GetTrusted.io Review
GetTrusted.io is a Vienna, Austria-based platform designed to connect clients with IT and marketing projects to pre-vetted freelancers and companies. Launched to streamline the outsourcing process, it differentiates itself from competitors like Upwork by emphasizing a curated talent pool, escrow-based payment security, and a transparent fee structure. The platform operates under the legal entity GetTrusted Escrow GmbH, registered in Austria, which underscores its commitment to secure and legally compliant transactions.
The core mission of GetTrusted.io is to simplify IT service delivery by ensuring project deadlines and budgets are met through rigorous quality checks and a community of top-tier professionals. It caters to a wide range of industries, including software development, web design, digital marketing, and game development, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features of GetTrusted.io
1. Vetted Talent Pool
One of GetTrusted.io’s standout features is its pre-vetted talent pool. After an initial consultation with a project manager, clients are matched with experts tailored to their project needs within 24-48 hours. This eliminates the time-consuming process of reviewing proposals or negotiating with individual providers, as GetTrusted handles the curation and management of talent. The platform claims that only professionals with proven expertise and positive reviews are included, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
2. Escrow-Based Payment System
Security is a cornerstone of GetTrusted.io’s offering. All client funds are deposited into escrow accounts in Austria and the United States, held securely until project milestones are met. This system protects both clients and service providers, ensuring payments are released only when deliverables meet agreed-upon standards. The escrow service is officially registered in Austria, adding a layer of legal accountability.
3. Transparent Fee Structure
Unlike some platforms that charge high fees or require paid subscriptions, GetTrusted.io adopts a straightforward fee model. Clients pay no fees, while service providers are charged 10% for the first six months of working with a client, 5% for the next six months, and 0% after one year. This incentivizes long-term collaborations and reduces costs for providers over time. Additionally, GetTrusted.io does not allow paid bidding or advertising, ensuring that rankings are based solely on professionalism and reviews.
4. Project Management and Quality Assurance
GetTrusted.io assigns project managers to oversee projects, ensuring smooth communication and timely delivery. The platform also conducts quality checks and due diligence to maintain high standards. This managed service approach sets it apart from platforms where clients must directly oversee freelancers, reducing the administrative burden on businesses.
5. Wide Range of Services
The platform supports a diverse array of services, from AI chatbot development and web design to game development and digital marketing. Specific examples include partnerships with companies like Newage.io (Salesforce consulting) and ITCode Infotech (mobile and web development), showcasing its ability to cater to niche and complex projects.
6. Global Reach with Localized Expertise
GetTrusted.io operates globally, with service providers in cities like Berlin, Vancouver, Kyiv, and Dubai. Teams are matched based on time zones, languages, and industry expertise, ensuring seamless collaboration. For instance, clients seeking game development in the UAE or web design in Zaragoza can find specialized providers.
User Experience and Interface
GetTrusted.io boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of requesting quotes and managing projects. Clients can submit a project brief through a quote form, after which the platform’s team reviews requirements and matches them with suitable providers. The process is designed to be quick, with responses promised in a short timeframe. Once a project begins, clients access a personal account to track progress and communicate with their assigned team.
For service providers, the platform offers tools to build talent profiles, showcase completed projects, and undergo verification processes like KYC (Know Your Customer). The emphasis on transparency and communication ensures that both parties have clear expectations.
Benefits of Using GetTrusted.io
For Clients
- Time Efficiency: The pre-vetted talent pool and project management services save clients from the hassle of sourcing and managing freelancers independently.
- Cost-Effective: With no client fees and a secure escrow system, businesses can trust that their funds are protected without hidden costs.
- Quality Assurance: Rigorous vetting and quality checks reduce the risk of subpar deliverables, making it ideal for critical projects.
- Global Talent Access: Clients can tap into specialized expertise from around the world, tailored to their industry and region.
For Service Providers
- Fair Compensation: The sliding fee structure (10% to 0%) rewards long-term client relationships, allowing providers to retain more earnings over time.
- Visibility: Rankings based on reviews and professionalism, rather than paid promotions, create a level playing field.
- Support: Access to project managers and a structured platform streamlines workflows and enhances credibility.
Drawbacks and Criticisms
While GetTrusted.io has many strengths, it’s not without potential drawbacks:
- Limited Public Reviews: As a relatively new platform, GetTrusted.io has fewer user reviews compared to established competitors like Upwork or Fiverr. This makes it harder to gauge long-term reliability based on widespread feedback. The BeerMoneyForum discussion, for instance, provides a brief overview but lacks detailed user testimonials.
- Niche Focus: The platform’s emphasis on IT and marketing may limit its appeal for clients seeking services in other fields, such as creative writing or graphic design.
- Fee Structure for Providers: While the fee model is transparent, the initial 10% charge may deter some freelancers, especially those accustomed to platforms with lower or no fees.
- Regional Limitations: Although global, the platform’s operations are heavily tied to Austrian regulations, which may pose challenges for clients or providers in regions with different legal frameworks.
Comparison with Competitors
GetTrusted.io positions itself as a top alternative to Upwork, citing its lack of paid bidding and subscription models. Here’s how it stacks up against other platforms:
- Upwork: Upwork offers a broader range of services but charges freelancers higher fees (up to 20%) and allows paid bidding, which can disadvantage new providers. GetTrusted.io’s curated approach and escrow system provide a more controlled experience, though Upwork’s larger talent pool may appeal to some clients.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is known for low-cost, quick-turnaround projects but lacks the vetting and project management GetTrusted.io offers. It’s better suited for one-off tasks rather than complex IT projects.
- Toptal: Toptal also focuses on vetted talent but targets elite freelancers, often at a higher cost. GetTrusted.io’s fee-free model for clients and broader service range make it more accessible for small to medium-sized businesses.
User Feedback and Reputation
User feedback on GetTrusted.io is sparse but generally positive. On BeerMoneyForum, the platform is described as a reliable place to find IT outsourcing companies, with a focus on linking clients with trusted developers. However, the discussion lacks depth, suggesting that the platform is still building its community.
The platform’s blog and partner pages (e.g., Newage.io, ITCode Infotech) highlight successful projects and client satisfaction, but these are curated by GetTrusted.io itself, raising questions about objectivity. Independent reviews are limited, and the platform’s 4.8-star rating on its own site cannot be fully verified without broader third-party validation.
Security and Trustworthiness
GetTrusted.io places a strong emphasis on trust, backed by its escrow service and Austrian registration. The platform’s partnership with a leading insurance provider (as mentioned on its site) further enhances its credibility, offering protection against project risks. The absence of paid rankings ensures that clients are matched with providers based on merit, reducing the risk of biased recommendations.
However, potential users should exercise due diligence. While the escrow system is a strong safeguard, clients should verify contract terms and ensure that project milestones are clearly defined to avoid disputes. Freelancers, meanwhile, should review the fee structure to ensure it aligns with their financial goals.
Pricing and Value for Money
GetTrusted.io’s pricing model is a key selling point. Clients face no upfront costs, and the escrow system ensures funds are only released upon satisfaction. For service providers, the tiered fee structure (10% to 0%) is competitive, especially for long-term projects. Compared to Upwork’s 20% fee or Toptal’s premium rates, GetTrusted.io offers good value, particularly for businesses seeking managed IT services.
Who Should Use GetTrusted.io?
GetTrusted.io is best suited for:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Companies needing reliable IT or marketing services without the resources to manage freelancers directly.
- Enterprises: Organizations seeking vetted teams for complex projects like AI development or game design.
- Freelancers and Agencies: Professionals with strong portfolios who value transparent rankings and long-term client relationships.
It may be less ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Clients: Those seeking the lowest-cost providers may find better options on platforms like Fiverr.
- Non-IT Projects: Businesses needing services outside IT or marketing may find the platform’s offerings too specialized.
Future Outlook for GetTrusted.io
As GetTrusted.io continues to grow, its success will likely depend on expanding its talent pool, increasing user reviews, and maintaining its commitment to transparency. The platform’s focus on quality over quantity positions it well in a crowded market, but it must compete with established giants like Upwork and Toptal. Future enhancements, such as integrations with popular project management tools or broader service categories, could further elevate its appeal.
Conclusion
GetTrusted.io is a promising platform for businesses and freelancers seeking a secure, efficient, and quality-driven IT outsourcing experience. Its vetted talent pool, escrow-based payments, and transparent fee structure make it a compelling alternative to traditional freelance marketplaces. While it faces challenges like limited public reviews and a niche focus, its commitment to trust and professionalism sets a strong foundation for growth.
For businesses looking to streamline their outsourcing process or freelancers seeking fair opportunities, GetTrusted.io is worth exploring. However, potential users should weigh its benefits against their specific needs and conduct thorough research to ensure alignment with their goals. As the platform matures, it has the potential to become a leading name in IT outsourcing, provided it continues to prioritize user satisfaction and innovation.