Critique of Ziptask: Is This Freelancing Platform Worth It?
As a seasoned freelancer, I've had my fair share of experiences with various freelance platforms. One recent platform I tried is Ziptask, a site that promises to connect freelancers with vetted experts. However, my experience with Ziptask left a lot to be desired.
Initial Impressions and Profile Setup
Initially, Ziptask seemed promising. The platform's concept of having an expert project manager estimate costs, decide the best course of action, and vet freelancers appealed to me, especially as a foreigner in the US. Unfortunately, the execution was severely lacking. I started to build a website but encountered several issues. The documentation was unclear, and after three days, I had not heard back from their customer support team. This frustration led me to uninstall the app altogether.
Candidate MissMatch and Unqualified Freelancers
Another major issue I encountered was the mismatch between my skills and the job offers I received. My profile listed experience in Python, Javascript, and web development, yet I received offers for Java and C/C projects. This was a sign that the system for matching freelancers with projects was not working as intended.
The Project Management Experience
During my attempt to complete the website, the project manager chosen by the platform did not perform well. The developer they selected was not well-qualified, and the project manager did not thoroughly review their work. This resulted in a site that needed extensive corrections, far beyond what I had anticipated. Even after making full payment, I could not view the source code, which was frustrating for a beginner like me. The code review revealed significant issues, including the use of an unlicensed font, which could have led to legal trouble. This experience left me feeling that Ziptask was merely an extra layer of bureaucracy that did not add value to my project.
Pricing Questions and Communication Issues
It's also important to note the confusing pricing structure. When setting a budget of $5000, it's not clear that this doesn't include project manager fees. The website is misleading on this point and doesn't provide clear payment details. If you seek multiple estimates, the situation can become even more complicated, as the total cost may exceed your initial budget. The platform also seems to be buggy, with both the project manager and customer service being very uncommunicative, which further complicates the experience.
Reflection: A Better Alternative
Reflecting on my experience, I believe that utilizing a site like Toptal would have been a better choice. Toptal's tests are rigorous, and the platform tends to attract more highly skilled freelancers. This would have provided me with a more reliable and professional experience. If I were to start over, I would focus on a bit more learning to manage the project myself rather than relying on the platform's processes.
While Ziptask has a promising concept, my experience suggests that the execution is not yet refined enough to deliver a high-quality service. For those considering Ziptask, it's important to be wary of the potential issues and explore more established platforms with a proven track record.
Overall, while the idea of Ziptask is appealing, my experience with the platform is not encouraging. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before choosing to use it.