The sheer audacity is astounding

[jonbaas]

I saw this among the Buyer Request ads this evening:

“I WANT A FACEBOOK GROUP OF 10 MILLION MEMBERS ( MOSTLY INDIAN FB MEMBERS).YOU CAN MESSAGE ME WITH YOUR PRICE.”

And the “buyer” wants this provided to him within 24 hours.

Let’s be practical for a moment (since this “buyer” is not). Even if every member of this desired Facebook group was worth $1, the low-end price for this purchase request (if it wasn’t against Facebook’s rules) would be $10,000,000. How foolish and short-sighted does someone have to be to think this is actually a viable purchase?

I’m almost tempted to send him a $10,000,000 seller offer, and explain that that price is the lowest that I can offer my non-existent group for. 😉

[somaginer1996]

Buyers requests are a great place to find people who either 1) want unrealistic quality/amounts, 2) want super high quality for extremely low prices or 3) both of the above.

Might be slightly OT: I recently saw someone in buyers requests who wanted a bulk order of 500-word articles by highly qualified writers (I think it was about 50, can’t remember the exact number), each for around $1. I wouldn’t call my qualifications super impressive, but I can pretty safely say that that kind of price won’t be drawing in the kind of writer they claim to be looking for.

[topaz_muse]

Buyers requests are a great place to find people who either 1) want unrealistic quality/amounts, 2) want super high quality for extremely low prices or 3) both of the above.

Might be slightly OT: I recently saw someone in buyers requests who wanted a bulk order of 500-word articles by highly qualified writers (I think it was about 50, can’t remember the exact number), each for around $1. I wouldn’t call my qualifications super impressive, but I can pretty safely say that that kind of price won’t be drawing in the kind of writer they claim to be looking for.

At least they didn’t require you to be a member of some editorial online magazine site with published articles on said site.

[shashanewallace]

I think he had a st price for the 1 million, not necessarily paying for each. Like asking for a mailing list.

[jonbaas]

I think he had a st price for the 1 million, not necessarily paying for each. Like asking for a mailing list.

think he had a st price for the 1 million, not necessarily paying for each.

His Buyer Request did not have a stated budget.

[shashanewallace]

think he had a st price for the 1 million, not necessarily paying for each.

His Buyer Request did not have a stated budget.

Right but I’ve seen enough of these requests all over. They have a set price for the number of whatever information they request. They rarely ever pay for each.

[jonbaas]

Right but I’ve seen enough of these requests all over. They have a set price for the number of whatever information they request. They rarely ever pay for each.

They rarely ever pay for each.

The also rarely ever pay. Their requests are usually too unrealistic for there to be a good seller match. So, in the end, those “buyers” rarely every get what they ask for. 😉

[misscrystal]

I saw lots of requests for spells for outrageous things for low prices. And they all had about 15 offers.

[jonbaas]

I saw lots of requests for spells for outrageous things for low prices. And they all had about 15 offers.

I saw lots of requests for spells for outrageous things for low prices. And they all had about 15 offers.

I’ve been seeing a major uptick in “I want ALL of this for just $5” Buyer Requests lately. Moreso than usual. It’s great to see Fiverr bringing in interested buyers, but they really need to find a way to shake the “Fiverr is a place to get almost free work” reputation. If this continues to rise – as it is right now – that “cheap place” mentality is going to kill Fiverr’s future as a viable freelance marketplace.

[misscrystal]

I saw lots of requests for spells for outrageous things for low prices. And they all had about 15 offers.

I’ve been seeing a major uptick in “I want ALL of this for just $5” Buyer Requests lately. Moreso than usual. It’s great to see Fiverr bringing in interested buyers, but they really need to find a way to shake the “Fiverr is a place to get almost free work” reputation. If this continues to rise – as it is right now – that “cheap place” mentality is going to kill Fiverr’s future as a viable freelance marketplace.

That’s exactly what the Pro sellers are supposed to do, change the image.

I hope fiverr realizes they have some sellers like me who don’t always only get $5 for everything they sell and put our gigs in more obvious places. I don’t have high starting prices but my average prices are high and that should count for something.

[cyaxrex]

There is currently someone in BR requesting a video for a construction company for $7. This is why I rarely venture over to the mad goings on over there.

[jonbaas]

There is currently someone in BR requesting a video for a construction company for $7. This is why I rarely venture over to the mad goings on over there.

There is currently someone in BR requesting a video for a construction company for $7. This is why I rarely venture over to the mad goings on over there.

Surprisingly, I’ve actually found great success in Buyer Requests. My strategy seems to work well in attracting legitimate buyers looking for a legitimate professional freelancer such as myself. I used to write off the BR section as “mad goings on” as well, but, with a little creativity, it does seem to hold some value.

[cyaxrex]

There is currently someone in BR requesting a video for a construction company for $7. This is why I rarely venture over to the mad goings on over there.

Surprisingly, I’ve actually found great success in Buyer Requests. My strategy seems to work well in attracting legitimate buyers looking for a legitimate professional freelancer such as myself. I used to write off the BR section as “mad goings on” as well, but, with a little creativity, it does seem to hold some value.

No… The deeper I go, the dirtier and more damning it gets.

All that for $10, naturally. This is why I really feel for adult movie stars, they always get the rawest deals when it comes to the commission they take away. Then again, they do all get a free clap.

[misscrystal]

No… The deeper I go, the dirtier and more damning it gets.

All that for $10, naturally. This is why I really feel for adult movie stars, they always get the rawest deals when it comes to the commission they take away. Then again, they do all get a free clap.

That’s amazing. I don’t know who these people are that post these things but they must live under rocks.

[uxreview]

There is currently someone in BR requesting a video for a construction company for $7. This is why I rarely venture over to the mad goings on over there.

Surprisingly, I’ve actually found great success in Buyer Requests. My strategy seems to work well in attracting legitimate buyers looking for a legitimate professional freelancer such as myself. I used to write off the BR section as “mad goings on” as well, but, with a little creativity, it does seem to hold some value.

I used to write off the BR section as “mad goings on” as well, but, with a little creativity, it does seem to hold some value.

If you can filter through the spam then you might actually find pretty good requests.

• It’s very likely that your offer will stand out from all those templates
• There are always users who are new to Fiverr and think that’s the best place to get sellers. They are not yet familiar with all the spammers 🙂
• As a seller you get to pick your projects. No matter what you write in your gig description, there are buyers who purchase your basic gig and expect something that’s not even covered in any of your packages.

I agree, there is some value left in buyer requests.

I’m almost tempted to send him a $10,000,000 seller offer, and explain that that price is the lowest that I can offer my non-existent group for. 😉

I bet this gig received offers because there are sellers out there who are happy to offer 10M members for $5.

Here’s one who might consider selling his useless group 🙂

[jonbaas]

I used to write off the BR section as “mad goings on” as well, but, with a little creativity, it does seem to hold some value.

If you can filter through the spam then you might actually find pretty good requests.

• It’s very likely that your offer will stand out from all those templates
• There are always users who are new to Fiverr and think that’s the best place to get sellers. They are not yet familiar with all the spammers 🙂
• As a seller you get to pick your projects. No matter what you write in your gig description, there are buyers who purchase your basic gig and expect something that’s not even covered in any of your packages.

I agree, there is some value left in buyer requests.

I’m almost tempted to send him a $10,000,000 seller offer, and explain that that price is the lowest that I can offer my non-existent group for. 😉

I bet this gig received offers because there are sellers out there who are happy to offer 10M members for $5.

Here’s one who might consider selling his useless group 🙂

I bet this gig received offers because there are sellers out there who are happy to offer 10M members for $5.

Indeed. There are a lot of new sellers out there for whom a desperate $5 sale is more important then any sort of profit, reputation, or integrity. It is those “I will sell my soul for just one $5 sale” sellers whose desperation gives Fiverr a bad name.

A good businessman does not beg for scraps or bread crumbs. He works hard to earn the entire sandwich.

[misscrystal]

I bet this gig received offers because there are sellers out there who are happy to offer 10M members for $5.

Indeed. There are a lot of new sellers out there for whom a desperate $5 sale is more important then any sort of profit, reputation, or integrity. It is those “I will sell my soul for just one $5 sale” sellers whose desperation gives Fiverr a bad name.

A good businessman does not beg for scraps or bread crumbs. He works hard to earn the entire sandwich.

It is those “I will sell my soul for just one $5 sale” sellers whose desperation gives Fiverr a bad name.

Fiverr is seeking to counteract that image.

If they want to counteract the do anything for $5 image, find those of us who get higher prices consistently and keep our gigs where they can be found.

[zerotech1]

IMHO, some people are like kids, they are not able to estimate realistic value of something and often gets angry when you tell them real price for something.

[eoinfinnegan]

I always go through Buyer Requests daily.
Some of my biggest orders have come from there. The reality as Jon said, is that if you happen to find one decent one it can be totally worthwhile as there are so few quality responses to BRs that when a decent seller makes an offer to a reasonable request then they will get the job.
Interestingly, yesterday I went through BRs and only found one seller ad out of around 30+ requests!

[cyaxrex]

I always go through Buyer Requests daily.

Some of my biggest orders have come from there. The reality as Jon said, is that if you happen to find one decent one it can be totally worthwhile as there are so few quality responses to BRs that when a decent seller makes an offer to a reasonable request then they will get the job.

Interestingly, yesterday I went through BRs and only found one seller ad out of around 30+ requests!

I’m starting to have my interest gauged by the apparent possibilities of buyer requests. Since you and @Jonbass are the best tip write up people we have, maybe you could share some tips on how to submit a killer proposal. I’ve sent 3 today but I’m unsure about whether I’m doing it right. It seems odd actually, sending a custom offer directly to someone. How and when do you know if your offer has been accepted or rejected? Do buyers usually respond to you instantly or do they get back much later?

Sorry to sound like a “how do I mek sell” noob.

[kayanwriting]

As a relatively new seller, I’ve actually had some great success with the BR section. This is probably a product of my extreme pickiness with offers I choose to bid on. I avoid small orders all together, or those who set their budget unrealistically low. I try to target larger projects, and I have received great results.

It’s been a lifesaver for me, as I’m not placed very well in any of categories due to only having half a dozen reviews.

[ghemachandar1]

I stopped going to Buyers Request section altogether. It makes me feel I’m overcharging my existing clients - in reality, I’m not! 😕

[eoinfinnegan]

I’m starting to have my interest gauged by the apparent possibilities of buyer requests. Since you and @Jonbass are the best tip write up people we have, maybe you could share some tips on how to submit a killer proposal. I’ve sent 3 today but I’m unsure about whether I’m doing it right. It seems odd actually, sending a custom offer directly to someone. How and when do you know if your offer has been accepted or rejected? Do buyers usually respond to you instantly or do they get back much later?

Sorry to sound like a “how do I mek sell” noob.

maybe you could share some tips on how to submit a killer proposal

I will do at some point soon but for now it might help to look at this post and see just how poor the responses to BR really are! Worth noting that this post is based on a request with a $500 budget too, not an “I want the world for $5” type thing.

Fiverr Forum

My Experience as a Buyer with Buyer Requests - Useful for Sellers

Almost a year ago I wrote a post about how bad the responses I got to a Buyer Request I posted were. I decided not to use it again as it was simply a waste of time. However, as I was unable to find someone specifically offering what I was looking...

As a quick guide, I generally include 1-2 lines about me and what I do. Next I directly address the request. If there is not enough info then I say that and immediately ask for more info and say that the offered price does not apply but that I had to fill in a number. I invite them to discuss it further, ask specifics about what details I need etc.

The thing is, if you can show the following, you should at least get a message back or serious consideration:

• Professionalism - if you are full-time as a freelancer, say so.
• Read the request - mention what they have requested but in your own words
• Interested and genuine - ask relevant and necessary questions and/or mention the time-frame required
• Guide price - I often say things like “on average my clients pay $xx for this type of service”. This ensures you don’t get unrealistic responses or waste anyone’s time if you are out of their range. It also reinforces that you have done this type of thing before.
• Depending on the project, sometimes I can include a “taster” such as saying - “I see your site speed is slow and that is something that could be an issue to work on as Google values loading speeds of less than 5 seconds highly” for SEO requests. For you it could be a portfolio, article or clip that you link to.

I have had buyers come back 3 months after a request was posted and place an order. My approach with BRs is to focus on them intensely while responding and then forget about them until they contact me. I view the time I spend on them as advertising time. 20-30 mins/day is nothing - I spend (a lot) more time chatting on the forum.

PS. I even spend this 20-30 mins/day on BRs when I am extremely busy. I have rarely had an order from BRs immediately or even a day after responding.

[deluxewriting]

I’m starting to have my interest gauged by the apparent possibilities of buyer requests. Since you and @Jonbass are the best tip write up people we have, maybe you could share some tips on how to submit a killer proposal. I’ve sent 3 today but I’m unsure about whether I’m doing it right. It seems odd actually, sending a custom offer directly to someone. How and when do you know if your offer has been accepted or rejected? Do buyers usually respond to you instantly or do they get back much later?

Sorry to sound like a “how do I mek sell” noob.

Sometimes, it takes up to a month for them (BR buyers) to get back to you. But, considering the order revenue and the type of considerate buyers, it’s worth the wait.

[jonbaas]

maybe you could share some tips on how to submit a killer proposal

I will do at some point soon but for now it might help to look at this post and see just how poor the responses to BR really are! Worth noting that this post is based on a request with a $500 budget too, not an “I want the world for $5” type thing.

Fiverr Forum

My Experience as a Buyer with Buyer Requests - Useful for Sellers

Almost a year ago I wrote a post about how bad the responses I got to a Buyer Request I posted were. I decided not to use it again as it was simply a waste of time. However, as I was unable to find someone specifically offering what I was looking...

As a quick guide, I generally include 1-2 lines about me and what I do. Next I directly address the request. If there is not enough info then I say that and immediately ask for more info and say that the offered price does not apply but that I had to fill in a number. I invite them to discuss it further, ask specifics about what details I need etc.

The thing is, if you can show the following, you should at least get a message back or serious consideration:

• Professionalism - if you are full-time as a freelancer, say so.
• Read the request - mention what they have requested but in your own words
• Interested and genuine - ask relevant and necessary questions and/or mention the time-frame required
• Guide price - I often say things like “on average my clients pay $xx for this type of service”. This ensures you don’t get unrealistic responses or waste anyone’s time if you are out of their range. It also reinforces that you have done this type of thing before.
• Depending on the project, sometimes I can include a “taster” such as saying - “I see your site speed is slow and that is something that could be an issue to work on as Google values loading speeds of less than 5 seconds highly” for SEO requests. For you it could be a portfolio, article or clip that you link to.

I have had buyers come back 3 months after a request was posted and place an order. My approach with BRs is to focus on them intensely while responding and then forget about them until they contact me. I view the time I spend on them as advertising time. 20-30 mins/day is nothing - I spend (a lot) more time chatting on the forum.

PS. I even spend this 20-30 mins/day on BRs when I am extremely busy. I have rarely had an order from BRs immediately or even a day after responding.

PS. I even spend this 20-30 mins/day on BRs when I am extremely busy. I have rarely had an order from BRs immediately or even a day after responding.

I’ve seen this too. BRs is, most definitely, not a place to obtain an immediate order, but it does open doors with a potential client, and, once a door is opened, and you have a line of communication going, you’re a lot closer to making a sale.