Building a marketplace where clients post jobs and freelancers bid
You want to start a site where people who need work done meet the people who can do it, and you don't want to build the bidding, payments and messaging from scratch. Softbiz Freelancers Script is a PHP script for exactly that kind of marketplace. Service seekers post their requirements, and service providers place bids on them.
Quick facts
- Type: PHP script for a freelancer marketplace
- Price: $149
- Server feature used: Apache mod_rewrite for keyword-rich URLs
- Payments: PayPal integration
- Demos: front-end and admin demos are available from the vendor
Key features
Bidding with milestones and escrow
Providers bid on a project and set milestones. The client picks a winner, then either funds an escrow account or pays the first milestone. A project message board handles questions during bidding.
Several ways to earn from the site
You can charge project commissions, membership fees across multiple membership levels, featured project fees and featured provider listings. Applicable fees and commissions are deducted automatically.
Profiles that help clients choose
Provider profiles show skills, reviews, repeat hire rate and earnings to date. They also carry an animated portfolio gallery, references, certifications, YouTube videos and a Google map.
Project tracking, file sharing and live chat
Once work starts, client and provider can share files, track progress and chat live. Afterwards they rate each other.
Change the look and language from the admin panel
You can configure site colors, fonts, styles and icons from the admin panel without coding. All front-end text strings can be translated from one file. The admin panel itself stays in English.
Search-friendly project pages
Each project and skill category gets its own meta-data and a unique title tag. URL rewriting gives you keyword-rich addresses.
Control over content and members
You can edit projects, profiles and bids, and block certain IP addresses. You can also edit the text of outgoing emails and set SEO parameters.
Who it's for
It suits you if you want to run your own freelance marketplace, for example for programmers and designers, and you earn through commissions and memberships. You also need a web host that runs PHP and Apache.
Pros and cons
- Pro: A full bid-to-review workflow is included, with escrow and milestones.
- Pro: Many ways to earn money from the site.
- Pro: Front-end and admin demos let you try it before buying.
- Con: PayPal is the only payment gateway named for payments.
- Con: The admin panel is English only, although the front end can be translated.
- Con: You host and maintain the site yourself.
FAQs
How do clients and freelancers work together on it?
Clients post a project, providers bid, and the client chooses one. They then work through milestones, share files and rate each other.
Can I charge fees to members?
Yes. You can charge membership fees, featured project fees, featured provider fees and project commissions.
Can I change the design without coding?
Colors, fonts, styles and icons are configurable from the admin panel.
Can I run the site in another language?
Yes. The front-end text can be translated from one file.
System requirements
It is a PHP script with a MySQL database. Keyword-rich URLs use Apache mod_rewrite.