A few frank observations...

[mark_sgp]

I just started my journey here on Fiverr earlier this year - as a buyer, seller, and affiliate.

In recent weeks, I have been delving into the Forum in attempt to gain insights from real users about their successes, pitfalls, and general tips for "beginners".

I am struck by some pervasive themes here:

1. "Fiverr used to be awesome but now it sucks and you should find the soonest opportunity to leave and prosper elsewhere".

2. "I am a new seller and after xxx months I still have no business".

3.  "Fiverr customer service sucks, is too slow, and favours unreasonable buyers rather than reputable sellers".

Well --- while I have encountered a certain degree of scam nonsense and disingenuous "buyer" offers in my first few months here, and sellers offering services of questionable long term value, I will say that, Fiverr is a far more globally diverse platform than its main competition, and offers distinct advantages in that:

1. As a seller with Fiverr, I don't have to pay to bid (pay) on contracts/offers when trying to find work as a seller. One of its main competitors has this business model and I hate it.

2. As an affiliate, I am not directly scrutinized regarding the quality or quantity of potential new business leads I introduce to Fiverr. One of Fiverr's main competitors screens and openly rejects requests to join as an affiliate, even though you can be registered as a buyer or seller in good standing with that platform.

3. As a buyer, when dealing with legitimate sellers, I don't feel obligated to accept excessive fees and can openly communicate with the engaged seller on timelines, expectations, and other engagement-related matters with impunity; funds are essentially held in escrow until work is completed satisfactorily. I am also free to lodge a complaint if I encounter unscrupulous or deceptive practices on the part of the seller.

4. With regard to soliciting new business, I am not limited to the Fiverr platform itself, although certain restrictions apply.

I understand well that no platform is perfect --for those that have many years of experience, I am sure they can decide for themselves what they really want, need and expect in terms of engaging their services -- and are free to go elsewhere if Fiverr no longer serves their purpose. As for new joiners, it's a matter of self-reflection regarding what you are looking for, what you need, what you expect, how suitable Fiverr is for fulfilling these requirements, and how viable potential alternatives are in doing the same.

As with mainstream salaried office employment, if it doesn't fit, you're gonna have a hard time, regardless of where you work, who you work for, or under what circumstances.