The Answers:

1. How is Solvate different from other freelance job boards or billing software?

   The primary difference between Solvate and global freelance job boards is that Solvate is a closed network of US based freelancers- it is comprised of top US based freelancers who meet Solvate’s requirements for acceptance as successful independent professionals.

   Furthermore, clients do not post opportunities for freelancers to bid on. Instead, Solvate asks Talent to build profiles that index roles, services, and skills, and allows Solvate clients to search and browse these profiles, and message Solvate Talent they are interested in working with.

   Solvate is different from accounting software in that Solvate actually handles the collection for you, and we provide social proof of your work through Solvate on your profile.

   Finally, Solvate is different from all of the above because it is free for freelancers!

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2. Where do clients find my profile?

   On our website through Solvate’s talent engine, and through local search on Google and other search engines, and anywhere else out on the web you promote your independent profile. Your independent profile doesn’t expose prospective clients to the rest of the Solvate Talent Network and clients can message you directly on your page. Your work through Solvate appears on your expanding profile, providing important social proof of your success to prospective clients.

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3. Why do clients value that I am Solvate Verified Talent?

   Solvate’s seal of approval indicates to clients that you are a top US based freelancer, that you’re already under a standard work-for-hire agreement, and operating under Solvate’s errors and omissions insurance policy. They know you are a 1099 compliant independent contractor, and that we handle all of the IRS paperwork at the end of the year, so they don’t have to. They know like a seller on Ebay that your profile will be enhanced by their client rating, so they appreciate the accountability that comes with work performed through the platform.

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4. Does Solvate cost anything to join as a freelancer?

   Solvate is 100% free for freelancers! Solvate lets you set your own rate, then we collect payment from clients, and we pay you 100% of your rate. Solvate sells additional services to clients to help them source and screen talent, and manage their projects.

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5. What types of clients use Solvate?

   All types of clients use Solvate, from early stage start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. We verify billing information with clients up-front, so clients are committed in advance to paying for services delivered by Solvate Talent.

   To see some of our typical clients, check  out our case studies on some clients we’ve worked with in the past.

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6. How does the rating system work?

   With the launch of client ratings, Solvate is introducing a new Top Talent badge which will appear on the profiles of talent who build up the requisite number of points. Solvate talent in the top 20th percentile in points will earn the Top Talent badge. The points system will also impact search results--the more points you accumulate, the higher you will appear in search results.

   Clients rate talent as “impressive”, “met expectations”, “below expectations” and “very poor” during their interaction before work, and they rate talent work. Solvate also rewards for responsiveness to client messages, as well as when clients authorize hours or budget for a project.

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7. What types of freelancers are on Solvate?

   Solvate is home to premier, US based freelancers who offer a wide variety of services.  Our departments range from creative and writing, to sales and marketing, to programming, to administrative work.
   
   Our freelancers are generally established independent professionals seeking to use Solvate to acquire a couple of extra clients.  Registering with our service is a nice way to get interesting supplemental projects, but for most of our Talent it’s not their sole source of income.
   
   See our Who’s Here? page to learn more.

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8. How should I set my rate?

   We generally advise Solvate Talent to set your rate as low as you are willing to work on a project that fits your interests. You’re free to turn down any potential work that comes your way, and can increase your rate at any time if you are receiving too many inquiries.  Lowering your rate below what you’d charge in the open market is wise, as we’re taking care of marketing, sales, and back office functions for you, enabling you to spend more time working and less time administrating.
   
   We also provide some guidelines for setting your rate here, and are happy to help you determine an appropriate rate. Contact talent@solvate.com or call the Talent Hotline at 646.720.7113 to schedule a free profile consultation.

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9. What are the requirements of the application process?

   The Solvate application has the following hard requirements:

   • Applicant must be based in the United States and be able to work legally as a W-9 contractor
   • Applicant must have a public LinkedIn profile
   • Applicant must provide a professional resume
   • For creative talent, applicants must have a public, online portfolio of paid client work
   • As part of the application and onboarding process, applicants must sign a Solvate Consulting Agreement and complete a W-9. The W-9 requires that the applicant provide a Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. We will not ask you to complete this paperwork unless you are accepted to the Solvate Talent Network.

    

   Failing to meet any of these requirements will prevent you from becoming Solvate Talent.

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10. What is Solvate looking for in applicants?

    Solvate is looking for America’s best freelancers and independent professionals. What we’re looking for largely depends on what services an applicant offers, but here are some general rules of thumb for things we want to see:

    • An established online presence- a professional website, a robust LinkedIn profile, and profiles on other social networks, such as Twitter, GitHub, and Forrst
    • Client testimonials, preferably as LinkedIn Recommendations
    • Professional experience as a successful freelancer or consultant, or a successful career in a traditional, corporate environment
    • At least a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution
    • Proficiency with tools that make remote work possible, such as Google Docs, Skype, etc.

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11. How many applicants get in?

    Solvate historically accepts about 20% of its applicants.

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12. How long does it take Solvate to review an application?

    Solvate is generally able to process an application by the next business day. We often are able to process applications same day during the work week, but applications received over the weekend will not be reviewed until the following Monday.

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13. I applied and haven’t heard from you. What’s the status of my application?

    If you applied more than 72 hours ago and haven’t heard from us, we probably decided that we could not offer you a place in the Solvate Talent Network at the current time.
    
    We invite you to apply again once you’ve prepared a more compelling application by adding client testimonials, work experience, and expanding your online presence. We can sometimes provide specific advice for applicants we did not accept. Feel free to email talent@solvate.com for more details on your application.

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14. Who owns the intellectual property obtained or created by project work?

    Ownership of all inventions and works is transferred to the client at time of project completion. Additionally, all confidential information shared with Solvate Talent during a project is covered by non-disclosure clauses in the Solvate Consulting Agreement.

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15. Where can I find the contract?

    Feel free to email talent@solvate.com and request a copy of the Solvate Consulting Agreement if you wish to read it before applying.
    

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16. How do I get work on Solvate?

    On Solvate, typically the work comes to you. Once you build your profile, we index your roles, skills, and services. Solvate clients can search and browse profiles against these indexed facets. Solvate clients can then message Solvate Talent through the profile, opening a relationship and providing Solvate Talent the opportunity to close the deal.
    
    We’ve also developed a social interface for you to browse company profiles, including filtering for those with active needs.  So, if you’re searching around and find an interesting company looking for someone like you, feel free to send them a note!
    
    Once you’re talking to the client, they’ve got the ability to authorize work hours for you to complete projects.  You’ll be notified by email if hours are authorized, and can also request them through the interface. We advise clients to work in incremental steps, and to authorize the amount of hours that will get the project to a first significant milestone so as to keep parties in close communication.

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17. How does payment work on Solvate?

    Solvate acts as the central billing and payment platform for all work performed. We charge clients and in turn pay Solvate Talent.
    
    Payment on Solvate is a two step process, and we pay on a monthly cycle.
    
    The first step is to log the time you work- the contract stipulates you must log time every day that you work on a project.
    
    The second step is to send Solvate an invoice at the end of each month.
    
    We then process payment and mail checks to Solvate Talent on the 5th of the following month.  Allow up to 7 days for delivery.
    
    Payment does not depend on project completion- if a project spans more than one month, we will still pay you for the work you’ve done on a monthly basis.

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18. Can someone help me with my profile?

    Absolutely! Contact talent@solvate.com or call the Talent Hotline at 646.720.7113 to schedule a free profile consultation.

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