NEW DELHI: A series of bad experiences with freelancers and consultants through online outsourcing services prompted Elisabeth Felicitas to create a better system.

Many buyers are aware of the benefits of outsourcing many of their projects to providers in India, but matching quality providers who are also honest can be a challenge.

Just over a year ago Felicitas discovered that the freelancer she paid through an online outsourcing service took the money and did not provide the agreed services. Her project was placed in jeopardy, and time and money were wasted.

"This was not the only problem. I paid and paid, but I was always cheated. There are a number of freelance Web sites, and they all have the same problem. They do nothing to assist buyers with a dispute. They take the side of the provider every time," Felicitas said of the frustrations she experienced.

She then created the Outsoucing Academy and the online service, Worldlancer.

"We not only care what you do, but also how you do it. That is our priority task at the Outsourcing Academy," said Felicitas.

Worldlancer provides the mechanism for both buyers and providers to find each other, and helps with the due diligence process so that all parties can make an informed decision. Providers begin at a "junior" rating and as they satisfactorily complete tasks improve to "senior" and then "professional." Buyers can provide comments about each provider to help future buyers know what to expect.

Worldlancer insures that all parties are satisfied before payment for services is made by using an escrow service. Other online services do not help buyers recover funds if the agreed service is not delivered.

It is not uncommon for a buyer to ask for additional services that were not part of the original agreement. Unlike other online services, Worldlancer enables the buyer and provider to agree before the project begins on the process and fee for additional work that may be needed. In addition a 90-day guarantee is available.

"Our service is easy to use. Just decide if you will accept local or international providers and post your project description free of charge. Buyers will place bids, and you will decide the bid you like best. You then pay the agreed project amount to the escrow service and the provider will start the work. When the work is finished you can notify us that you approve the payment. You can then provide a rating from one to five along with your written comments about the provider," explained Felicitas.

"We are a perfectionist German company, and users can see German perfectionism on every point of Outsourcing Academy," she added. "Our support department provides personal help and attention in a concise and clear way, not like a puzzle that is hard to understand."

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