How Common Are Test Assignments?

[ucwheels]

Hi Everyone:



I am just beginning to learn my way around Fiverr, and I was hoping you’d let me pick your brain a little. In your experience, how common are test assignments prior to an order? Today I was asked to perform such an assignment, editing 300 words from an ESL writer. I recognize the potential benefits and drawbacks of test assignments, and I was really just wondering if this is a standard request to new sellers.



Thanks in advance.

[gswatercolor]

Hi Ucwheels,



From my standpoint this is uncommon. The whole point of Fiverr is to bring interesting and helpful gig to the masses at $5 a pop. If the person wants to see what you can do then they should order the base $5 gig and let you have at it.



But with that being said, it’s completely up to you. If doing 300 words is only going to take you a couple of minutes and isn’t enough for them to capitalize on what you’ve done, then it might be worth it!



Hope this helps a little!



~Gabrielle

[ucwheels]

Reply to @gswatercolor: Thanks for your perspective, Gabrielle. To further fill out the story, I decided to complete the assignment. The piece needed some significant editing, and admittedly, I made one typo in the process, resulting in me not getting the gig. In hindsight, it’s probably for the best - though it didn’t feel like a very rewarding experience in the moment. I don’t know for sure how I’ll respond to such requests in the future, but at least now I feel better prepared to handle them.



PS - Your mini watercolor paintings are great.

[gswatercolor]

Reply to @ucwheels: Glad you were able to figure out and that you feel more prepared for requests like this in the future! I would just caution to make sure to go over your work with a fine-toothed comb for your first 20 order or so to make sure they’re perfect! It might take a little longer, but the 5 star reviews are worth it!



Also, thank you for the kind words about my paintings. 🙂 I LOVE watercolors and want to bring it’s beauty to the world!



Have a great weekend!



~Gabrielle

[catwriter]

Test assignments are often a scam to get work for free.



Whether you accept to do the test is up to you, of course, and there’s no rule against it. If you wish to see whether the buyer is serious or just wants work for free,you can offer them a paid sample. If they’re not willing to pay $5 for a test sample, can you really trust them to pay you for a larger order?

[david388]

@ucwheels, I think unfortunately that this person used and manipulated you to trick you into doing free work. Don’t be hard on yourself about the “typo,” because I have a hunch that even if you did a 10000% perfect job, this person would find something to criticize as an explanation for not actually paying you. This is really frustrating to hear, but I’m glad you posted it on a Forum for others to at least learn from.



When you have a minute, take a peek at the discussion board I posted a few weeks ago to help fellow Sellers spot “red flags” from Buyers like this person. If you wouldn’t mind taking a moment to share this experience on it, I have a feeling that tons of people would benefit by learning from your new wisdom 🙂



Here’s the link: http://forum.fiverr.com/discussion/60907/how-to-spot-and-avoid-bad-buyers/p1

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[fastcopywriter]

Unless you’re willing to pay for the test, you’re hurting people. Plenty of writers will edit 500 words for $5, so do that 300 word test, and then if he or she does a great time, give him another $5-$10 order.

[ucwheels]

Reply to @catwriter: There is a lot of wisdom in this perspective. Thanks for taking the time to help me become a more experienced member of this community.

[ucwheels]

Reply to @david388: I was actually just reading your Bad Buyers post last night. I’ll be sure to pop over there and share my experience. Also, thanks again for your direct message!

[ucwheels]

Reply to @fastcopywriter: Your 1550 reviewed gigs are impressive! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[fastcopywriter]

Reply to @ucwheels: My pleasure. Thanks 😉

[sincere18]

They are common scams is what they are. You made one typo? One typo? That is absolutely not enough for someone to not pay for a job, even if it was a real order. You would just make the revise and it would be done.



When you are starting out, maybe you might do it here or there thinking it will lead to more jobs, the scammers target the new people because they know the more experienced sellers will not do work for free.



If you want, edit 3 sentences or something, but never do the full item of what someone needs.

[ucwheels]

Reply to @sincere18: It was definitely a rookie mistake that I hope will turn into a learning opportunity for others. Thanks for contributing your thoughts to the cause! 🙂

[sara1984]

A good way to get some free work done, isn’t it. Get 10 people to edit your text as part of their ‘test assignment’. That’s 3000 words right there and $30 saved.

[ucwheels]

Reply to @sara1984: It’s free work, indeed. I hope I’ve made it a little harder for them to pull off this scheme now.