Frequently Asked Questions
For Experts
Getting Started
Both consulting projects and direct employment opportunities are promoted through the platform.
To sign up, click the “Sign Up” button on the homepage, select the “Expert” option, and fill in the necessary details including your name and email address. After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email to verify your account. Once verification has been completed, you will be able to update your profile in account settings.
There is no charge for experts to create a basic profile listing or account on the platform. However, in order to support the continuous operation and improvement of our platform, we charge experts a flat commission rate of 15% on all project and service revenues generated via the platform. This commission is automatically deducted from the Expert’s earnings for each project or service.
You can list any professional skills you have, ranging from web development, graphic design, content writing, digital marketing, to any other services you offer. Listing multiple skills can showcase your versatility. However, ensure that you are genuinely proficient in the skills you list to maintain credibility with potential clients. Remember, the easiest way to win more business is to deliver excellent work products.
Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and achievements. A comprehensive portfolio, client testimonials, and a professional profile picture can also make a significant difference.
Yes. Including external work in your portfolio can provide a more comprehensive view of your experience and capabilities.
Absolutely! Packaged services are a great way to promote your services beyond a basic beyond a basic profile listing. We offer two types of packaged service listings; standard and featured. There is an initial charge per service listing, plus a 15% sales commission. For additional information about what is included in the standard vs. featured listing options, as well as the pricing details, please visit our expert pricing page here.
We accept both company and individual profile listings.
Finding Work
Use our advanced search feature with filters for skillset, project duration, and budget to find projects that match your expertise. Regularly updating your profile with relevant skills and keywords can also increase your visibility in search results.
Consider broadening your search criteria, enhancing your profile for better visibility, or acquiring new skills that are in high demand on the platform.
To submit a proposal, click on a project that interests you and then click the “Submit a Proposal” button. You’ll need to include your proposed rate, a cover letter explaining why you’re the best fit for the project, and any relevant portfolio items.
Your proposal should include a brief introduction, an overview of your approach to the project, a timeline, your rate, and why you’re the best fit for the job. Personalize each proposal to address the specific needs and requirements mentioned in the project description.
Review the project details and if it aligns with your skills and availability, respond through our messaging system expressing your interest and discussing your suitability for the project.
Search and apply for full-time opportunities on our website here.
Communication
Use our platform’s messaging system for all communications to ensure safety and record-keeping. Be professional, clear, and concise in your messages, and respond promptly to inquiries and project updates. Regular updates and prompt responses are key. Use the platform’s communication tools to keep clients informed about project progress and any issues that arise.
For your security and to ensure compliance with our terms of service, all initial communications should be conducted through our platform or via a pre-approved communication method.
After a contract has been established between an expert and client, other communication methods may be permitted, where necessary. However, in order for us to best support you in case of any dispute, we recommend maintaining as much written communication on our platform as possible.
Note: Please do not post contact information in your profile description. Doing so is a violation of our terms of service and will result in account closure.
Aim for a diplomatic approach. Discuss the disagreement openly, refer to the original project agreement, and try to find a mutually acceptable solution. If you are unable to find a resolution on your own, are dispute management service is available to assist you.
Yes, visit the meetings menu in your account for available videoconferencing options.
Payments and Invoicing
There is no charge to experts when applying for employment postings. However an account is required to submit an application.
There is no charge for experts to create a basic profile listing or account on the platform. However, in order to support the continuous operation and improvement of our platform, we charge experts a flat commission rate of 15% on all project and service revenues generated via the platform. This commission is automatically deducted from the Expert’s earnings for each project or service.
Consider your experience, the complexity of the projects, and the going rates in your industry. You can set hourly rates or fixed prices for projects. Be transparent about your rates in your proposals and profile.
Payments are processed through our secure platform. Once you and the client agree that the project is completed to satisfaction, and once we have received all of the necessary documentation from you, the funds will be released to your account. You can choose to receive payments via bank transfer, PayPal, or other available methods. Payment release typically occurs within 7 business days after project completion and approval.
If an invoice is disputed, our dispute resolution team will intervene to review the case, requiring both parties to submit evidence supporting their claims.
Transaction processing fees may apply depending on your chosen payment method and location. You are responsible for any fees you incur from your bank in order to to receive payment via your elected payment method. Refer to the payments section of your account settings for additional information.
If a payment is delayed, check the project status and confirm that the client has approved the payment. If there are no issues on your end, contact our support team for assistance.
For Employers
Posting a Project
There is no charge for employers to create a basic profile listing on the platform. However, there is a charge to post a project or employment opportunity. We charge employers an initial listing fee, plus a 5% commission on all projects and services marketed and booked through the platform. The listing fee is charged up front and the employer commission is automatically added to the rate negotiated between the expert and employer for each project or service negotiated through the platform.
We charge employers an initial project listing fee, plus a 5% commission on all projects marketed and all services booked through the platform. The listing fee is charged up front and the employer commission is automatically added to the rate negotiated between the expert and employer for each project or service negotiated through the platform.
To post a project, click the “Post a Project” button on the homepage, and fill out the project details including title, description, required skills, scope, budget, and project duration. Once submitted, experts will be able to find and submit proposals for your project. Be as detailed as possible to set clear expectations for project completion.
Yes, you can edit your project to clarify requirements or adjust details. However, significant changes after receiving proposals should be communicated clearly to all interested freelancers
Yes, you can invite experts to your project. Browse expert profiles and use the “Invite to Job” button on an expert’s profile to send them a direct invitation to your project.
Provide a clear, comprehensive project description with specific requirements, expected deliverables, and a realistic budget and timeline. High-quality, detailed project postings tend to attract more experienced experts.
No, there is no limit. Each posted project will incur a separate listing fee.
Hiring and Working with Experts
Review proposals, profiles, portfolios, and ratings from previous jobs. Consider conducting interviews or asking for test tasks (if appropriate). Look for professionalism, relevant experience, and a clear understanding of your project needs. Consider experience, communication skills, and feedback from past clients to make an informed decision.
Yes, we support hiring multiple experts for a single project. It will require setting clear, expert specific deliverables for each aspect of the project. Please contact us before you post your project for guidance and support in crafting your proposal.
After receiving proposals, you can create a shortlist by reviewing freelancer profiles, ratings, and portfolio work. Use our platform’s favorites tool to mark and then compare your top candidates.
Use project management tools to set milestones, track progress, and communicate regularly. Clear, consistent communication is key to a successful project. For complex or time sensitive projects, consider contracting with a technical project manager to help manage project execution. Talented project management experts can be sourced through our platform.
Communicate your concerns directly with the freelancer first. If the issue persists, you may consider using our dispute resolution process for further assistance.
We recommend first communicating your concerns with the expert to attempt a resolution. If issues persist, you can use our dispute management tool and contact our support team for assistance. To initiate a dispute, log into the platform and follow the instructions under the dispute management menu option. Our dispute resolution process is designed to help both parties reach a satisfactory outcome. Additional details can be found here.
Yes, visit the meetings menu in your account for available videoconferencing options.
Payments and Invoicing
Payments are securely held in escrow until you confirm the project has been completed to your satisfaction. Only then will the funds be released to the freelancer. This ensures security and satisfaction for both parties.
Posting a project is free. However, there is a service fee when you hire a freelancer, which is a small percentage of the payment you agree to for the project. This fee helps us maintain and improve our platform services.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Our platform acts as an intermediary, facilitating connections between experts and clients. While we endeavor to ensure the quality and integrity of job postings, we do not bear responsibility for the content of individual job listings or the specific requirements set forth by clients.
That said, in alignment with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs. We reserve the right to review, modify, or remove any job posting that violates our commitment to EEO standards or contains discriminatory language. All users of our platform are expected to comply with these principles, thereby contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable professional community.
General Questions
Account Management
Yes, you can operate both freelancer and client accounts, but you will need to create separate profiles for each role, and must agree to the terms of service and site policies required of each account type.
Go to your account settings where you can update personal information, payment methods, and notification preferences.
Yes, you can choose to temporarily deactivate your account by contact our customer support team. Your profile will not be visible during this period, and you won’t receive any notifications.
To permanently close your account, please contact our support team. Note that this action is irreversible, and all data associated with your account will be deleted.
If you suspect any unauthorized or suspicious activity, change your password immediately and contact our support team for a thorough investigation.
Dispute Resolution
A transaction dispute occurs when a client or freelancer challenges the validity or satisfaction of a completed transaction. This can arise from issues such as unsatisfactory work quality, non-delivery of work, or billing discrepancies.
You can initiate a dispute if you believe the terms of the project agreement have not been met. This must be done within a specified timeframe after the transaction completion, typically within 30 days.
To initiate a dispute, navigate to the project or transaction in question and select the “Dispute” option. You’ll be prompted to fill out a form detailing the nature of your dispute, including any relevant evidence such as project deliverables, communication records, and the agreement terms.
You should provide a clear and concise explanation of the dispute, including specific details about how the other party did not meet the project’s terms. Attach any relevant documents or communications that support your claim, such as work deliverables, emails, or chat transcripts.
Once a dispute is filed, the other party will be notified and given the opportunity to respond. Our dispute resolution team will review the submissions from both parties, possibly request additional information, and then mediate to try to reach a resolution.
It’s recommended to pause work on the project in question until the dispute is resolved. Continuing to work can complicate the dispute resolution process.
Disputes are resolved through a combination of mediation and arbitration. Our dispute resolution team will mediate between the parties to try to reach a mutual agreement. If mediation fails, arbitration may be the next step, where a decision will be made based on the evidence presented by both parties.
Outcomes can include a full or partial refund, additional payment to the freelancer, a credit to the client’s account, or a confirmation that the transaction will stand as is. The resolution will depend on the nature of the dispute and the evidence provided.
The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the dispute and the responsiveness of the parties involved. Typically, disputes are resolved within 30 to 60 days.
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can request a review of the decision by providing additional evidence or clarification on why you believe the decision was incorrect. However, final decisions after review are binding.
To minimize the risk of disputes, clearly define project terms and deliverables, maintain open and clear communication throughout the project, and use the platform’s project management and payment tools to document progress and transactions.
Experiential Scholars
We believe in the power of education and mentorship to drive global impact. Through supervised consulting engagements, experienced mentors impart their knowledge and expertise to emerging professionals (Experiential Scholars), helping them develop essential skills in business and entrepreneurship. By participating in these engagements, emerging professionals gain real-world experience, while consulting clients benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Experiential Scholars who are being supervised by an experienced mentor are identifiable as such via the expert search function on our website.
No, there is no discount, simply because you hire an experiential scholar. Because each experiential scholar is paired with an experienced mentor, the work product and project results should be comparable.
Generally, no. Your primary point of contact will be the Experiential Scholar. Managing customer communication is one of the key learning objectives of the Experiential Scholar program. If there are concerns which you are unable to resolve directly with your expert, you can reach out to our team via the contact us form on our website, or the dispute management process.
Legal
No, Expertato is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation or advice to freelancers or companies. Our platform facilitates connections between freelancers and clients, but all legal matters should be addressed with the assistance of a qualified legal professional.
While we offer a dispute resolution process to help manage conflicts related to project delivery and payments, we cannot provide legal judgments or advice. For legal disputes, we recommend seeking external legal counsel.
It is typically the client’s responsibility to provide a contract for a freelance engagement. We strongly advise both freelancers and clients to have a clear, written agreement in place before beginning any project to outline project scope, payment terms, deadlines, and other important details.
No, we only provide a listing service for employment opportunities. It is up to each employer to provide their own legal documents.
Yes, that would be up to you to negotiate directly with the other party. Expertato does not directly facilitate the execution of such agreements.
Given the international network of freelancers on our platform, it’s important to recognize that laws regarding employment, contracts, confidentiality, and intellectual property can vary significantly from one country to another. Clients and freelancers are responsible for ensuring that their contracts comply with the relevant laws of their respective jurisdictions, as well as any international laws that may apply.
If there is any uncertainty about legal requirements, we strongly recommend consulting with a legal professional who is familiar with the relevant domestic and international laws. This is particularly important for issues like tax obligations, copyright laws, and labor regulations, which can have significant implications for freelance work.
Ensure that all agreements and communications are clearly documented, especially those related to project scope, payments, and deliverables. Use the platform’s tools and features to manage projects and payments securely. In case of any legal concerns, seek advice from a qualified legal professional to understand your rights and obligations fully.
Refund Policy
No, listing fees are non-refundable. Once a listing is posted, resources are allocated to ensure the listing reaches a wide audience of experts. We encourage clients to carefully consider their needs before posting to avoid the need for cancellation.
Commission fees are non-refundable as they cover the use of the platform and its services, including the facilitation of the project engagement and payment processing. We encourage clients and freelancers to utilize our dispute resolution service for any issues related to project satisfaction.
In the event of a cancellation by the expert, listing fees and commissions remain non-refundable. Our platform provides mechanisms to mitigate such situations, including the dispute resolution process and assistance in finding a replacement expert to ensure project continuation.
Listing fees and commissions support the infrastructure and services provided by our platform, including project matchmaking, secure payment processing, and customer support. These fees are essential for maintaining a high-quality service for all users.
If you have concerns about our non-refund policy, we recommend reaching out to our support team for assistance. Our team is committed to ensuring a fair and satisfactory experience on our platform and can provide guidance on best practices to minimize risks associated with project postings and engagements.
Security and Privacy
We employ robust encryption and security measures to protect all personal and payment information. Transactions are conducted through secure gateways to ensure privacy and security.
Our data privacy policy complies with global data protection regulations, ensuring that your personal and financial information is handled with the utmost care. We collect information to improve user experience, provide personalized services, and for necessary platform operations. We do not sell your data to third parties. For detailed information, please refer to our full privacy policy available on our website.
To keep your account secure, use a strong, unique password and change it regularly. Be cautious of phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and links before providing any personal information. Regularly review your account activity and immediately report any unfamiliar actions.
Support
We offer multiple support channels, including email, chat, and comprehensive documentation with guides and articles to assist you.
Our support team is available to assist you with any inquiries or issues. You can contact us through the contact form on the website or email us directly at support@expertato.com.
We value user feedback. Please share your thoughts and suggestions through our contact us form, available in your account settings or at the bottom of our website.
Verification
Verification adds a layer of trust and security to our platform by ensuring that all users are who they claim to be. This process helps to prevent fraud, enhance the reliability of profiles, and increase the overall confidence in transactions between freelancers and companies.
For freelancers, verification increases visibility and credibility, making them more attractive to potential clients. Verified freelancers often receive more job offers and can potentially command higher rates due to the increased trust factor.
For companies, working with verified freelancers ensures that they are engaging with professionals who have been vetted by the platform. This reduces the risk of fraud and project abandonment, leading to a smoother and more secure hiring process.
The verification process typically involves several steps, including identity verification, professional credentials check, and possibly a background check. Freelancers and companies may need to submit government-issued ID, professional licenses or certificates, and other relevant documentation.
To begin the verification process, navigate to your account settings and look for the “Verification” section. Follow the instructions to submit the necessary documents and information required for verification.
The verification process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the volume of verification requests and the specific checks involved. We strive to complete verifications as quickly as possible while ensuring thoroughness and accuracy.
Once verified, your profile will display a “Verified” badge, signaling to other users that your identity and credentials have been checked and approved by the platform. This badge can enhance your reputation and increase the likelihood of successful engagements on the platform.
To maintain the integrity and security of our platform, we may require users to undergo re-verification periodically or when there are significant changes to their account information. We will notify you in advance if re-verification is necessary.
The verification process may be free or involve a nominal fee, depending on the level of verification required and the resources involved. Any applicable fees will be clearly stated before you begin the verification process.
