Velosites vs Upwork: Managed Service vs Managing Freelancers
Upwork has talented freelancers, but you become the project manager. Velosites handles everything for you. Here's an honest look at which approach works better for busy business owners.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Velosites | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Total Cost | $19-99/month ongoing | $500-5,000 one-time + extras |
| Your Time Investment | ✓ 30 mins (answer questions) | ✗ 10-20 hours (manage project) |
| Quality Vetting | ✓ We handle it | ✗ You screen candidates |
| Project Management | ✓ Included | ✗ You're the PM |
| Ongoing Support | ✓ Included forever | ◐ Negotiate separately |
| Dispute Resolution | ✓ Direct with company | ◐ Through platform |
| Best For | Time-poor business owners | Those comfortable managing contractors |
The Hidden Costs of Using Upwork
⏰ Your Time = Money
Screening freelancers, interviewing candidates, reviewing proposals, managing the project, and requesting revisions takes 10-20 hours. If you value your time at $50/hour, that's $500-1,000 in opportunity cost.
🎲 Risk of Choosing Wrong
40% of Upwork projects fail to meet expectations or get abandoned. Hiring again means repeating the entire process—more time and money down the drain.
🔧 No Ongoing Support
After delivery, most freelancers move on. Need an update? You'll pay hourly rates or hire someone new. With Velosites, support is included in your monthly fee.
💸 Scope Creep Charges
"That wasn't in the original scope." You'll hear this often. Minor changes and revisions rack up extra charges. Velosites includes unlimited revisions until you're happy.
When Each Option Makes Sense
✅ Choose Velosites If:
- •You're time-poor and want hands-off service
- •You need ongoing support, not one-and-done
- •You want predictable monthly costs
- •You prefer working with Australian companies
- •You value accountability and reliability
Consider Upwork If:
- •You have time to manage a project
- •You're experienced hiring contractors
- •You have very specific/complex requirements
- •You want one-time work with no ongoing relationship
- •You can handle the risk of project failure
Our Honest Verdict
Upwork works if you have time and experience managing freelancers. But for most Australian business owners, Velosites is the smarter choice—professional results without the project management headaches, ongoing support included, and predictable monthly pricing.
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