PeoplePerHour FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 1h ago

About this FAQ

PeoplePerHour is a freelance marketplace that started in the UK and is used by businesses around the world to hire writers, designers, developers, marketers and other professionals. New freelancers often ask the same questions in their first weeks. This FAQ gathers the most common ones and answers them clearly, drawing on the platform's support pages and general freelance experience. Fees and features change, so check your account for the current rules before relying on any detail. Nothing here guarantees earnings.

How does PeoplePerHour work?

Clients either post a project describing the work they need, or browse fixed-price offers created by freelancers. Freelancers can respond to projects with a proposal explaining how they would do the job, the price and the timeline. Clients choose a freelancer, fund the work, and communicate through the platform's workstream. When the work is delivered and approved, payment is released.

How do I create a strong profile?

Your profile should explain clearly what you do, who you help and what results you deliver. Use a professional photo, list relevant skills, and add portfolio samples. Keep your summary short and specific. Profiles go through a review before they are approved, so complete every section carefully. Clients often compare several profiles quickly, so a clear headline helps.

What are offers?

Offers are fixed-price services that clients can buy without posting a project, such as designing a logo, writing a blog post or setting up a website. You set the price, delivery time and what is included, plus optional extras. Good offers have clear titles, honest descriptions and examples. They are a good way to earn while you build your reputation, because clients can buy directly.

How do proposals work?

When clients post projects, freelancers send proposals. Freelancers typically get a limited number of proposals each month, with more available to buy or through membership options, depending on current policy. Use them wisely: read the project brief carefully, address the client's needs, and explain your approach. Generic proposals copied across projects rarely succeed.

What fees do freelancers pay?

PeoplePerHour charges freelancers a service fee on what they earn. The fee has been tiered by client, so a higher percentage applies to the first portion of earnings from each client, and lower rates apply as your total earnings with that client grow. There may also be fees for some withdrawal methods and for buying extra proposals. Always check the latest fee page and factor fees into your prices.

Worked example: pricing with the fee in mind

Aisha wants to take home 400 pounds for a website copywriting project. If the service fee on her first earnings with a new client is 20 percent, she needs to quote 500 pounds, because 20 percent of 500 is 100, leaving 400. If the fee on later work with the same client falls to a lower rate, she could keep more of future projects, so long-term clients are valuable. The percentage calculator on this site helps her work out quotes quickly.

How are payments protected?

Clients fund projects upfront, and the money is held by the platform rather than going directly to the freelancer. This protects both sides: the freelancer knows the money is there, and the client only releases it once satisfied. For larger projects, you can agree milestones so payments are released in stages.

When can I withdraw my money?

After the client accepts the work, funds are released to your account balance. There may be a short clearance period before you can withdraw. You can then transfer your balance to a payout method such as a bank account or other options available in your country. Some methods may carry fees or currency conversion charges, so compare them.

What if a client is unhappy?

Communicate early and clearly. If a client asks for changes, check whether the request fits the agreed scope. If you cannot agree, PeoplePerHour has a dispute process where its team reviews the workstream, messages and deliverables. Keeping all agreements in writing on the platform makes disputes easier to resolve.

How do reviews work?

After a project ends, clients can leave a rating and feedback. Good reviews help you win more work. Deliver on time, communicate well and do what you promised. If you receive unfair feedback, you may be able to reply professionally or contact support.

Do I pay tax?

UK freelancers earning more than the 1,000 pound trading allowance in a tax year generally need to register for Self Assessment, report profits and pay Income Tax and National Insurance. Platform fees are allowable expenses, as are other business costs such as software and a share of internet costs. Keep records of every payment and fee. Digital platforms now report seller income to HMRC under international reporting rules, so all income should be declared.

How do I avoid scams?

Be wary of anyone who asks you to move communication or payment off the platform, pay for a test or training, share your login details, or click unusual links. Fake clients may send overpayments and ask for refunds. Keep everything within the platform, and report suspicious behaviour to support. If you lose money to fraud, report it to Action Fraud.

How long does it take to win the first project?

It varies widely. Some freelancers win a project in their first week, while others take a month or more, especially in crowded categories like logo design or general writing. Niche skills, a polished portfolio and quick, tailored proposals help. Many freelancers start with smaller projects or lower-priced offers to earn their first reviews, then raise their prices once they have a track record. Treat the first few weeks as an investment in building your profile.

What should a winning proposal include?

A good proposal opens by showing you understand the client's problem in one or two sentences. It then explains how you would approach the work, what the client will receive, and when. Include one or two relevant samples rather than your whole portfolio. Give a clear price and say what is included, such as the number of revisions. Close with a simple question that invites a reply. Keep it short enough to read in under a minute.

Worked example: hourly versus fixed price

Tom quotes a client for a set of ten social media graphics. He estimates the job will take 5 hours and values his time at 30 pounds an hour, so he quotes a fixed price of 150 pounds. To keep that figure after a 20 percent fee, he raises the quote to 187.50 pounds. If the work takes only 4 hours, his effective rate rises; if it takes 7, it falls. Fixed prices reward efficiency, so he agrees a clear scope and revision limit before starting.

Can I work with clients in other countries?

Yes. Clients on PeoplePerHour come from many countries, so you may work across time zones and currencies. Agree deadlines in the client's time zone to avoid confusion, and check how currency conversion affects your earnings. The time zone tool on this site helps schedule calls. Income from overseas clients is still reported to HMRC if you are UK resident.

Should I also use other platforms?

Many freelancers use several marketplaces and also build direct clients through their own network. Spreading work across sources reduces the risk of relying on one platform. Read each platform's terms, especially rules about taking clients off the platform, which are often strict.

How do I raise my prices?

Raise prices gradually once you have consistent reviews and repeat clients. Apply new rates to new clients first, and give existing clients notice. Improving your offers with clearer packages and faster delivery can justify higher prices.

What if I need to cancel a project?

Sometimes a project cannot go ahead, because the brief changes or a client stops responding. Talk to the client first and agree a fair outcome, such as a partial payment for work already done. If you cannot agree, contact support. Cancelling often or missing deadlines can harm your profile, so only accept work you are confident you can deliver.

Reader questions

Have a question about freelancing in the UK? Send it through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not financial or tax advice. Fees and policies change; check the platform's support pages and HMRC guidance for current details.

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