- Never bite at the first bid. You should allow at least 24 hours to past before awarding a bid. Before awarding a bid you should communicate with the potential winning bidder. You should make sure you and the bidder have a clear understanding of the project.
- Make Payment Terms Clear. You should make your payment terms clear to the potential winning bidder. I suggest only doing Escrow Payments. Escrow Payments are payments made via the freelance jobs site, but the payment is put on hold in what is a called an escrow account. Once the payment is in escrow the Printing Services buyer only has the ability to transfer money to the provider and the provider only has the ability to cancel the payment. This gives both parties 50% control over the payment process without cheating one another. As a buyer you should only release payment to the provider when the project is completed in full. Never pay up front for any level of service. If a provider cannot provide you services without wanting money upfront then most likely they are not serious about doing business. Any true company, business, or provider knows that to be a service provider you must take chances. The way I see it any true service provider who can stand behind their work can afford to take chances because it is a bigger lost for the buyer to lose a great service provider. Escrow payments are the best option.
- Know When and How to Renegotiate. Things are not always going to be cookie-cutter perfect, many times you will need to budge on your terms to meet the service provider terms. Legitimate service providers are commonly concerned with illegitimate buyers who will leave them holding the bill. Therefore, service providers sometimes have terms of their own, such terms sometimes include an upfront portion of money, just to be certain the buyer is serious about retaining their services. In cases such as this, I suggest not transferring any amount of money, I suggest sticking with a escrow payment, but in rare occasions when it is absolutely necessary you retain the service provider services and transferring money upfront is an absolute requirement, then I suggest not transferring any money until the service provider can satisfy you with a live demo (example) of the service which they will provide you (i.e. website demo) as well you should ask for any referrals who can verify their work and make sure you check their reviews/ratings on the freelance job site, if applicable. Whenever you renegotiate your terms make sure you get it in writing (email) and the terms benefits you as well as the service provider.
- Be Professional and Courteous. You should reply and respond to every bid. A simple “thank you” would suffice. This let providers know you are serious about retaining service and that you have noticed their gesture. In communications always end with a warm departure.
- Pay Providers Timely When Project is Completed. Being honest and trustworthy will get you far on the web. You should always pay providers the agreed upon amount if they complete the project in full.
- Provide Feedback for Provider. Always leave feedback for providers who have completed projects for you. Give your honest opinion and make recommendations for other members who plan to use the provider services.