Ask HN: Where to hire freelance web/app developers without a annoying middleman?

Hey HN,

I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is seeking to hire someone for their project (i'm a dev but i work full time) and i've always been curious as to where to actually suggest. I know Upwork/Freelancer is just a no and it's also something he does not want. All i'm aware of so far is Reddit. Would love to know of any suggestions. Thank you!

4 points | by s_tech 1567 days ago

4 comments

  • Gustomaximus 1567 days ago
    > I know Upwork/Freelancer is just a no

    Why? I find people on there. I think you need to choose carefully, put them on smaller jobs and fire fast. I find trying to work through issues never works. As soon as they show lack of ability/attention to detail etc they go unless you've really established a relationship and know its a one off. I would guesstimate every 5 or so people you find someone good and keep using them.

    • sprobertson 1564 days ago
      How much effort do you put in to the filtering/screening process? Or do you pick quickly and see how they do on the job?
      • Gustomaximus 1563 days ago
        Probably more effort than most... I look through profiles, their skills, stats and reviews and contact directly. I never (after doing it in early days) post jobs and see who replies. Worse, these days you get spammed with junk. People even track your email/Skype down and contact you directly.
  • philip1209 1567 days ago
    We're building MoonlightWork.com to not be "annoying middlemen". We don't take a cut of payments to developers, we don't manage projects, and we don't intermediate the relationship between companies + developers. Companies either pay a subscription or a flat-rate fee if they convert a contractor to full-time. Send your friend over!
  • stephenr 1567 days ago
    There’s a monthly HN thread for freelancers.
  • runninganyways 1566 days ago
    You can check Craigslist > services > computer

    Alternatively you could find someone on Fiverr

    Or potentially you can try me. I've been a professional .NET developer for about 10 years but recently I decided to stop programming as a job but I am kind of looking at part-time and freelance stuff.