Fiverr vs 99designs Comparison

Freelancing websites are a blooming business; in fact, the internet is full of numerous offers. But you should keep in mind that these sites aren’t interchangeable: some of them function as talent marketplaces, where freelancers can sell their skills to those who are interested. Others, on the other hand, help clients organize talent contests, where artists from all around the world compete with each other for one big money prize. Fiverr belongs to the first category, while 99designs is in the second one. By going through this comparison you will not only learn their individual strengths and main benefits, but also the difference between the two types of freelancer sites.

For Fiverr, diversity and seller freedom is the main selling point. Freelancers are allowed to create non-conventional gigs, such as participating in a prank or acting in front of a webcam. There are also traditional offers, such as digital marketing, graphical design, writing, translation, animation, research, or gift crafting. Fiverr also supports full customization, meaning that each and every gig can be enchanted with thumbnails and brief explanation videos. The available offers are sorted by the search engine to such extent that requesting a specific gig is always a valid option, even if a buyer cannot find the fitting service at first.

99designs tends to treat freelancers a bit roughly, as they need to undergo an account verification process before being allowed to partake in a contest; in fact, your profile is limited until you prove your worth with high-quality work. Buyers, on the other hand, are spoiled with features: they are not only able to choose from dozens of artwork created according to their wishes, but they can request a refund when unsatisfied, too. This is coupled with some built-in methods to further motivate artists, such as declaring a final round or awarding a prize for multiple participants.

Fiverr and 99designs are polar opposites of each other: while the former sides with the freelancers, the latter favors the clients instead. Fiverr allows sellers to express their creativity and submit offers the way they like, not to mention it’s up to the freelancers to put a price tag on their service. Most gigs start from $5, but even the more complex requests are done for a relatively low price. As for 99designs, it’s the buyer who dictates the rules: they submit the project ideas, and artists must follow the rules, while also competing with each other. In exchange for the harsh conditions, skilled freelancers are awarded with higher payments, thanks to the pre-made packages. These plans come with fixed prices and include the service fee.