Elance vs oDesk is like the Mayweather and Pacquiao of the freelance world. They are both one of the best in their league. Unlike a boxing a match, the question of which is the better freelance site, is a moot point that is probably impossible to lay out a concrete judgment. Not unless we'll have Elance CEO and oDesk CEO decide to take it to the ring 🙂
Kidding aside, these two sites have both impacted many lives across the globe and mine included. There may be a few people who've had bad experiences, whether self inflicted or not, but that doesn't change the fact that oDesk and Elance changed the way we work!
For the sake of study and comparison allow me to give you a rundown of how the two freelance bidding sites actually compare, I have done some research and created this PDF document. This comparison will show you the details and some key areas of how one compares with the other, more of a ‘tale of the tape' assessment.
Whether you choose Elance or oDesk, it's your call. After all, it's you who will create the destiny of your career in these sites, not the other way around.
I hope you find this useful. Feel free to drop your comments, insights, and suggestions.
[…] Elance offers a good information on this area. If you go to your profile, the right side widget that says “My Snapshot” (for Individual accounts) or “Company Snapshot” for Business accounts the bottom field will show how good (or bad) are you at getting repeat business from your clients. Although there is no specific percentage at which you should have a repeat client, a higher percentage is definitely the ideal number. […]
Both sites look just about the same…however, a major difference I’ve noticed is that oDesk is more heavily used by freelancers from developing countries and consequently the rates there are among the lowest of any other marketplace.
wondered if you compared support. I used freelancer and found online help rarely available when I needed it. (I’m in the US)
[…] of the questions I’ve raised before is “Which is the better freelance site, oDesk or Elance?” That is of course not a very easy one to answer. For one, they both have their unique […]
[…] of the questions I’ve raised before is “Which is the better freelance site, oDesk or Elance?” That is of course not a very easy one to answer. For one, they both have their unique […]
These both are good for companies but not for individual, Alternate to oDesk and Elance is SEOClerks, easy to navigate, support is awesome, high class quality gigs.
Hi AliceAlbert,
Thank you for dropping by and sharing your thought.
Based on my experience, oDesk and Elance are good for both individuals and companies. It all depends on the job/project you are targeting as some may prefer freelancer only while others are looking for a team.