10% feels like a lot, but ask yourself what are you getting in return for the 10%?
Escrow System: A third-party holds funds, reducing pressure for clients, especially on fixed-price deals, and boosting job acquisition for new freelancers lacking credibility. This alone can cost more than 10% on smaller deals.
Payment Processing: Upwork covers the ~3% payment processing fee (like Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30), effectively reducing Upwork's "take" to around 7%.
Messaging Platform & Meeting System: Built-in tools for client communication.
Job Pool (Most Important): Access to customers you would never otherwise contact, "ripe for the taking." The 10% fee for this lead generation is a "no-brainer
I’ve written a full post about the underrated features of Upwork that not enough people talk about and you can get it by commenting POST.