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    Upwork

Upwork

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Overview

Upwork has a rating of 2.5 stars from 2,119 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Upwork most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and job success problems. Upwork ranks 6th among Freelancing sites.

  • Service
    477
  • Value
    459
  • Shipping
    253
  • Returns
    289
  • Quality
    453

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 16.7%
Positive
3
Neutral
0
Negative
15
View ratings trends
270
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How would you rate Upwork?
Top Positive Review

“Unlocking Freelance Opportunities with Upwork”

पपीता म.
4/23/24

Upwork has been my trusted platform for finding freelance opportunities and connecting with clients from around the world. The platform's vast network of clients and freelancers, comprehensive job listings, and secure payment system make it easy to find meaningful projects and build a successful freelance career. I appreciate Upwork's commitment to transparency and professionalism, as seen in its dispute resolution process and feedback system, which ensure fair and equitable transactions for both parties. Moreover, the platform's collaboration tools and communication features enhance teamwork and streamline project management. With Upwork, freelancing is not just a job—it's a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Date of experience: 4/22/24
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Top Critical Review

“Not worth it”

P X.
9/10/24

Business practices are arbitrary and unfair with the cost for freelancers of doing business on the site constantly increasing and various services and perks taken away. Not worth it for freelancers--and clients don't fare much better.

Date of experience: 9/10/24
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Reviews (2,119)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (91) freelancing platform (135) credit card (22) customer support (44) payment protection (24) freelancing site (80) bank account (20) freelancing career (25) post jobs (16)
Thumbnail of user emrana2
Bangladesh
1 review
13 helpful votes
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October 7th, 2020

I'm working as a freelancer since 2012 in Upwork. Upwork is a true place for the people who are like to work as a bird. You can fly anytime and when you need some urgent money you can try in this marketplace and hopefully I think you will be the lucky person. Hard work gives you true happiness and Upwork will help you a little bit more to build your career.

Date of experience: October 6, 2020

Thumbnail of user chaitanyad1
India
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 27th, 2022

The interface is such a smooth experience.
Whole website is designed to make it easy for the freelancers to get projects.
Fair way in handling money related issues.
Great place to find all kinds of works.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: August 18, 2021

Thumbnail of user maryt232
Washington
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
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January 19th, 2018

This site could be good, but the majority of the jobs are junk and the amount of money they charge is way too much for the service they provide. Most jobs that are not, do my homework are people looking for someone in third world countries that will do their job for them. I have had some nice low paying jobs editing and proofing for non-native English speakers. So I proof someone's blog for 10 dollars and receive 8 dollars. Not so great. 100 becomes 80 and so on. Most of my freelance work now comes from word of mouth, Craigslist and other places. Then I get a notice my account will be suspended if I am not more active on their site? Doesn't freelance mean you work when you want? I did not sign any contract with them.

Date of experience: January 19, 2018

Thumbnail of user elenak106
Kyrgyzstan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 7th, 2021

Absolutely happy to work on this site. Interesting job, payment protection. Everything is convenient and understandable. Easily find a job in that area that interests me. If you have questions, the support team responds quickly. A great option to make money without leaving your home. And it's a good place to find great professionals for your project.

Service
Quality

Date of experience: February 5, 2021

Thumbnail of user cipriana
Romania
1 review
12 helpful votes
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April 20th, 2017

Just stay away from UpWork. The worst platform for freelancers.
They use a score system that makes your feedback stars completely useless. I have 5 jobs completed successfully with 5 stars each and my success score is 60%. Many clients refuse to work with me because they ask: Why is your score that low?
I talked to UpWork support team about my score and is like talking to a automated script. They keep sending me pre-made answers and links.
Just stay away from it. You will regret investing time in making good reviews. Is just a waste of time

Date of experience: April 20, 2017

Thumbnail of user katiea161
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2021

Upwork has provided me a platform to find and secure projects and roles within my area of expertise. For the past 18 months I have successfully worked and earned on UpWork with a variety of clients. In fact, just yesterday I launched my own freelancing business due to the success I have had. I truly cannot say enough about the ease of use and the quality contracts I have worked on.

Products used:
its a service, no products

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: January 27, 2021

Thumbnail of user ranaa27
Pakistan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 12th, 2020

I have found Upwork to be a very good online workspace. It has a very good platform and it provides a range of tools and resources to work efficiently and conveniently. Additionally, the community is very diverse with dynamic and active support forums, in case you face any issues.

The only suggestion I have at the moment is perhaps increase number of connects for a new account and decrease processing time of the payments or the % of the fee for growing accounts.

I'm really enjoying my time here. Highly recommended!

Date of experience: June 12, 2020

Thumbnail of user zaryabi
Pakistan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 29th, 2020

Jarrett Cedric Yap helped me out regarding my issues I was facing on Upwork and I must say that he explained me everything in details. And told me all the step to follow. I really appreciate the work he is doing. And due to his help, I am rising talent on Upwork. Thanks a lot.

Service
Value

Date of experience: December 28, 2020

Thumbnail of user gautamk13
India
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 6th, 2020

Upwork has a huge number of companies in varying industries and categories that are looking to hire freelancers. Once we have our first job and complete it successfully, then it is easier to get the next ones. The algorithm and site design is excellent.

Date of experience: November 6, 2020

Thumbnail of user robiulh3
Bangladesh
1 review
16 helpful votes
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November 3rd, 2020

I am working on Upwork last 3 years. Amazing working marketplace. No compare with anyone. Awesome payment protection, a quick update about the projects, all clients good and secure. Already earned 2019 CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARD. I am really pleased to work in such a flexible marketplace. Come on and get your project ready.

Date of experience: November 3, 2020

Thumbnail of user hamzak26
Nigeria
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 22nd, 2020

Joining om Upwork has been a very great experience so far. There is mutual respect between the clients and the freelancers. Even though there is a huge competition in terms of being hired as a freelancer, there's also abundant opportunity of proving your skills.

Date of experience: November 22, 2020

Thumbnail of user targets2
Indonesia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 25th, 2020

I'm highly recommend Upwork for freelancer but you must offer a high price for you client because it feels like upwork cut everything, from buying connect, cut transfer every earning in your milestone. But this is an easy apply job

Date of experience: June 24, 2020

Thumbnail of user dans72
Canada
4 reviews
7 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2013

I've been using this site for a few weeks now, but have already made some money and am working another job from it right now. I would recommend it for freelancing individuals because the free account is truly free, there's a minimum of upgrade to a pay account reminders, and the people who use the site seem more willing to work with new talent on the site.

Date of experience: August 31, 2013

Thumbnail of user anonymousa231
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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August 18th, 2018

1. Allows Freelancers to log unauthorized hours and FORCE you to pay for work that you never asked for.
2. Allows those exact same Freelancers (who you have worked with for less than a single week) to leave you a one star review for pointing out their illegitimate logging of hours to steal your money.
3. Removes YOUR feedback on the thief Freelancer's account for pointing out they forcefully log work hours whether you ask for them or not, allowing them to continue their inexcusable theft.
4. Gives you a button to close your account, only to tell you "Your account cannot be closed at this time."

Inexcusable performance from a company that directly participates in stealing your money. Completely inexcusable. Avoid this site completely, if you can.

Date of experience: August 18, 2018

Thumbnail of user janaea4
Texas
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 13th, 2020

Starting out as a freelancer is hard, especially if you are coming into the field with little to no professional experience. That's obvious. But Upwork provides a platform to connect you with clients and a secure way to communicate and get paid. There is a lot of support in the community forums and through Upwork's support team. I'm so glad I joined!

Date of experience: December 12, 2020

Thumbnail of user bretts317
Canada
1 review
21 helpful votes
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June 18th, 2020

My time on UpWork freelancing as a graphic designer has been nothing short of incredible. It's allowed me to take on a plethora of projects, and expand my creative capacities in more ways than I thought possible. Recently, I was promoted to a Top-Rated freelancer as recognized by UpWork, through my commitment to providing quality service and helping clients achieve their design dreams.

Tip for consumers:
Keep your proposal writing short & your job applications consistent!

Products used:
UpWork Pro Account

Service
Value
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: June 18, 2020

Thumbnail of user muhammada604
Pakistan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 28th, 2022
Verified purchase

It has been almost 3 months since I'm on Upwork. I find it very convenient and useful to utilize my skills. It has helped me a lot grooming and enhancing my skills as well. Very safe and easy to use. Enjoying working there. Attached below is the first project I got on Upwork and that was special.

Tip for consumers:
I would surely recommend others to use this site.

Products used:
Shoes

Date of experience: September 27, 2022

Thumbnail of user dulithk
Sri Lanka
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 7th, 2021

I'm a creative young graphic designer with a 6 years working experience on different projects locally and with clients from all around the world. And I am creative, connected and extremely passionate about any type of graphic designing.
So I will guarantee you that you will receive a professional service.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: February 5, 2021

Thumbnail of user hanaw8
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 17th, 2020

When I began on Upwork a year ago, I could not find work. Finally, I got wise; I read through all Support pages and found what I should have done right at the start. I employed all advices and suggestions to the letter, and now I am gaining customers, helping them, and helping myself at the same time. I am delighted with my growing success. I think its true to say that success does take work. It takes learning, and understanding, and then applying exactly what you learned. I cannot thank the site and its great support staff. I have found, though, that some support pages lack complete information, and I will start informing those responsible to see what they can do to remedy that. Upwork REALLY works!

Date of experience: November 16, 2020

Thumbnail of user juliel728
Utah
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 5th, 2021

Upwork has a very comprehensive site, where you can build a serious freelance business. The only drawbacks are that everything is so automated that you can't talk to a real person (like most web sites these days), and that 20% commission they take. That can drop to 10% after certain conditions are met, but it seems like a lot!

Products used:
They don't sell products

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: February 4, 2021

Thumbnail of user jinchengl
TW
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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March 7th, 2017

Why this job site is best?
-ensure successful connection between clients and freelancers
-guarantee private and safe discussion
-always feel comfortable with good service and nice design

Conclusion: if you have no any experience of business, this site is not for you. But if you really want to hire or work remotely, there's no job site better than Upwork.

Date of experience: March 6, 2017

Thumbnail of user ians268
Nigeria
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
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November 11th, 2020

You get exposed to a lot of harmful behaviour from clients when working through Upwork.
All I get from the site is clients asking for free work. What is utterly disgraceful is they you refuse to take down the job so I can get my connects back when I report it. Basically, on Upwork, I pay to get insulted with requests for free work, and get absolutely no remedy of any sort.

I lost work, time and money.

Upwork, stop turning a blind eye to the free work problem on your site.
The mere fact of asking me to work for free is extremely harmful, abusive behaviour.
I expect more than just being told "Action was taken" when you actually did nothing and I won't get my connects back so I can apply to real opportunities out there. It sucks when you allow pecuniary gain take utmost precedence when reviewing and taking action on clients exhibiting harmful behaviour.

Date of experience: November 11, 2020

Thumbnail of user vemad
Indonesia
1 review
6 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2016

It's impossible to make nice extra income let alone make a living via upwork. The competition is truly unhealthy. People pay you like crap. For example, many people advertise to pay only $30 for original English content for 8 pages, 2000 words each. How crazy is that!

Date of experience: August 31, 2016

Thumbnail of user rosinap
Spain
1 review
6 helpful votes
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June 28th, 2014

My experience is that is a little reputable company that does not comply with the terms of service. I've earned $ 35,000 and paid for a gold membership. It's been at least 20 days and despite numerous complaints that I have presented to them, they only answered twice with the same text, a copy and paste and repeating what they say in terms of services that are precisely what they do not comply.
I'm trying to demand payment via AlertPay and hopefully get it back. That company also had the nerve to ask me the amount of $ 99 plus the $ 220 for upgrade. Something that does not appear on any site in its rules.
It has all the appearance of it is a scam in the making. They are informal and abuse people. Do not know how some people say yes have claimed, if so, why they do not all. I do not get it.

Date of experience: June 28, 2014

Thumbnail of user z71debra
Texas
1 review
7 helpful votes
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March 30th, 2023

The person i hired to do accounting did nothing and charged almost $2000. I was able to get some money back, but read the terms, they keep some. It gets worse. The contacts of tenants and rental owners in my program are systematically being scammed using my company information. They are contacting tenants as my company saying they owe rent and to send the money. I really thought it was a great concept, but executed poorly. The person that i hired is still on here and still has two profiles. Hire at you own risk.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: March 30, 2023

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