{ "batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_apply_process", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Access.signup", "summary": "To apply to join Toptal, freelancers must submit their full name, email address, and create a password meeting specific requirements.", "body": "To apply to join Toptal, freelancers must submit their full name, email address, and create a password meeting specific requirements.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“Full name\nE-mail\nPassword\nPlease make sure that your password contains:\n- At least 8 characters\n- Minimum 1 uppercase\n- Minimum 1 lowercase\n- Minimum 1 number\n- Minimum 1 special character\nConfirm password”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/talent/apply", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "Full name\nE-mail\nPassword\nPlease make sure that your password contains:\n- At least 8 characters\n- Minimum 1 uppercase\n- Minimum 1 lowercase\n- Minimum 1 number\n- Minimum 1 special character\nConfirm password", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_screening_rate", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Access.signup", "summary": "Toptal accepts fewer than 3% of applicants who apply to join their network each year.", "body": "Toptal accepts fewer than 3% of applicants who apply to join their network each year.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“We screen for communication skills, personality, domain-specific knowledge, and a high level of professionalism. Approximately 3% of applicants pass the screening process.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/faq", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "We screen for communication skills, personality, domain-specific knowledge, and a high level of professionalism. Approximately 3% of applicants pass the screening process.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_matching_time", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Access.signup", "summary": "Toptal introduces clients to suitable talent within an average of under 24 hours after application review.", "body": "Toptal introduces clients to suitable talent within an average of under 24 hours after application review.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“In a typical Toptal engagement, in almost all cases we'll introduce you to candidates within 24 hours, and 90% of our clients hire the first candidate we introduce.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/faq", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "In a typical Toptal engagement, in almost all cases we'll introduce you to candidates within 24 hours, and 90% of our clients hire the first candidate we introduce.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_trial_period", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Running", "summary": "Toptal engagements begin with a no-risk trial period of up to two weeks where clients only pay if satisfied with the results.", "body": "Toptal engagements begin with a no-risk trial period of up to two weeks where clients only pay if satisfied with the results.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“We make sure to start each engagement with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to help ensure the engagement will be successful. If you're completely satisfied with the results, we'll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you'd like. If you're not completely satisfied, you won't be billed.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/faq", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "We make sure to start each engagement with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to help ensure the engagement will be successful. If you're completely satisfied with the results, we'll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you'd like. If you're not completely satisfied, you won't be billed.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Running", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "money.payout", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_payment_methods", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Money.payout", "summary": "Toptal accepts all major credit cards, ACH, bank wires, and PayPal for client payments.", "body": "Toptal accepts all major credit cards, ACH, bank wires, and PayPal for client payments.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“We currently accept all major credit cards, ACH, bank wires, and PayPal.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/faq", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "We currently accept all major credit cards, ACH, bank wires, and PayPal.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_toptal_payment_schedule", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Toptal: Money.payout", "summary": "Toptal typically invoices clients twice a month with Net 10 payment terms.", "body": "Toptal typically invoices clients twice a month with Net 10 payment terms.\n\nWhat Toptal actually says:\n\n“We typically invoice our clients twice a month, though there is some flexibility here. Invoices are generated with Net 10 terms, so our clients have an opportunity to review the charges prior to processing.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.toptal.com/faq", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Toptal", "evidence_quote": "We typically invoice our clients twice a month, though there is some flexibility here. Invoices are generated with Net 10 terms, so our clients have an opportunity to review the charges prior to processing.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Toptal", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "toptal", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_gunio_profile_process", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Gun.io: Access.signup", "summary": "To get started on Gun.io, freelancers must first create a profile detailing their work history, preferred languages, and more to be considered for positions.", "body": "To get started on Gun.io, freelancers must first create a profile detailing their work history, preferred languages, and more to be considered for positions.\n\nWhat Gun.io actually says:\n\n“You'll start off by setting up a profile with Gun.io, where you'll detail your work history, preferred languages, and more. We believe your past work speaks more about your experience than a slew of code tests ever could. Once your profile is 100% complete, you will be considered for positions.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gun.io/find-work/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gun.io", "evidence_quote": "You'll start off by setting up a profile with Gun.io, where you'll detail your work history, preferred languages, and more. We believe your past work speaks more about your experience than a slew of code tests ever could. Once your profile is 100% complete, you will be considered for positions.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Gun.io", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "gunio", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_gunio_vetting_process", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Gun.io: Access.signup", "summary": "Gun.io vetting involves senior-level developers reviewing profiles to determine eligibility for new roles on the platform.", "body": "Gun.io vetting involves senior-level developers reviewing profiles to determine eligibility for new roles on the platform.\n\nWhat Gun.io actually says:\n\n“Get matched with vetted roles\nOur team of senior-level developers will review your profile to determine eligibility for new roles on the platform. If you are a top match for a job, someone from the Gun.io team will connect with you to go over the next steps. Easy!”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gun.io/find-work/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gun.io", "evidence_quote": "Get matched with vetted roles\nOur team of senior-level developers will review your profile to determine eligibility for new roles on the platform. If you are a top match for a job, someone from the Gun.io team will connect with you to go over the next steps. Easy!", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Gun.io", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "gunio", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_gunio_payment_guarantee", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Gun.io: Money.payout", "summary": "Gun.io guarantees freelancers receive 100% of their set rate, with fees charged to clients rather than deducted from freelancer earnings.", "body": "Gun.io guarantees freelancers receive 100% of their set rate, with fees charged to clients rather than deducted from freelancer earnings.\n\nWhat Gun.io actually says:\n\n“Keep 100% of the rate you set\nYou deserve to get paid exactly what you're asking for, which is why we guarantee the rate you charge is what you get paid. Fees are charged to clients to work with us, and they expect to pay market rates, not bottom of the barrel ones.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gun.io/find-work/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gun.io", "evidence_quote": "Keep 100% of the rate you set\nYou deserve to get paid exactly what you're asking for, which is why we guarantee the rate you charge is what you get paid. Fees are charged to clients to work with us, and they expect to pay market rates, not bottom of the barrel ones.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Gun.io", "topic": "Money.payout", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "gunio", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_gunio_support_engagement", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Gun.io: Running", "summary": "Gun.io provides ongoing support throughout engagements including billing clients, guaranteeing payments, and assisting freelancers for the duration of each contract.", "body": "Gun.io provides ongoing support throughout engagements including billing clients, guaranteeing payments, and assisting freelancers for the duration of each contract.\n\nWhat Gun.io actually says:\n\n“Gun.io provides post-hire support\nWe bill clients, guarantee your payments, and support you throughout the engagement. Every new contract increases your earning potential and decreases the stress of freelancing, which is a trend we love to see.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gun.io/find-work/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gun.io", "evidence_quote": "Gun.io provides post-hire support\nWe bill clients, guarantee your payments, and support you throughout the engagement. Every new contract increases your earning potential and decreases the stress of freelancing, which is a trend we love to see.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Gun.io", "topic": "Running", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "gunio", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_freelancer_fee_structure", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Freelancer.com: Money.fees", "summary": "Freelancer.com charges employers a fee of 3% of the project value or $3 USD (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects when awarding work to freelancers.", "body": "Freelancer.com charges employers a fee of 3% of the project value or $3 USD (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects when awarding work to freelancers.\n\nWhat Freelancer.com actually says:\n\n“For fixed-price projects, the employer fee is 3% of the total project cost or $3 USD, whichever is greater.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/support/freelancer", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Freelancer.com", "evidence_quote": "For fixed-price projects, the employer fee is 3% of the total project cost or $3 USD, whichever is greater.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Freelancer.com", "topic": "Money.fees", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "freelancercom", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1004_freelance_programming_how_to_start_freelancer_bid_speed", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Freelancer.com: Access.signup", "summary": "On Freelancer.com, 80% of projects receive their first bid within 60 seconds of being posted.", "body": "On Freelancer.com, 80% of projects receive their first bid within 60 seconds of being posted.\n\nWhat Freelancer.com actually says:\n\n“How quickly can I find a freelancer on Freelancer?\nVery quickly. According to Freelancer, 80% of projects receive their first bid within 60 seconds of being posted.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/support/freelancer", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Freelancer.com", "evidence_quote": "How quickly can I find a freelancer on Freelancer?\nVery quickly. According to Freelancer, 80% of projects receive their first bid within 60 seconds of being posted.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "1004-freelance-programming-how-to-start", "subject": "Freelancer.com", "topic": "Access.signup", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us", "eu", "ca", "au" ], "platform": "freelancercom", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }