Contra FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 10 Nov 2026 · 13m ago

What is Contra and how does it work?

Contra is a platform for independent professionals such as designers, developers, writers, marketers, video editors and consultants. Instead of focusing on open job boards where many freelancers bid against each other, Contra centres on a professional profile that works like a portfolio website. You showcase projects, describe services with prices or starting rates and share a link to your profile with potential clients. When a client wants to work with you, you can agree terms, create contracts, send invoices and receive payment through the platform. Contra also offers discovery features and opportunities where clients can find independents. The model suits people who already have some network or audience, or who are willing to promote themselves actively.

How is Contra different from bidding marketplaces?

On many freelance marketplaces, clients post jobs and freelancers submit proposals, often competing on price. Platforms typically take a percentage of each payment. Contra's model emphasises your own brand and relationships. It is designed so you can bring your own clients and manage them on the platform without traditional commission on your earnings, according to its own description. You may still find work through the platform's network, but you should not expect the same volume of public job posts as large bidding marketplaces.

What fees apply?

Contra describes itself as commission-free for independents, meaning it does not take a percentage of payments from your clients in the standard model. It offers optional paid plans with extra features, such as advanced profile tools, analytics or other benefits. Clients may pay fees in some cases, and payment processing or currency conversion may involve costs. Fee structures change, so read the current pricing page before relying on any figure. Factor any costs into your rates.

How do I build a strong profile?

Your profile is your shop window. Use a clear photo or logo, a headline stating what you do and for whom, and a short bio focused on client outcomes. Add portfolio projects with images, videos or links, plus short descriptions of the problem, your role and the result. Choose projects relevant to the clients you want. Keep the profile updated as you complete new work, and make sure links to external work are working.

How do I write good project case studies?

For each portfolio project, explain the client's challenge, what you did, the tools or methods you used and the outcome, with numbers if possible and if you have permission to share them. Visuals matter for design and video work, while developers can link to live products or code samples they are allowed to share. A few strong case studies are more persuasive than many images without context.

How do service listings work?

Service listings describe specific offers, such as a brand identity package, landing page design, website build, content writing bundle or consulting session, with a description, deliverables, timeline and price or starting price. Clear services make it easy for clients to understand what you offer and to book or enquire. Start with two or three core services that match your strongest skills and portfolio.

How should I price services?

Estimate the time each service takes, including communication and revisions, and multiply by your target hourly rate. Research what similar independents charge, but avoid underpricing. Because Contra positions itself as commission-free for independents, you may be able to charge clients similar prices to other channels while keeping more, but confirm current fees. Raise prices as your portfolio and demand grow.

How do I find clients?

Contra encourages independents to share their profile and service links on social media, in email signatures, on personal websites and in professional communities. Clients may also discover you through search and recommendations on the platform, and some opportunities are posted in the network. Combine platform discovery with active outreach to your network, past clients and communities where your ideal clients gather. Consistent posting about your work helps people remember you.

How do proposals and contracts work?

When a client is interested, you can discuss the project, agree scope, price, milestones and timeline, and set up a contract on the platform. Written contracts protect both sides by recording what was agreed. Be specific about deliverables, revisions and what happens if scope changes. The time zone calculator on this site helps you set realistic meeting times and deadlines with clients in other regions.

How do invoicing and payments work?

Contra provides tools to send invoices and accept payments from clients through supported payment methods. Payments for contracts or milestones are processed through the platform, and payouts go to your linked account after processing. Check supported payout methods for your country, payout timing and any processing or currency conversion fees. Keep records of every invoice and payment.

What protections exist for independents and clients?

Using contracts and payments on the platform creates records of agreements and transactions, which can help if disputes arise. Some arrangements may involve upfront payments or milestones. Read the current terms to understand how disputes, refunds and cancellations are handled. For new clients, consider requesting upfront deposits or milestone payments rather than doing large amounts of work before any payment.

Worked example: comparing fees

Suppose you complete projects worth 3,000 in a month. On a marketplace taking 10 percent, you would pay 300 and keep 2,700. On a commission-free model, you keep 3,000 before processing costs. If processing and currency conversion cost 2 percent, that is 60, leaving 2,940. If you also subscribe to an optional paid plan costing 25 a month, you keep 2,915, which is 215 more than the marketplace example, or about 8 percent more. Figures are illustrative; check current fees. The percentage calculator on this site helps you compare options.

Contra at a glance

| Topic | What to know |

|---|---|

| Model | Portfolio profile and services |

| Fees | Described as commission-free for independents |

| Clients | Platform discovery and your own network |

| Contracts | Agreed and recorded on the platform |

| Payments | Invoices and payouts through the platform |

| Taxes | Your responsibility |

How do I win repeat clients?

Repeat work is the most efficient source of income for independents, because there is no need to find and win a new client each time. Deliver on schedule, communicate proactively when something changes and make handover easy with organised files and short notes. At the end of a project, suggest sensible next steps, such as a follow-up phase, maintenance or a related service, without pressure. Check in a few weeks later to see how the work is performing. Clients who feel looked after are far more likely to rebook and to recommend you to others in their network.

How do referrals work for independents?

Many independents grow mainly through word of mouth. Ask satisfied clients if they know anyone who needs similar help, and make sharing easy by sending your profile link. Some platforms run referral programmes with their own terms; read the current rules before relying on them. Partnerships with independents in complementary fields, such as designers and developers, can also bring steady referrals.

Who is Contra best for?

Contra tends to suit designers, developers, writers, marketers, video creators and consultants with portfolios they can show, and especially independents who already have a network or audience to share their profile with. It suits people who want a professional profile, contracts and payments in one place without traditional commission on client payments. Freelancers who rely on a large flow of public job posts may also need other marketplaces.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include leaving the profile incomplete, showing irrelevant portfolio pieces, offering too many unrelated services, underpricing, not sharing the profile link, starting work without a written contract and accepting payment outside agreed channels from unknown clients. Treat your Contra profile as part of a wider marketing plan.

How do taxes work?

Independent income is usually taxable, and you may receive tax forms depending on your country and earnings. Keep records of income, fees, subscription costs and business expenses, and set aside money for taxes. Consult a professional if unsure. The salary calculator on this site helps you compare freelance income with employment.

How do I avoid scams?

Be cautious of clients who send overpayments and request refunds, ask you to buy equipment or software through their links, request large unpaid tests, or ask for login details. Fake messages may imitate platform support. Verify clients, use contracts and keep payments in trusted channels.

Reader questions

Questions about freelance platforms? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not affiliated with Contra. Fees, features and policies change; check the official site. No income is guaranteed.

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