How to choose freelance website developer on Upwork

[CT1212]

I have a Wordpress ecommerce website which needs a lot of upgrading. The local website designer who built it is heavily pregnant and can't take on any work for the near future. She suggested me to use Upwork to find freelance website developers.

I listed the project on Upwork, proposed 500 US dollars for it, and so far I have received 63 proposals. A lot of them are top rated, the job success rates range between 93 percent to 100 percent, and some claim to be full stack developers who know everything.Most of their reviews are very good ( I am aware some of the reviews could be fake). Some of them work for agencies, others are freelancers.

One of them says he specializes in Wordpress and Joomla, his reviews are very good dating back to 2012 and his job success rate is 100 percent. I tested him with a 60 USD small project and he completed it very quickly and professionally. He has messaged me on Whatsapp just now and he could do this bigger project outside Upwork for 700 USD, which is a bit more than my 500 USD budget. He said the current website had quite a few problems, he could only do it for 700 USD outside Upwork; if I go through Upwork, it will be 840 USD. I am not sure if I should go ahead, he sounds like a very honest person.

Could you please let me know how to choose the freelance website developer on Upwork? What are the most important factors to look out for? Thank you very much for your suggestions.

 

[fisicx]

Why do you want to use upwork? How do you know the upgrade to your site is valued at 700USD? It could be that the changes are simple and can be done for a lot less.

You choose a developer on upwork the same way you do anything else: due diligence. Take your time to fully investigate their ability to do the work. Many will claim skills they do not have or are just agents who will outsource the work.

 

[Andy Harris]

We use Upwork for a lot of tasks. You look like you've done the right thing (the test).

Sometimes we've found that certain cultures will always push for a higher budget and even though they have offered to take it outside of Upwork, you'd be safer keeping it within (ultimately, you don't release the funds to them if the job isn't done properly via Upwork but if done outside then you don't have that protection).

In this scenario, I'd create some milestones for them - break the job into smaller payments. This keeps them happy (they get paid as they go along), and you'll feel progress is being made.

As for the value of the work, it's what it's worth to you and as long as the outcome is what you hope for, then you'll decide if it was a good price.

 

[antropy]

Could you please let me know how to choose the freelance website developer on Upwork? What are the most important factors to look out for? Thank you very much for your suggestions.

We've used UpWork a lot in the past but mostly use in-house developers now in our UK office. I would definitely say keep in the project inside UpWork even though it'll cost more.

Re. cost you could either say $500 is the max budget, or split the difference and say $600 final offer.

From the work history and your test task, it sounds like they should be competent.

Paul.

 

[CT1212]

Thank you all for your advice. He said I could pay him 350 usd first and 350 usd after the project finishes and I am satisfied with the work, outside Upwork. He has told me I could use Worldremit to pay him. At the end of day, I have the account details of the website hosting platform, I registered the domain myself and I will do a backup of the website before he starts the project.Do you think it is still a bit risky to ask him to carry out the project outside Upwork?

 

[antropy]

Do you think it is still a bit risky to ask him to carry out the project outside Upwork?

Yes.

Paul.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

keep in the project inside UpWork even though it'll cost more

Agree, stay inside Upwork

Don't get involved in negotiations just state the price is fixed (if it is)

How do you know the upgrade to your site is valued at 700USD?

Good point

Get the developer to provide you with an itemised list of tasks and how long they are expected to take/cost

 

[fisicx]

And never ever give an upwork freelancer a login to anything.

 

[antropy]

And never ever give an upwork freelancer a login to anything.

Well, I wouldn't agree with that, how are they going to do any work without any login details?

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

When they ask for cpanel. ftp, wordpress etc login details I worry a bit. You are giving a total stranger access to everything. In this case all they are doing is editing a wordpress theme. They don't need a login to anything. All they need is the theme.

 

[antropy]

When they ask for cpanel. ftp, wordpress etc login details I worry a bit. You are giving a total stranger access to everything. In this case all they are doing is editing a wordpress theme. They don't need a login to anything. All they need is the theme.

Of course you have to verify they're trustworthy but they won't be able to do the work without some logins.

Paul.

 

[ctrlbrk]

When they ask for cpanel. ftp, wordpress etc login details I worry a bit. You are giving a total stranger access to everything. In this case all they are doing is editing a wordpress theme. They don't need a login to anything. All they need is the theme.

Of course you have to verify they're trustworthy but they won't be able to do the work without some logins.

Paul.

Not a big issue really, just create ad hoc accounts for them with access limited to what they need.

 

[antropy]

Not a big issue really, just create ad hoc accounts for them with access limited to what they need.

Sounds great in theory but with FTP access they could get access to pretty much anything and add a backdoor etc. if they really wanted to, so it's best to try hard to verify them.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

Very often they don’t need much access. If they are editing a theme, building a plugin or extension or creating some imagery they can do this without a login.

Freelancers like access as it means they don’t need to use their own often inadequate hosting. Or it means they are just an agent and will sub the work to some coding serf.

 

[antropy]

Very often they don’t need much access. If they are editing a theme, building a plugin or extension or creating some imagery they can do this without a login.

Que? They need some sort of login? You can't just change any site on the internet without a login!

Freelancers like access as it means they don’t need to use their own often inadequate hosting. Or it means they are just an agent and will sub the work to some coding serf.

I wouldn't say it means that, I'd say it just means they need access to do their job.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

Why do they need a login to edit a theme? You zip up the theme and sent it to them. They install on their own site and do the work. You review and comment, pay and they send you the update. Same with a plugin. You send the freelancer the spec they build, you review, they send you the files.

 

[antropy]

Why do they need a login to edit a theme? You zip up the theme and sent it to them. They install on their own site and do the work. You review and comment, pay and they send you the update. Same with a plugin. You send the freelancer the spec they build, you review, they send you the files.

Ah yes that's a good way if you know how, but the majority of clients we work with wouldn't be able to do that.

Paul.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Have never, and would never, give a freelancer or person other than a paying client any password access to Wordpress, C Panel or hosting account

Not in a pink moon, white moon or blue moon

Can't think of a problem that wouldn't be able to get solved in house with or without external support from the WP plugin creator

 

[fisicx]

Can't think of a problem that wouldn't be able to get solved in house with or without external support from the WP plugin creator

So you would be happy to give your login to a freelancer just because they developed a plugin? That's no more secure than a random freelancer on upwork.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

So you would be happy to give your login to a freelancer just because they developed a plugin? That's no more secure than a random freelancer on upwork.

I think you misundertood, or I wasn't clear enough

Regularly seek help from plugin creators, often as part of a paid-for premium license, but would never give them a login

No exceptions

 

[antropy]

Can't think of a problem that wouldn't be able to get solved in house with or without external support from the WP plugin creator

Well just because you can't think of one, doesn't mean one doesn't exist.

We wouldn't work with a client who didn't trust us with their login details.

Paul.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

We wouldn't work with a client who didn't trust us with their login details.

I meant you trusting a third party with your client's login details, not your client trusting you with their login details

Well just because you can't think of one, doesn't mean one doesn't exist.

Can you provide an example of a Wordpress business website problem that would require you to give a freelancer your client's website login details? IF such a scenario were to occur it would require the freelancer to come on-site and use a work machine pre-installed with standard software, antivirus and work monitoring software such as SentryPC or InterGuard

 

[antropy]

I meant you trusting a third party with your client's login details, not your client trusting you with their login details

Yep but it's the same thing the other way round isn't it?

Can you provide an example of a Wordpress business website problem that would require you to give a freelancer your client's website login details?

An update that's gone wrong and the site is just showing a blank white page? Or any of a million other code problems?

IF such a scenario were to occur it would require the freelancer to come on-site and use a work machine pre-installed with standard software, antivirus and work monitoring software such as SentryPC or InterGuard

Lol good luck with that, most freelancers would just laugh and say no.

Paul.

 

[Alan]

he could only do it for 700 USD outside Upwork; if I go through Upwork, it will be 840 USD. I am not sure if I should go ahead, he sounds like a very honest person.

Hmmm, but Upwork T&C require him to go through Upwork, so avoiding Upwork commission and not paying the 'conversion fee' to move the relationship of less than 2 years outside Upwork is not exactly honest or moral. https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043210654-Move-Outside-of-Upwork

 

[ADC]

I meant you trusting a third party with your client's login details, not your client trusting you with their login details


Can you provide an example of a Wordpress business website problem that would require you to give a freelancer your client's website login details? IF such a scenario were to occur it would require the freelancer to come on-site and use a work machine pre-installed with standard software, antivirus and work monitoring software such as SentryPC or InterGuard

If you need some major work on your website of course you have to give the developer some login details. The best way is just to create a new account and delete it when they have finished the work.
It is possible they could put some back door hack in, but you just have to trust the reviews and recommendations. Suppose it's like leaving a workman in your house while you are at work. He could nip out and get another key cut and come back and rob you. You just have to trust that the majority of people are honest. I would always try and hire a legitimate UK web agency if I can, but I think some of those still farm work out to india and such like.

 

[antropy]

Suppose it's like leaving a workman in your house while you are at work. He could nip out and get another key cut and come back and rob you. You just have to trust that the majority of people are honest. I would always try and hire a legitimate UK web agency if I can, but I think some of those still farm work out to india and such like.

I think this is the most spot on post so far really - yes you should take all the technical precautions that you can, but sometimes it's unavoidable that you have to give a level of access that could be dangerous and in those cases it comes down to only working with people you trust.

Paul.

 

[makeusvisible]

Wow, this is a really good question, and really good you have asked it before choosing someone.

Ok, so my background. 15 years in the sector, providing Wordpress support to several hundred customers. We have designed and built many Wordpress sites, and I've worked with probably over 100 developers over the years.

So, the main problems with Upwork;

1. You will very often connect with a sales person within an agency. That wont be the person undertaking the work.

2. People will make offers on projects they are totally underqualified to complete.

3. The validation process upwork have is sadly non-existent and there is no accountability. There are all kinds of people on there, and some of the bad ones, are extremely bad.

As an experienced person, when we have used Upwork, the validation process is complex, and time-consuming. Finding a provider who does what they say they will do, and is capable, is extremely difficult.

To give you an example.

We needed some additional capacity in an ongoing basis to manage a particular website. It required a very clear coding skill set which we identified in our ad. We then interviewed 5 applicants via skype, asking all the same questions. We then narrowed it to 2, and dug further into their reviews, testimonials, and did some due diligence against their backgrounds. We chose a provider (took around 2 weeks in total).

Within 48 hours it was clear the provider was not technically adept, was not going to meet agreed deadlines and was simply going to say yes to everything, regardless of their capability.

Personally, knowing what I know, I would not advise anyone who doesn't not have a solid grasp of coding or Wordpress development to commission someone they don't know to work on their site via Upwork. It's tough if you do have in house expertise of design and dev, but without there are just too many potential pitfalls for it to be worth risking the integrity of your website/business. Just my opinion, as I am sure someone people find the right person first time around and it works for them.

Hope this helps.

 

[antropy]

We then narrowed it to 2, and dug further into their reviews, testimonials, and did some due diligence against their backgrounds. We chose a provider (took around 2 weeks in total).

Within 48 hours it was clear the provider was not technically adept, was not going to meet agreed deadlines and was simply going to say yes to everything, regardless of their capability.

I'd agree with all of the above, and especially this part.

We've also gone through extensive testing processes including video interviews and technical tests, only to find the person is still not competent.

To be fair to UpWork this has also happened on occasion when employing for an in-house UK based rule where we found some candidates were getting other people to do our online technical tests!

We now do an in-office supervised technical test before hiring and that's eliminated the problem, but that's difficult to do for freelancers on UpWork unless you insisted on seeing them do the test via webcam for example. But then the person who actually starts doing the work could be someone different.

And then you start to wonder why you're bothering to hire someone remote through UpWork because the cost isn't even that different once you factor everything in.

In summary, hiring good developers is very difficult even for an experienced developer like myself, and it's even harder for a non-developer.

Paul.

 

[makeusvisible]

We've also gone through extensive testing processes including video interviews and technical tests, only to find the person is still not competent.

Paul.

I think boils down to a combination of capacity and greed. where an agency sales team will do and say anything to get the work, but have zero concern about if they have the capacity to undertake it. Even to the extent that a tier 1 dev will answer questions, only for a tier 3 dev to come in after a contract is awarded.

 

[antropy]

Even to the extent that a tier 1 dev will answer questions, only for a tier 3 dev to come in after a contract is awarded.

I think you're spot on - this seems to be standard practice these days unfortunately.

Paul.