Freelance Considerations

Freelancing has become more and more popular. Companies are hiring contractors for everything from photographers, social media managers consultants and even virtual assistants. As companies move towards hiring more freelance consultants or professionals paid on a 1099 contract, a few details need to be emphasized.

Freelance professionals are not your employees. You can work together to determine hours of work that are convenient for both parties. Unless stated in a contract, do not expect a contractor to work 9-5 for you.

Freelancers typically hold multiple contracts. You are probably not the only person the client is working for. Keep this in consideration when you drop last-minute projects on a contractor.

Since contractors are not your employees, they are not collecting any benefits from you. This can be cost-effective for your company but also take this into consideration as you hire a freelancer. These 1099 contractors have to supply their own health, business, and employment taxes and insurances. These costs are factored into the hourly rate or retainer you are paying. Keep this in mind as you negotiate or try to get a lower rate from a contractor.

I found a great thread on Reddit about freelancing that really puts hiring a contractor in perspective.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Frontend/comments/lyaa4r/my_advice_to_new_freelancers_be_like_the_plumber/

My advice to new freelancers: Be like the plumber

What do I mean?

-The plumber won't fix your faucet for free because you might need them for a bigger project down the road.

-They won't drop their hourly fee because you think it's "too high".

-They charge a high hourly rate for their expertise.

-They won't take a job they don't want to do.

-They will schedule your work as soon as they are available. Your leaky pipe is your emergency, not theirs.

-They charge a rush fee.

-They don't work on spec.

-They won't come back if you didn't pay the first time.

-They work normal hours and take weekends off (if they want to).

Just like hiring a plumber, HVAC technician, electrician, landscape contractor when hiring freelance professionals, realize they are business owners too. The relationship you have with a contractor needs to be mutually beneficial. Keep these considerations in mind and watch as both sides flourish and succeed!