I think you are going to run into problems on most of these platforms. Either issues like the on mentioned by OP, or just having to compete against people that are willing to do the job for 1/10th the price that you will do it for.
For me, I got my clients through my personal blog about programming where some people contacted me and asked to hire me. You can also just start being very active on the relevant communities in your niche and build up a reputation.
All of this takes time, but I believe it to be the most reliable long term strategy to get work from high quality clients on your own terms.
In my case, 100% of approaches were scams. One was quite scary, as it was clear the person had … issues, and they kept trying to get me to meet them in secluded places, while refusing to tell me what it was they wanted from me.
I have no idea what would have happened, if I had taken them up; maybe just a religious sermon, but I wasn’t taking any chances.
Most of the other contacts, were offers for me to participate in scams, like being an “American face,” of an offshore coding shop.
I suspect many were not exactly illegal, but were probably dodgy as hell. I like to think I have some personal Integrity (which folks around here, consider “quaint,” or just “stupid”).
I was able to scrape some clients and ending up making thousands using a normal first world rate. It is difficult to win bids because people are on there because of price. I left because they started charging for you bidding.
Bid quick, often and always go hourly so you do get paid. Clients expect the world for nothing (typical project is google for $125) so learning how to deliver within the requirements is an artform..always go hourly so you get paid something when these projects don't live up to unreasonable expectations. Be prepared for someone to scam you, try to go off platform, etc. Stay on the site.
I don't how you did it. the jobs requests are so thin that I'm afraid to make a bid - I have no idea what they are really asking for. if you _try_ to actually engage with your potential customer the platform comes swooping down and terminates the discussion because they are so afraid they will lose their cut.
and the guidance on rates is completely out of line. custom usb driver for $80? $12/hr for development work?
You won't understand what you are bidding on until you win the bid. Then you need to figure out how do it once you win. Filter the projects by US/Canada only. Bid on anything that sounds remotely doable. Don't be afraid to backout if the requirements are too wacky.
I was able to charge $35 US. An $80.00 fix rate project should be avoided... the most clueless post will need handholding those are the relationships you need to build. Most of the work is building relationships
For me, I got my clients through my personal blog about programming where some people contacted me and asked to hire me. You can also just start being very active on the relevant communities in your niche and build up a reputation.
All of this takes time, but I believe it to be the most reliable long term strategy to get work from high quality clients on your own terms.