Contra: a zero-commission collaboration network for freelancers

Contra is an online collaboration platform designed for freelancers and clients worldwide. Its most central feature is a zero-commission model for freelancers, allowing them to keep all of their project revenue. The platform integrates a variety of features such as creating personal portfolios, finding and managing projects, signing e-contracts, sending bills, and processing global payments, with the goal of providing a fully functional workspace for independent workers.

Freelancers can create a free profile and portfolio on Contra to showcase their skills and past projects to attract clients. The platform also provides clients with tools to post projects, find the right talent and manage their teams. While the platform is free for freelancers, clients are charged a contractual service fee to keep it running. In addition, Contra offers a paid subscription service called Contra Pro, which provides freelancers with advanced features such as portfolio customization, data analytics, and preferred search rankings.

Function List

• Zero commission payments: Freelancers get to keep the income from the 100% program and the platform does not charge any commission.
• Portfolio Creation:: A variety of templates are available to help users quickly create and present a professional portfolio that can be used as a personal website or "link-in-bio" page.
• Project and contract management: Built-in project management tools allow users to track project progress, communicate and sign compliant electronic contracts directly within the platform.
• Invoices and bills: Users can easily create and send bills to customers, with all billing records managed in one place.
• Global Payment Solutions:: Support for receiving payments from customers worldwide via bank transfers, debit cards, PayPal and USDC.
• job market: Clients can post projects and use the platform's talent network to discover and screen professionals from around the world.
• Teamwork space:: Clients can create shared recruitment workspaces to unify the process of managing collaboration with external contractors.
• Skills certification:: Freelancers can get their skills certified by associating themselves with their usual professional tool accounts, boosting the credibility of their profiles.

Using Help

The Contra platform is dedicated to streamlining the collaboration process between freelancers and clients. Below are detailed steps on how to work with Contra:

I. For freelancers (Independents)

1. Register & Create Profile:
   • Visit the Contra website and select Register. You can quickly create an account using your email address or associate other social accounts.
   • After registering, the first step is to complete your profile. This includes uploading a professional headshot, filling in your name, title and profile. The profile section should clearly state your area of specialization, skills and experience.
2. Creating a bright portfolio:
   • A portfolio is key to attracting clients. On your profile page, click on Add Project.
   • Write a clear title and detailed description for each project that explains the background of the project, your role, and the work you accomplished.
   • Upload high-quality images, videos, or embed external links (e.g., from Behance, Dribbble, or your personal website) to visualize your work.
   • Contra offers a variety of layout templates so you can choose the one that best suits the style of displaying your work. For Pro users, more customization options are available, such as modifying colors and fonts.
3. Setting up collection methods:
   • Find the Wallet option in your account settings.
   • Bind your payment methods.Contra supports a wide range of global payment methods, including bank direct deposit, debit card, PayPal or USDC cryptocurrency. Once set up, your customers' payments will go smoothly into your account.
4. Finding and applying for programs:
   • Browse the platform's Discover or Jobs pages to find projects that match your skills.
   • When you find a program that interests you, read the requirements carefully and prepare a focused proposal.
   • In the proposal, briefly describe why you are the best candidate for this project and include the most relevant examples from your portfolio.
5. Project Cooperation and Collections:
   • Once the client decides to work with you, you can finalize the project details and sign an e-contract through the Contra platform. The contract will specify the scope of work, delivery time and project amount.
   • Once the project has started, you can use the platform's project management tools to communicate with the client and deliver your work on time. For large projects, you can set milestones and collect payments in stages.
   • Upon completion of the project, an invoice is sent to the client via the platform. After the client pays, the funds are first held securely by Contra, and the money is transferred to your wallet as soon as the client confirms receipt of the goods. Since there is zero commission, what you receive is the full amount agreed upon in the contract.

II. Clients

1. Publishing Projects:
   • Register for a client account and click Post a Job.
   • Fill out the project requirements in detail, including the project title, job description, required skills, budget and expected project duration. The clearer the description, the better match you'll attract.
2. Sourcing and screening talent:
   • In addition to waiting for applications, you can actively search for talent on the platform. You can filter freelancers based on skills, areas of specialization, or keywords.
   • Browse through the candidate's portfolio to assess whether their past projects meet your requirements.
3. Initiation of cooperation and payment:
   • Once you've found the talent of your choice, you can send them project invitations.
   • After both parties have communicated and agreed, a contract is created and signed through the platform.
   • Before the project begins, you will need to pay the project money into Contra's escrow account. This money will be held securely until you confirm that you are satisfied with the work delivered by the freelancer.
   • Please note that Contra charges its clients a fixed contract or monthly fee that is separate from the freelancer's compensation.
4. Managing Projects and Teams:
   • You can use Contra's collaboration tools to manage your external teams, track project progress, and communicate.
   • Review the freelancer's deliverables once the project is completed. After confirming that there are no errors, approve the payment with one click on the platform and the funds will be released to the freelancer immediately.

application scenario

1. Designers and Creative Workers
   Contra is an ideal showcase for web designers, UI/UX designers, animators and content creators. They can utilize the powerful portfolio features to visually showcase their visual work and attract clients in need of high-quality creative services.
2. Developers and technologists
   Software developers, web developers and technical consultants can find short or long term partnership opportunities here on a per project billing basis. The zero-commission model allows them to ensure that they maximize their revenue when they secure high-value projects.
3. Marketing & Social Media Specialist
   Marketers and social media managers can use this platform to offer their professional services to startups or large corporations. They can demonstrate their value by showcasing successful marketing cases and data in their portfolios.
4. Startups and organizations that need flexible talent
   For companies that need to quickly expand their teams or find people with specific skills to complete projects, Contra offers an efficient talent pool. Here companies can quickly find and manage external experts worldwide without having to deal with complex personnel processes and international payments.

QA

1. Is the Contra platform completely free?
   For freelancers, using Contra's core features (such as creating portfolios, searching for work, sending contracts, and receiving payments) is free, and the platform doesn't charge any commissions. The platform monetizes itself by charging contract fees to clients who initiate projects. Additionally, freelancers have the option to pay to upgrade to Contra Pro for more advanced features.
2. How does "zero commission" work?
   Contra's "zero-commission" model means that freelancers keep all the income they earn. The costs of running the platform are borne by the client, who pays a fixed service fee when they initiate a project contract.
3. Is it competitive to get a job on Contra?
   Like all freelancing platforms, there is competition on Contra. Since the platform emphasizes high-quality portfolios, freelancers with great project examples and a clear professional profile are more likely to stand out. The platform also focuses more on freelancers from developed markets such as the US and Europe.
4. Is the customer's payment guaranteed?
   Yes. Contra uses an escrow system to secure transactions. The client pays the fee at the beginning of the project, but this payment is held by the platform. The payment is only released to the freelancer when the freelancer completes the work and the client confirms satisfaction.