We have launched a product geared specifically towards freelancers, who now have the ability to register in the service without an invite, create offers for clients, and work on projects as a team – all through Solar Staff's convenient app.
Where to download
The new product is integrated into the existing Solar Staff app, which is available in the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery. If you already have the app, just update it to the latest version.
Why the new product
It's simple – the extended functionality empowers freelancers and eliminates the need to wait for a client's invite to start work.
You go and register in the service by yourself, where you then create an offer, set the price, assemble a team of freelancers, and send the offer to the client for approval. Should they accept it, you can begin working on the project and eventually hand it in, at which point all the participants get their remuneration (more on task statuses). Head to the app to try out these features.
To learn more about company registration and balance top-up, see our Help Center.
Now, a few words about starting out, offers, team members, the project manager role, and payment.
Target audience
The app update caters specifically to freelancers working with foreign companies as opposed to local ones.
These are experienced professionals who know what they're doing – they have a pool of clients, a portfolio, and a team. They usually have no problem finding new clients, but getting paid on time and without extra fees and charges may be difficult.
For example, our market research shows that 70% of Indian freelancers run into issues receiving payment for their work.
How Solar Staff helps freelancers
Our product streamlines interaction with international companies and enables freelancers to focus on what matters – making money and honing skills.
Freelancers are able to withdraw money from Solar Staff to cards, accounts, or e-wallets. The money is converted into the freelancer's national currency, USD, or EUR. Learn more about conversion.
On December 1, 2023, Solar Staff introduced withdrawal commissions. Learn more
We take care of the paperwork (certificates, invoices, agreements). You don't need to worry about anything but your work – we'll prepare the docs for you and your clients.
Our Transaction Security feature protects freelancers from any deception – Solar Staff freezes the client's funds and pays them out after task completion.
What's new
Offer
An offer is a set of tasks you compile in the service and send to the client.
Say the job is CCTV installation. This is what you do in Solar Staff:
Create a new offer and call it "CCTV Installation."
Add different types of work as individual tasks (select from the list) – the same wording will appear in your and the client's reporting documents.
Specify the price of each task.
Assign performers for all tasks – this can be you or other freelancers. New team members can be invited via email.
With everything ready, copy the offer link and send it to the client in an email or messenger.
After the client accepts the offer, you can start working. See our guide on offer creation for detailed instructions and screenshots.
Due to sanctions, some services may be unavailable. Our support team is always there for you: contact us via chat, or email [email protected].
Team
Tasks oftentimes require different specialists: loader, installer, driver, project manager. For situations like these, we’ve added team creation to Solar Staff.
You can invite other freelancers to join the project. See our guide on working as a team for more details, screenshots, and different scenarios.
FAQ
How do I sign up for the new product?
You can sign up on your own, without an invite from the client. To do that, install the Solar Staff app, or update to the latest version if you already have it.
Is there a charge for creating an offer?
Yes, 3%. When creating an offer, you can choose who pays the commission – you or the client. If you pass it on to the client, the price for them will be 3% higher: $1,030 instead of $1,000. Conversely, if you pay the commission, then it will amount to $29.13 on $1,000.
The app automatically calculates the final offer amount.
Do I have to put together a team?
No, you can create an offer, assign yourself as the task performer, and work solo.
How do I invoice my client?
Create an offer with tasks and send it to the client. To learn more, see the article on offers.
How long does the link to the offer last?
Until the client accepts the offer.
Who can act as the client?
Only legal entities (or other business entities like individual entrepreneurs, depending on the jurisdiction). Individuals cannot act as clients.
What currency can I specify when creating an offer?
You can create offers in USD, EUR, or RUB – choose the one that suits your client. Each freelancer can withdraw money to their chosen option for receiving payments, in any currency at the Solar Staff exchange rate. Learn more about payments and different currencies.
What if the client doesn't accept the offer?
You can make adjustments to alleviate the client’s “pain points”: change the prices, deadlines, the scope of work, or the list of freelancers.
What kind of agreement do the client and I have, and with whom?
You enter into an offer agreement with Solar Staff's Cypriot entity. The client concludes an agreement with our legal entity in the US, EU, Russia, or Armenia – depending on the country where their company is registered.
What documents do the client and I get?
Both parties receive a set of closing documents consisting of certificates and invoices.
Do I need to have existing clients to work through Solar Staff?
Yes, you do. Our service is geared towards freelancers with an established client pool.
Why do I need Solar Staff when there are PayPal, Wise, Revolut?
Solar Staff ensures transaction security as part of its Secure Deal feature, gives contractors the tools to verify their income, and automatically generates all the necessary accounting documents.