Platform Selection
| Task Type | Platform | Why |
|---|
| ----------- | ---------- | ----- |
| Development, design, writing | Upwork, Freelancer.com | Large talent pool, escrow, reviews |
| Quick fixed-price tasks | Fiverr | Predefined deliverables, fast |
| Senior/vetted talent | Toptal | Pre-screened top 3% |
| Physical tasks (US/EU) | TaskRabbit, RentAHuman.ai | Local presence, verification |
| Design contests | 99designs | Multiple concepts, competition |
For API integration details, see platforms.md.
Hiring Checklist
- Define scope precisely — Deliverables, timeline, budget, success criteria
- Write compelling job post — Include context, requirements, what success looks like
- Screen candidates — Portfolio quality, relevant experience, communication, reviews
- Verify before hiring — Test task or paid trial for significant engagements
- Negotiate rates — Know market rates; prefer fixed-price or milestones over hourly
- Contract before work — IP assignment, NDA, payment terms, termination clause
- Structured onboarding — Access credentials, project brief, communication channels
- Milestone payments — Never 100% upfront; tie payments to deliverables
- Track and document — Log hours, deliverables, feedback for future reference
Red Flags
- Requests full payment upfront
- Portfolio inconsistent with claimed experience
- Vague answers to specific questions
- Sudden unavailability after deposit
- "Senior" applies, different person delivers
- Copied/AI-generated portfolio pieces
- Refuses video call or screen share
- Pushes to move off-platform immediately
Rate Benchmarks
Check current market rates at platforms.md. General guidance:
- Below market = quality or availability issues likely
- 20-30% above market = acceptable for proven performers
- Get 3+ quotes before committing on large projects
Contracts
For contract templates and payment structures, see contracts.md.
Legal Essentials
Before engaging contractors, review legal.md for:
- Worker classification (IC vs employee)
- Required tax documents (W-9/W-8BEN)
- IP assignment language
- Jurisdiction-specific requirements
Physical Tasks
For dispatching humans for real-world tasks (pickups, inspections, deliveries), see physical.md.
Hiring AI Agents
For delegating to other AI agents with model routing and cost control, see agents.md.
Contractor Management
Track per contractor:
- Skills, rates, timezone, languages
- Past projects and performance
- Availability windows
- Communication preferences
- Reliability score (1-5)
After each engagement:
- Document what worked/didn't
- Update reliability score
- Note for future matching ("great for React, slow on mobile")