Going with the cheapest freelancer might seem like smart budgeting at first—but in the long run, it can end up costing you more in both time and money. Here’s why, and how to avoid the pitfall.
🔍 1. Quality Often Matches Price
When a freelancer offers rock-bottom rates, they might be cutting corners, rushing work, or underestimating your project’s complexity. As one site puts it, “avoid hiring contractors based on price… the end product is likely to reflect the amount you’ve paid”.
Do instead: Prioritize value over cost. Define what success looks like, and pay for quality that aligns with your goals.
2. Cheap Can Mean Rework and Delays
Low prices often come with long delivery times, missed milestones, or work that requires major revisions. You might spend more time correcting mistakes or even re-hiring altogether.
Do instead: Use trial tasks or milestone-based payments to assess delivery and trust proactively.
3. Communication Breakdowns
Underpriced freelancers often juggle multiple clients or lack professional experience, resulting in poor responsiveness or unclear updates. Planning and alignment suffer.
Do instead: Seek freelancers who communicate clearly up front, are responsive during test tasks, and ask smart clarifying questions.
4. Hidden Scope and Price Changes
Cheap freelancers may promise everything but deliver less—or demand extra money mid-project for hidden scope. You might start paying more than your budget allows.
Do instead: Write clear briefs with defined deliverables, timelines, and pricing. Confirm scope changes with new agreements before proceeding.
5. Undermined Trust in Your Own Hiring Process
Hiring cheap sets a precedent: future candidates expect low budgets, and quality freelancers may avoid you altogether.
Reddit users say:
“Clients get wooed by the dirt cheap rate and off they go … then they’re back a year later with terrible quality work product and want someone with skill…” Reddit
“If you don’t set expectations, you’ll be paying twice”
Do instead: Build credibility as a buyer who appreciates value. A reputation for reasonable rates and clear expectations attracts better freelancers.
6. Value Doesn’t Scale with Time
Cheap freelancers rarely invest in feedback, process improvement, or relationship-building. You might lose out on long-term gains like consistent service or referral opportunities.
Do instead: Engage people you’d want to retain or refer. They’ll deliver better ROI and reliable outcomes.
7. Missed Opportunity for Higher ROI
When you pay just for hours, you may overlook what really matters—outcomes. Cheap freelancers often deliver effort but not impact.
Do instead: Use value‑based pricing, paying for the results or business impact rather than time. This model encourages innovation and high-quality outcomes.
✅ What To Do Instead of Going Cheap
- Define project scope clearly: include timelines, deliverables, exclusions.
- Request work samples or portfolio entries relevant to your needs.
- Start with a paid trial task or milestone to evaluate fit.
- Use milestone-based payment plans to manage risk.
- Keep all communication on eFrelance for records and protection.
- Offer feedback, ask questions, and stay involved until delivery.
You can also check our guide on What to Look for in a Freelance Web Designer’s Portfolio for vetting tips.
Final Thoughts
Saving on price often costs more in frustration, delays, and rework. The key is smart budgeting—not cheap. By investing in clarity, quality, and process, you will save both time and money in the long term.
Begin your hiring journey with confidence on eFrelance and hire freelancers who help your business grow—reliably, efficiently, and profitably.
