re: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Dear Grady

I am very much in contact with Alidhaif and have agreed and working for FREE for further extra works.

I respect your thoughts about no disrepute for the marketplace.

May I kindly request you to kindly activate my account as its the first time my account is suspended and from now on wards I will ensure to give all the free of cost works to clients if they will need.

I hope you will consider my request to enable the account suspension ( yes you may kindly verify with the buyer for the project 4337963 Mr. Dhaif ).

I will make sure not to again let you feel bad about our conduct here. We have tried in last 10 years never to make bad reputation and always tried to make it a very good community.

I hope once we could be given the opportunity on the same regards.

Also, if any advise on how to handle clients where extra works is asked?

Thanks.
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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: "support@freelancer.com"
date: Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 10:16 AM
subject: Re: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Hello Support

Kindly respond. No one is responding and our account is still suspended.

We are very much in contact with our client and we are doing the free works for them too to solve it amicably.

Kindly respond and activate our account. Its only our bread and butter.

Please.

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from: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
to: support@freelancer.com
date: Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 1:39 PM
subject: Re: [#XPM-[protected]]: Account Suspended
mailed-by: gmail.com

Dear support

Please Help me!

I have learned my lesson.

I will always keep giving whatever they want. Even they won't pay, we will work for them.

Please see we have never scammed money from anyone.

This is our first time to know about this thing.

We will always make sure to keep clients happy. We always tried it.

But as you know all fingers are not same, so 2-3 problems happened in last 1.5 years. But we are not scammers.

We delivered many projects in this period.

Please see the ratio of happy clients is very high.

I promise I will make this ratio go higher. And I promise never a complain will come about communication.

My whole team and their family depend on this account.

It was our festival time in Kolkata, India. Like it's Christmas for us. But one one team is celebrating. Because of this account suspension.

Our 10 years relation is with this account. You cant see in emails the emotion and pain we are going through since yesterday.

Always we have treated Freelancer. Com as our own.

Always we told clients not to violate rules. Even we billed outside money and project here as we felt we will be safe here.

Please forgive for the problem this time. Its happened this time and it will never happen again.

We are really very much sorry for all this.

We are very much in contact with the travel project client. And have offered all for free service.

We don't have any other job. Freelancer. Com is our everything.

Please give us this last Chance. We will always keep working on communication with clients more closely than earlier.

Please everyone! Please! :(
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I kept on sending the messages and no one is responding! And I am not sure what else to do! No one is helping at all!

We are not scammers! We are just shunted out for being not giving free services to clients!

Hello greedlancer,

This is Will from Freelancer.com. I would like to help you with your concern in your account. Please shoot me a message with your username so I can check on it at willc@freelancer.com.

I look forward to hear from you the soonest possible time.

Sincerely,

Will C.

Change the name to greedlancer.com.
First off, fiverr, Odesk and Elance are good not greedy alternatives. Just had to use in order to get paid by clients.
Everyone this is serious I am not mad or anything never had disagreement or anything with freelancer besides constant bombardment of upgrade membership requests. Just about basic principles and integrity companies should have on how to treat fellow human beings. This company looks at us like livestock. They got together and thought of every possible way to get money out of you like 10% of project commission wasnt enough. They are so greedy they try to get you to upgrade on almost every page for something that should be free.

#1 You have to wait 5-7 days to get your earned money sent to paypal which I never heard of a company doing. It is a punishment because you won't upgrade for an instant service = greedy trying to squeeze more money. Paypal is instant, make a button release money not like you do anything manual there.
#2 To prove your skills or language instead of a normal company asking you questions for free. You have to pay to take a test. = greedy
#3 They make you upgrade to withdraw money directly to you bank. Why? Never heard of a company doing that = greedy
more punishment for not wanting to give them more than 10% of your money.
#4 This is so evil I dont even want to visit Australia now because this company is from there.
#5 I never experienced so much greed from a company, can compare this company to car salesman. I honestly think it works great at finding business but I dont like fellow humans being looked at like cash. They are bringing you business.

Again I feel for everyone and have a high sense of respect and equality for fellow humans. They are not livestock to me. 10% should make anyone happy. If anything charge for quicker support. But dont punish people and make up little clever greedy things to get more money out of people. They earned the money you got 10% Now release the money like any normal company. It is easy coding that can be done free, instant and simple. No excuse to make people wait because they don't upgrade. That is punishing for not giving you more.

I never experienced so much greed and can compare greedlancer to racists in 1960s America. People already had to fight to be treated like humans. Freelancer is the only company on another level of greed I cannot find any competitors in that department it's pretty sad and disrespectful to everyone. What you do to others affects me. I cannot stand the greed it is overwhelming I had to create this post.

Serious everyone, how many people would actually take time to make a post about how greedy a company is and have never had any problem with them besides how they are money hungry? I really suggest Odesk and Elance.

Hello Anti-greed,

This is Will from Freelancer.com. I would like to hear from you regarding your feedback with the site. Kindly shoot me an email at willc@freelancer.com along with your username.

I look forward to hear from you the soonest possible time.

Sincerely,

Will

They are greedy as fvck, I have worked for major companies both in U.S.A. and Japan, and while I can afford comfortably any of their services, I did found out that they are just trying to make money, and step on people that don't spend. I did not support the company because of that wrong greedy vision they have, too bad, I would have invested major capital in them.

Hello there exposedfreelancer,

This is Will and I'm one of the tier-2 representatives of Freelancer.com. I can see that you have experienced some issues and I want to understand on what happened so I can assist you further. Please send an email at willc@freelancer.com along with your username and the summary of your issues.

I hope to here from you.

Sincerely,
Will

So greedy you have a UK english test and a American english test like there is a huge difference.

Whats the deal with charging people to take exams to prove you speak english etc. This should be free it benefits YOUR WEBSITES SERVICE, you could develop a simple test. Why are you focused on fees so much? And first withdrawal takes $15-30 days or something ignorant like that? You also get charged $20 when awarded a project before you even get paid and can release money, Freelancer gets paid first so you are in debt before you even make money?

Also it says 10% commission but I was awarded a $200 project and I can only withdrawal $170?

People also have to upgrade to withdrawal their earned money faster on top of your 30%?

Elance is alternative everyone and fiverr. These guys are money hungry focused not on connecting people but consuming in all areas, makes you guys look very thirsty and lack integrity for fellow humans. People in third-world countries could really use a service like freelancer minus having to pay a week of their income to prove they can speak english when it could be done free.

You should not be charging people for that, I cannot stand it, all this so the owners could buy an extra Lamborghini.

Hello grumpyfuser,

This is Will from Freelancer.com. I would like to help you by reviewing on what had happened to your account. Please send an email at willc@freelancer.com along with your username and I will be glad to assist you.

I will be waiting for your email.

Sincerely,
Will C.

Yes freelancer.com is greedy to the bone. They charge freelancers fees when an employer pays in a different currency, then the freelancer has to pay one conversion fee for paying the project fee and then another conversion fee when you want to withdraw money.
This can all be avoided by just having one currency like Dollars, but of course that would make them less money. They pray on small freelancers who are making a few bugs, it is an absolutely disgusting behavior.
They also charge freelancers a project fee even before the employer has paid any money to the site. Which means the freelancer is actually at risk of having to pay a project fee for a project that might never pay out.
I really hope an alternative come up very soon so we can get out of the greedy claw.