In 2025, almost every freelancing platform you can think of charges a subscription or proposal fee for you to do business. For some of these platforms, the more you make… the more you have to part with, and that’s when you even make anything. For a large majority, they’d spend hours crafting the perfect proposal, paying proposal fees, and then… silence, almost like throwing money into a black hole.
Whether we like it or not, this is the “traditional” approach to bidding for freelance work, and for most freelancers, it feels like a gamble… a costly one. One where you’re investing time and money with no guarantees.
The Hidden Cost of Proposal Fees
Every time you submit a proposal on most freelance platforms, you’re paying a fee. Sometimes these fees are straightforward and you have to pay a certain amount to bid on projects, for others, it is a bit more complex, with these fees in the form of paying for ads or using virtual currency to bid on projects, These fees may seem small individually, but they add up quickly:
– $0.15-2 per proposal on Platform A
– 2-4 “coins” (costing $0.30-0.60 each) on Platform B (depending on the virtual currency they use).
– Monthly subscription fees just to access “premium” projects or special parts of the job board.
If you’re just starting out or between projects, these costs can become a significant burden over time. Worse still, you’re paying these fees regardless of whether you win the project or you don’t.
Why the Traditional Model Isn’t Working
The current proposal fee system has its pros but also creates several problems for freelancers:
- Financial Risk: You’re investing money before earning any, creating a negative cash flow cycle from the get-go.
- Quantity Over Quality: The pressure to maximize return on proposal fees often leads to rushed, generic proposals, especially when you’re trying to get in first so your proposal doesn’t end up in a project application black hole.
- Limited Opportunities: When you’re watching your proposal budget, you will miss out on amazing opportunities.
- Increased Stress: Every proposal becomes a “mini” gamble, and even when you have the perfect proposal, you may just not get in because you sent it in “a second late”.
With all of these laid out, is there a better way for freelancers to get quality jobs on platforms like these… without feeling like they’re at a casino?
A Better Approach to Winning Clients
This is where Workstedi comes with a refreshing solution. Instead of charging you for the chance to pitch your services, we believe in creating a level playing field where talent speaks louder than your proposal or ad budget.
How Workstedi Works Differently
- No Proposal Fees: Submit proposals without paying any fees. Your money stays in your pocket until you actually get a chance to earn it.
- Quality-Focused Platform: Without the pressure of per-proposal costs, you can focus on crafting high-quality, personalized proposals that answer the questions prospects have.
- Direct Client Communication: Connect directly with potential clients thanks to our in-app messaging system without artificial barriers.
- Merit-Based Selection: Clients choose based on your skills and fit, not how much you’ve spent to get your proposal to the top of the pile.
Making the Most of Your Proposals
On Workstedi or anywhere else, here are some tips to increase your proposal success rate:
- Personalize Each Proposal
– Address the client’s specific needs.
– Take your time to read the job posting (no matter how lengthy) and in your proposal, ask questions that show you’ve read and understood their requirements.
– Highlight relevant experience (if applicable).
- Focus on Value
– Show you’ll solve their problem.
– Share relevant examples of past work that is closely related to their current demands.
– Outline your process clearly.
- Be Professional and Prompt
– Respond to messages quickly.
– Keep your profile updated.
– Maintain a portfolio of your best work.
Why Choose Workstedi?
Our platform was built by freelancers for freelancers in mind. We understand the challenges you face every day with job boards, freelance marketplaces, and even trying to stand out on social media and we have created a solution that:
– Eliminates the financial barrier of proposal fees.
– Lets you focus on what matters – your skills and experience.
– Provides tools to showcase your expertise effectively.
– Connects you with quality clients who value talent.
Taking the Next Step
Tired of playing Russian Roulette with proposal fees? Here’s how to get started on Workstedi:
- Create your free account.
- Set up your professional profile. Also take the time to complete the verification and authentication processes.
- Start browsing the marketplace for available projects
- Submit proposals without paying any fees.
- Connect with clients.
The freelance marketplace is evolving, and perhaps the idea of proposal fees may not be as practical as they were 5 years ago. By choosing a platform that prioritizes talent over fees, you can focus on what matters – delivering great work to clients who value your skills.
Join Workstedi today and experience a smarter way to win clients. Your success shouldn’t depend on how much you can spend on proposals, but on the quality of work you can deliver.
Ready to make the switch? Sign up at Workstedi and start bidding on projects without the gambling fees. Your next great client is waiting!
