Never bite at the first bid. You should allow at least 24 hours to pass before awarding a bid. Before awarding a bid you should communicate with the potential winning bidder. You should make sure you and the bidder have a clear understanding of the project this can be done through the project message board (PMB).

Make Payment Terms Clear. You should make your payment terms clear to the potential winning bidder. I suggest only doing Escrow Payments. Escrow Payments are payments made via eSitebid.com, but the payment is put on hold in what is a called an escrow account. Once the payment is in escrow the Service User only has the ability to transfer money to the Service Provider and the Service Provider only has the ability to cancel the payment. This gives both parties 50% control over the payment process without cheating one another. As a Service User you should only release payment to the Service Provider when the project is completed in full. Never pay up front for any level of service. If a Service Provider cannot provide you services without wanting money upfront then most likely they are not serious about doing business. Any true company, business, or Service Provider knows that to be a Service Provider you must take chances. The way I see it any true Service provider who can stand behind their work can afford to take chances because it is a bigger loss for the Service User to lose a great Service Provider. Escrow payments are the best option.

Know When and How to Renegotiate. Things are not always going to be cookie-cutter perfect, many times you will need to budge on your terms to meet the Service Provider terms. Legitimate Service Providers are commonly concerned with illegitimate Service Users who will leave them holding the bill. Therefore, Service Providers sometimes have terms of their own, such terms sometimes include an upfront portion of money, just to be certain the Service User is serious about retaining their services. In cases such as this, in rare occasions when it is absolutely necessary you retain the Service Provider services and transferring money upfront is an absolute requirement, then I suggest not transferring any money until the Service Provider satisfy you with referrals who can verify their work and make sure you check their reviews/ratings on eSitebid.com, if applicable. Whenever you renegotiate your terms make sure you get it in writing (email) and the terms benefits you as well as the Service Provider.

Be Professional and Courteous. You should reply and respond to every bid. A simple “thank you” would suffice. This lets providers know you are serious about retaining service and that you have noticed their gesture. In communications always end with a warm departure.

Pay Service Providers timely when project is completed. Being honest and trustworthy will get you far. You should always pay Service Providers the agreed upon amount if they complete the project in full.

Always leave feedback for Service Providers who have completed projects for you. Give your honest opinion and make recommendations for other members who plan to use the Service Provider's services.

Check out our "Tips for using eSitebid" found in the "News" section of the "Main Menu"

The steps above will surely make your experience with finding talented professionals a much more rewarding experience. In time you will have a keen sense of who can be trusted. Also, you will have a new network of contacts that provide you great services at low prices.