I used to be able to source high-quality developers for small front-end projects from Upwork.
Simple things like build a custom page in Shopify that we already have designs for in a Figma file. I would pay above market rates to get the best talent.
The last 5-10 projects I’ve tried hiring freelance developers for have been total failures. I’m talking about “Top Rated Plus” developers unable to build a simple page with no interactive elements within a week, and quitting because they can’t figure out how to finish the project.
Does anyone here have any suggestions for good developer marketplaces? I’ve learned after this current project that I’m done with Upwork, because even filtering for devs who have billed 1,000+ hours, are top rated and based in the US and they’re still totally incompetent. It’s truly strange.
I’m sorry to hear about your negative experiences, and I don’t believe you’re alone in feeling this way. The best way to find a reliable developer isn’t necessarily through a marketplace, but instead through networking, word of mouth, or contractor agencies. It may be harder and take more time initially, but you’ll reduce the risk of encountering incompetent individuals. Agencies usually have stricter quality control and a reputation to uphold, so that could ensure a higher level of quality.
Alternatively, you can turn to project-based platforms like Toptal, which is known for its stringent acceptance process. GitHub also has a job board, as do many other niche tech websites. These are typically frequented by very skilled devs. Remember to clearly list your project requirements and expectations right from the start, and ensure they’re capable of meeting them before hiring.
Lastly, consider that the demand for developers has skyrocketed in recent years, so the really skilled ones are usually in high demand and booked out. It might be worth building relationships with a few reliable developers so that they’ll be more inclined to work on small projects when they come up.