How to Use PeoplePerHour Safely: A Complete Guide for Buyers and Freelancers

At PeoplePerHour, trust is everything. Our platform is built around real people working together, and keeping our community safe is our number one priority. A lot happens behind the scenes to protect buyers and freelancers, but we also provide powerful tools that allow you to use PeoplePerHour safely, confidently, and professionally. Whether you’re hiring a freelancer or selling your services, understanding how to use the platform correctly helps protect your work, your money, and your reputation.

This guide walks you through how to buy and sell safely on PeoplePerHour, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

Buying Safely on PeoplePerHour

How to Choose the Right Freelancer

PeoplePerHour gives you plenty of information to help you make informed hiring decisions. Before selecting a freelancer, take time to review their profile carefully.

Look at feedback and reviews to understand their track record and how they’ve performed on previous projects. Endorsements from clients, colleagues, or peers outside of PeoplePerHour can also provide reassurance. Many freelancers link verified social profiles such as LinkedIn or Facebook, which adds another layer of trust.

Portfolios are especially important. They allow you to see real examples of a freelancer’s work and assess whether their style and experience match what you need.

Keep All Communication in the WorkStream

Once you start speaking with a freelancer, a WorkStream is created automatically. This is where all communication related to your project should stay.

The WorkStream keeps everything organised, transparent, and secure. If there’s ever confusion about deliverables, deadlines, or agreements, the WorkStream acts as a clear record. In the unlikely event of a dispute, it’s also the sole source of evidence PeoplePerHour uses to determine a fair outcome.

Use Escrow to Protect Your Payment

Escrow is one of the most important safety tools on PeoplePerHour. As a buyer, you can deposit funds at the start of a project without releasing them immediately.

This gives freelancers the confidence to begin work while ensuring you don’t pay until you’re happy with what’s been delivered. Once the project is completed and approved, you release the funds from Escrow through the WorkStream.

Pay for Work Only When It’s Complete

When a freelancer finishes a project, they’ll raise an invoice directly through the WorkStream. Take the time to review the work carefully. Once you’re satisfied, you can confirm payment and release the Escrow funds securely.

Always Pay Through PeoplePerHour

Paying outside of PeoplePerHour puts you at risk. Payments made outside the platform are not protected, and PeoplePerHour cannot offer support or dispute resolution if something goes wrong. To stay protected, always keep payments within the platform.

Selling Safely on PeoplePerHour

Be Cautious of “Too Good to Be True” Projects

If a project promises high pay for very little work, especially from a buyer you haven’t worked with before, proceed with caution. Trust your instincts.

Be particularly wary of requests for free samples or unpaid trials. If a buyer needs proof of your work, your portfolio should usually be enough. If you do share samples, always send them through the WorkStream and use watermarks or low-resolution files where appropriate.

Make Sure Funds Are in Escrow Before You Start

Before beginning work or handing over deliverables, always check that funds have been deposited into Escrow. This protects you by ensuring the buyer is committed and able to pay.

For new buyers, think carefully about how much you request in Escrow and structure payments sensibly, especially for larger or longer projects.

Keep Everything in the WorkStream

Just like buyers, freelancers should keep all communication within the WorkStream. This includes agreements on scope, deadlines, revisions, and payment terms.

If a dispute ever arises, the WorkStream provides a clear, factual record that helps PeoplePerHour support both parties fairly.

Always Get Paid Through PeoplePerHour

When your work is complete, raise an invoice through the WorkStream and request payment there. Payments made outside of PeoplePerHour are not protected, and support cannot intervene if issues arise.

Avoid Sharing Personal Information

Avoid exchanging personal contact details, especially before a proposal has been accepted or an offer purchased. Never share bank details, identity documents, or address information with anyone you meet online.

You can communicate fully, share files, and manage payments safely through PeoplePerHour without the need to exchange sensitive personal information.

Reporting Issues and Getting Support

If something doesn’t feel right, you’re never on your own. PeoplePerHour’s Customer Support team is available to provide guidance and take swift action if needed.

You can also report issues quickly using the “Report” flag found on listings, messages, and profile pages. This helps keep the community safe for everyone.

A Safe Marketplace Starts With All of Us

PeoplePerHour works hard to protect its community, but the safest experiences happen when buyers and freelancers use the platform as it’s intended. Keeping communication in the WorkStream, using Escrow, and avoiding off-platform payments all help ensure projects run smoothly.

By following these best practices, you can focus on what really matters. Building great working relationships, delivering quality work, and growing your business with confidence.