It's a waste of time and effort. Too much competition from people in third world countries who work at close to slave wages. Can't compete with that!
Response from ContraJun 2, 2025
Hey there!
We actually have budget standards for all of our publicly posted jobs to avoid this exact issue, so we're surprised to hear this was your experience on Contra!
If you'd like to reach out to us at [email protected], we'd love to help you get more success on the platform.
JZ
Jure Z.
My experience
My experience - low amount of jobs, clients don't even answer any application. Also clients are too generic - "heart led brands" or "mission driven". Seems like a scam and a waste of money.
Response from ContraMay 19, 2025
We're sorry to hear this has been you experience on Contra!
In regards to the volume issue, we currently have 296 open jobs and are actively working on increasing this number. That being said, we don't have control of who clients respond to, but we recommend continuing to apply and perfect your pitch as it is often a numbers game!
Lastly, the reason we have less jobs than other platforms is that we actually personally review each job before publishing it on the public feed to prevent scams!
Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any more questions we can help answer :)
LO
Long
Scammy - USD $1600 project deposit for 0 project deliverable, & we got cancelled
We have started a project on November 17th 2024 to develop a 3D modelling tools for Rhino Grasshopper. Total budget is USD $6,400, to be paid out 4 times. We had our deposit $1,600 paid out the same date.
Since then, the freelancer missed the deadlines & refused to reply message from Nov 2024 to Jan 2025; and finally went missing from Jan 2025. We messaged the freelancer for his response, and only once a month he replied for no update nor deliverable.
On March 1st, the freelancer requested project cancellation and we got cancelled on April 16th.
No update, no delivery, no refund.
We got in touch & asked for any actions they can make up. They provided $250 credit for future project, which is only a fraction of our deposit lost.
They replied our refund intention with:
"Unfortunately, since the project was completed and the independent already withdrew the funds, the money is no longer in Contra."
Well no, the project is not completed. The project is cancelled single-sided, without mutual agreement, by the freelancer.
Made a fool of us.
Can provide solid proof.
Think twice before you sign up & pay for anything.
Response from ContraMay 15, 2025
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear this was the outcome of your project on Contra.
Unfortunately, upfront payments are non-refundable for the same reason we previously stated - the funds are simply no longer in our possession.
Because of this, we can only assist with funds still in escrow within our dispute process.
This has been stated in our standard services agreement and is why we recommend using escrow payments, and only approving the release of funds if you are satisfied with the deliverables.
MI
Miguel
Contra made my life so much easier
Contra made my life so much easier! I can use it to manage all aspects of my business and keep a smooth experience for my clients. If you want to build your online business around your skills, Contra is a must
IA
Ifeoma A.
Contra truly gets freelancers <3
Contra truly gets freelancers. I discovered them in 2021 and have been the biggest fan ever since! It’s not just a platform to find work — it’s a community that actually cares about your growth and success. I launched my freelance career here, built a legit professional network, and found financial stability thanks to the clients and support from Contra.
It honestly feels like an online college for freelancers! It's a place where I get to grow, get paid, and feel understood. Everything from the project setup to getting paid is super easy, and their team is always there to support you. SO incredibly grateful and lucky to be part of it!
Every year I get excited to watch them grow and exceed all of my expectations!
FZ
Fatima Z.
Contra changed my life—no kidding!
I’ve been on Contra for over two years as a Top Independent, and it’s hands-down one of the most supportive platforms out there for freelancers. The team actually cares—about helping us grow, land aligned work, and feel like more than just a profile in a sea of resumes.
Thanks to Contra, I recently landed a dream role and it felt like the most natural match. Grateful for the community, the visibility, and the ease of use. Highly recommend for creatives who want to do meaningful work and feel seen.
KM
Keara M.
The best platform I’ve used as a freelancer
I’ve tried a few different freelance platforms, and Contra is by far my favorite. It’s simple to use, has a clean interface, and actually feels like it was built for independent creatives. I really appreciate that there are no fees taken from what I earn. Sharing my services and portfolio is easy, and every client interaction has been smooth from messaging to payments. I’m excited to keep using it and to see how it grows.
KH
Kyle H.
THE Platform for Freelancers
I'm in that classic situation of working a boring corporate job with little creative freedom and room to grow. I have been on Contra not even a full year and it has empowered me with the confidence that YES I can go full time freelance.
Managing payments and contracts through the platform makes it easy to operate with clients securely and professionally. No commission means every dollar I make is actually mine. I have the pro subscription and get matched with lucrative job opportunities weekly.
The list goes on, but essentially:
Contra is a platform for freelancers that actually works, and the Contra team truly listens and works with its users to make the platform better and better!