by Doreen Martel

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: January 18, 2012

Today, it is nearly impossible to open up your Email and not see at least one notification that you can work on-line. Regardless of your "credentials" it seems like we all receive something from one site or another telling us about the benefits of working at home. Some of the freelance opportunities are available through what is commonly known as a freelance online marketplace. There are some things you need to know before you register with any marketplace.

A) They do not guarantee you work - All freelance marketplaces are just what they say. They offer a person who has skills an opportunity to bid on potential "job" openings. These openings may be "one-of's" or they might be longer term openings. Before you register with any freelance marketplace find out what the Terms and Conditions are. If you are visiting a freelance marketplace and they are making any "guarantees", chances are that this site is one that you could easily live without. Most on-line freelance marketplaces are operated on bidding systems, there is never a guarantee that your bid is going to be accepted.

B) Learn about payments - When you are searching for work through an on-line marketplace, make sure you learn about their payment methods. Each site may have their own requirements. Some marketplaces allow you to draw funds down immediately upon completion of work while others have a "payment schedule". Do not work on assumptions about how you are going to be paid. Get the facts immediately.

C) Understand the rules - This also refers back to the Terms of Service or Terms and Conditions of a website. If you fail to read the Terms and Conditions before you accept an assignment from a freelance marketplace, then complain - well, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Now we have these simple things out of the way, let us discuss the best practices once you land that first assignment. A freelance marketplace is really not all that different from working in a brick and mortar establishment. You can succeed if you follow some simple rules such as:

1. Stay in communication - Once you have won a bid on a project, make sure you stay in contact with the person who has hired you. One of the main reasons for project failure is communication. This is of course, a two way street. If your "buyer" isn't in regular contact with you, it could be a sign that the project is going to fail regardless of how well you complete your assignment.

2. Establish clear expectations - Interviewing for an on-line marketplace

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