RapidLance Help: Buying on RapidLance

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Getting Started

Buying on RapidLance
- Introduction
- Buyer Profile
- Posting your Project
- Invite Only Projects
- Buy Now

- Business Terms
- Paying for Services
- Feedback
- Select Project FAQ
- RapidLance Project Services: IT
- RapidLance Project Services: Creative

Selling on RapidLance

My RapidLance

RapidLance Billing and Payment

Multicurrency

RapidLance Transaction Fee

RapidLance Dispute Resolution

RapidLance Rules and Policies

BUYING ON RapidLance

How can I buy the services I need through RapidLance?
You can buy services on RapidLance in a number of ways:

1. Browse 'Buy Now' services from our Select providers and order them instantly;

2. Browse our providers' Portfolios to invite them to quote you for a similar item;

3. Browse our providers' Profiles to then invite them to provide you a quote for your specific service needs;

4. Post a project and get bids from service providers. You are NOT charged to post a 'Basic' level project on RapidLance. There is a posting deposit for posting a 'Select' level project, which credits to the total you will be paying your service provider; or

5. Engage an RapidLance Project Services manager as a consultant for large projects.

From the RapidLance Online main page, you can click on the 'Search' tool tab in the upper right corner. You will then have tabs you can click to: Shop Buy Now, Browse Portfolios, Find Providers, and Browse Projects.

1. Buy Now - allows you to purchase standard services directly from the service provider's Profile page, where item descriptions include price, product descriptions and delivery time. From the 'Search' tool, type in a keyword of what you are looking for to see a list of Buy Nows. Typical Buy Now services include logos, translation and java applets. Buy Now is different from marketplace projects on RapidLance, where buyers post projects and service providers bid to do the work.

2. Browse Portfolios - allows you to see examples of work created by service providers. Use the 'Refine your search' box to type in key words of what you are looking to purchase. You can also sort by Categories and Subcategories in the left column. Click on the thumbnail image to see a pop-up with a larger, more accurate view of that portfolio item. If you would like a quote from the service provider, click on the 'Post Project' button in the pop-up, or the 'Invite to bid' link on the Browse Portfolios page.

3. Find Providers - allows you to view the service providers' profiles on RapidLance. Use the 'Refine your search' box to type in key words of what you are looking to purchase. You can sort by Categories and Subcategories in the left column, as well as sort by feedback ratings using the 'Show results by' pull down menus. Click on a provider's username link to see that provider's detailed profile. If you would like a quote from that provider, click on the 'Post Project' button and give a detailed description of your project needs to that provider.

4. When you post a project, you describe the services you need and service providers bid to do the work. Click on the 'Post a Project' link.

Note: direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID, company url, may not be posted in a Project Description.

Unlike a traditional auction, it is the buyer who posts their service needs as a project in the RapidLance Online Marketplace. You then choose the bid you want, and the project begins. The RapidLance system does not award bids to you. You can manage your entire project over RapidLance. Check bids received, choose the winning bidder, communicate with the provider and send final payment — all from the My RapidLance Buying Activity page.

5. RapidLance Project Services: IT and RapidLance Project Services: Creative - RapidLance Project Services operates as a project consulting and referral service.

Step-by-Step Instructions can be found by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of the "My RapidLance" pages. Then click on the "Buyer Guided Tour" link.

Buyer Profile	Back to Index

As a Buyer, you are encouraged to complete a profile. Buyers can give service providers background information on themselves or their company, and to facilitate more accurate bids. You can set up a buyer profile from the My RapidLance Menu page; click the Edit Buyer Profile link. Note: direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID, company url, may not be posted on a Profile.

How to Post Your Project	Back to Index

Step-by-Step Instructions can be found by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of the "My RapidLance" pages. Then click on the "Buyer Guided Tour" link.

Post your project and RapidLance service providers will bid to do the work. They submit proposals including as accurate a bid price as possible based on your description, and background information of their work experience and qualifications. There are bid minimums for each category (see below). You then choose the winning bid and begin your project. Note: As a project is posted on RapidLance, if a buyer and service provider agree to work together, the buyer must award the project through RapidLance using the "Choose Bid" button, and the service provider must accept using the "accept award" link.

The following gives an overview on how to post and complete your project. When you are ready to post, click on the Buy Services link in the navigation bar on any RapidLance page.

1. Post Your Project and Get Bids
Click on the Buy Services link at the top of any RapidLance page, then click the Post Your project button. You then choose an appropriate category and marketplace. Posting your project in Select will bring you bids exclusively from Select service providers who have met and agreed to the RapidLance Select Professional Standards. Select level projects have a $25 posting deposit, which is credited towards the awarded bid price. Select projects are subject to bid minimums. Posting in Basic will bring your project bids from the entire range of RapidLance service providers. For either marketplace, you should describe your project in detail - what you need completed, approximate budget and the target delivery date. You can then set the time frame for bidding. After your project is posted, you can monitor the bids, add details or select a winner from the Buying Activity page. Note: direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID, company url, may not be posted on a Project Description.

Note: The project will expire 150 days after the project's bidding start date. If it is expired, you will not be able to use the private message board with bidders on that project, or award to a bidder on that project. Please review your bids prior to 150 days and award the project.

Save a draft of your Project before Posting
If you would like an opportunity to review your project posting before it is listed in the marketplace, click the "Save and Post Later" button at the bottom of the Preview page of your project description.

When you are ready to review/edit/post your project:

Click on the Main Menu option from the left menu bar

Click on View Project Drafts link

Click on the project name which takes you to the "Describe your project" page, where you can edit any text

Click on the Continue button at the bottom of the page to preview your project

Click on the Save & Post Later button to save your project changes

Tips for Posting

Make your project description as detailed as possible. Without sufficient details, service providers will be unable to bid effectively. If you are unsure about your project requirements, you can contact RapidLance or discuss the project with bidders via the public message board for your project.
Allow sufficient time after bidding has ended for the project to be completed.
Specify a realistic budget to attract accurate and quality bids. Leave it blank if you are unsure how much your project should cost.
Monitor the bids frequently and use the private message boards next to each bid to ask the service provider questions.
Step-by-Step Instructions can be found by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of the "My RapidLance" pages. Then click on the "Buyer Guided Tour" link.

How do I change my project description?
Once your project is posted, you can address bidder questions or clarify your project by adding to the project description. To do this, go to My RapidLance Buying Activity and click on the project name. Then click the Add to Project button beneath the bids. Once you add to the description, the bidders will be notified so that they can adjust their bids if necessary. Note: You will not be able to edit the description, but you can make amended statements using additional comments.

Making major changes to the project requirements can make the existing bids invalid. In this case, you may prefer posting a new project and inviting the existing bidders to the new project.

Note: You cannot change a project title; change from Select to Basic; change from limited/sealed to public and vice versa; change from Invite Only to public and vice versa. You would need to cancel the project and post again.

How do I extend my project's bidding period?
Once your project is posted, you can extend the bidding period. You can ONLY do so if the bidding period has not yet ended. To do this, go to My RapidLance Buying Activity and click on the project name. Then click the 'Extend Bidding' button beneath the bids.

How do I cancel my project and end bidding?
Once your project is posted, you can cancel your project if it has not been awarded yet. To do this, go to My RapidLance Buying Activity and click on the project name. If the bidding time period has not yet ended, scroll to the bottom of the bids and click on the 'End Bidding' button. Then, click on the 'Cancel Project' button.

How do I view the bids?
To see the bids on your project, click on the project name or the number of bids in My RapidLance Buying Activity. Alternatively, you can browse or search for your project in the marketplace and then click on the project name.

How do I communicate with bidders?
To communicate privately with a bidder, you can open a private message board. Simply click the contact bidder icon next to a bid and post your private message to that bidder. RapidLance members commonly refer to the private message boards as "pmb." You will be notified via email when the bidder responds. Bidders cannot contact you directly — you decide whom to contact. Communicating via the private message boards on RapidLance allows you to keep a written record of all negotiations and discussions. Please keep in mind that if you negotiate a new price, the bidders must submit a new bid for the project.

When you receive the notification via email that a message has been sent to you, there are two ways to reply:

Replying to the email and including a message with your reply. The message will be recorded on your Private Message Board and a notification will be sent to the other person in the project. IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT alter the subject line of this email. If it is altered the message will not be recorded in our system.

Logging in to your My RapidLance account and clicking the New Message icon next to your project, or clicking the Project name and scrolling to the message icon next to the service provider's bid for projects not yet awarded.

If you haven't found the right service provider at the end of the bidding period, you can repost your project or extend the bidding. Feel free to check out the RapidLance Resources section for tips and advice on posting a successful project.

2. Choose a Winning Bid
To ensure that bids are still valid and service providers will still be available, you should choose a winning bid promptly. You can pick a winning bid for your project at any time from Buying Activity, even before the bidding ends. You will have 21 days after the bidding ends to choose a winner.

Always attach a contract for the Provider to sign on your private message board when negotiating your project terms. A sample contract can be found by clicking on the "Resource" tab at the top of your My RapidLance page.

How do I choose a winning bid?
To pick a winner, go to My RapidLance > Buying Activity. Click the project name link to view the list of bids and click the checkbox next to bid you want to select, then press the "Choose Winning Bid" button. When the bidder accepts the project, you will be notified so that you can get started.

A service provider's bid is only part of their proposal. Be sure to check these other items:

Profile, including an online portfolio of work samples. (Click the user's name to view their profile.)
Feedback left by other buyers about each of the service providers bidding on your project.

Important Note: You can select multiple bidders for your project, but must agree to pay each one their full bid amount. If you want to divide the project work among multiple bidders, you must discuss this via the private message boards first so that the service providers can place updated bids reflecting the adjusted workload. Keep in mind that service providers are charged a transaction fee by the RapidLance system within 30 days based on the awarded bid price.

Can I choose a new winner or cancel a winner?
If the service provider either hasn't accepted or has declined your project, you can choose a new winner from My RapidLance > Buying Activity. Click "Replace Bidder" in the Action column. Choose a new winner, and your previous selection will be automatically canceled.

If the service provider has already accepted the job you can not automatically replace them. Contact the bidder immediately using the private message board, letting them know that they were awarded in error. The bidder would then need to go to their own My RapidLance, Account page and fill out the "Fee Adjustment Form". Our billing and payment group would email you to verify that they were not awarded the project, and would then reverse the transaction fee RapidLance charges them.

What happens if I pick a service provider for my project, but then need to cancel the project?
If you cancel your project, make sure to pay the service provider for any completed work and give him sufficient notice on the private message board ("pmb") so that he can adjust his work schedule. Click on the "Leave Feedback" link to the right of the service provider name on your Buying Activity screen. Choose the "cancel project" radio button, enter your comments and submit. There is no charge to you by RapidLance. Your service provider would notify RapidLance using a Fee Adjustment Form. Our billing and payment group would email you to confirm that you cancelled the project and adjust any fees charged to the service provider based on their original bid price.

Why should the buyer choose the winning bid via RapidLance?
By choosing the winning bid via the RapidLance system, the buyer and the service provider gain access to many valuable features and services. By not choosing the bid on RapidLance, the service provider may also be at risk for suspension or other penalties as outlined in the Terms.

Private message board and workspace. These online collaboration tools allow the buyer and service provider to work in an efficient and private manner. They also allow for accurate records of the project's progress and any discussions.
Online invoicing and payment system. Buyers can use RapidLance's online payment system to send payments to service providers around the world. This is especially useful when quick payments are necessary, such as when the service provider requires partial payment before beginning the project. Service providers are also required to send all invoices through the RapidLance system, as per the Terms, and can only do so if you choose them via RapidLance. More info
Feedback. After a project is complete, the buyer can leave feedback for the service provider and vice versa . Feedback is the key to a service provider's reputation and success on RapidLance. Therefore, if the buyer do es not choose the provider via RapidLance, the provider's competitive edge may suffer since he cannot receive feedback.
Dispute resolution. In the unlikely case of a payment dispute, RapidLance offers online dispute resolution through its partner SquareTrade. Service providers with the SquareTrade seal in their profile are committed to resolving any issues in this manner. More info

3. Get the Job Done
After you have selected a winner on RapidLance and the service provider accepts your project, the following will become available in Buying Activity:

Service Provider's Email Address. You should contact the service provider immediately to begin the project.
Private Message Board ("pmb"). This allows you to keep an accurate, online record of your communication with the Buyer throughout the project.
Work Space. Buyer and Service Provider can upload and share files.

We strongly suggest that you discuss the project requirements, milestones and payment terms before work begins to avoid any miscommunication or delays. Utilize the Business Terms and Change Order feature to log all milestones and payment terms. Always use a contract. Sample contracts can be found on the "Resources" page, linked at the top of your My RapidLance page.

4. Send Payment and Leave Feedback
After completing the project, it is important to rate your experience with the service provider by clicking Leave Feedback from Buying Activity. Feedback ratings help qualified providers build strong reputations on RapidLance.

When the service provider sends you an invoice through RapidLance's system, we will notify you via email. You should then pay the provider according to whatever terms you agreed upon before the project began.

Important Note: RapidLance Terms and Conditions require that you make payment only on invoices that the service provider sends through RapidLance. You should not pay unless you have received an invoice sent through RapidLance's system. If you do receive an invoice outside of RapidLance, please notify Customer Service.

More about Invoicing and Payment.

Step-by-Step Instructions can be found by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of the "My RapidLance" pages. Then click on the "Buyer Guided Tour" link.

The Post Your Project Form	Back to index

Just getting started? You may want to read our posting a project overview. Here are some specific directions to help you use the Post a Project Form. For more details and FAQs, see the navigation options at the top of this help window.

Step-by-Step Instructions can be found by clicking on the "Resources" tab at the top of the "My RapidLance" pages. Then click on the "Buyer Guided Tour" link.

Please read RapidLance posting guidelines. The RapidLance Market Maker may remove projects from the marketplace that do not meet these standards. This includes our policy AGAINST posting direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID, company url.

1. Describe Your Project
First, make sure you have selected the right marketplace category for your project, such as Software and Technology, Design & Multimedia or Legal. If you are not sure which category your project fits into, browse the categories available from the RapidLance homepage to get a better idea.

Name your project. Remember make the project name as descriptive as possible. Your project name should give bidders a good indication of the service you need, without being too lengthy.
Important Step: Describe your project in detail. Be as specific as you can when describing the service you need. Use examples where appropriate and provide a detailed description of the work you need done. This is probably the most important section of your project form -- in fact, projects that are not described in sufficient detail may be removed from the marketplace.
Define the end product or deliverables, i.e.: A PowerPoint presentation, a finished logo, or a 10-page manual.
Define ownership. Will you own the final product? Consider current standard ownership rights for source code, mock-ups, prototypes, etc.

2. Include Files
Upload relevant files for the project, including text, images or audio
files -- anything that might help a bidder better understand your needs.

3.Set Up the Bidding
Once you have defined your project, posting it in the RapidLance marketplace will allow service providers to compete to do the work by placing bids. As the buyer, you will pick the best service provider based on their bid proposal, RapidLance profile and feedback ratings. Note: Each category has a minimum bid associated with it (see below).

How long will your project remain open for bidding?
(The bidding period cannot be longer than 14 days.)
What is your required work delivery date?
Estimate project cost. Remember to set a realistic estimate - bidders will use this as a reference point for bidding. If you set an unreasonably low estimate, qualified service providers may not bid on your project.

When you have completed and submitted your project form, monitor the bidding and communicate with bidders from the Buying Activity page using your private message boards ("pmb").

4.Provide your budget
Providing your budget will help the service provider to place the most accurate bids per your requirements. In addition, this shows to the service provider that you are a serious buyer with a set budget for the project.

What are the minimum bids in the Basic Marketplace?
Minimum bids are required in the Basic marketplace. All the bids you receive on your project will be at or above this level. These minimum project values represent the commitment to quality work by our service providers in the Basic Marketplace. The select marketplace has higher bid minimums to reflect the quality work and commitment to Select Service Provider levels. Click here to see Select bid minimums.

Basic Categories	Minimum Bids
Accounting & Finance	$75
Administrative Support	$50
Design & Multimedia	$50
Legal	$75
Miscellaneous	$50
Sales & Marketing	$75
Software and Technology	$100
Training and Development	$75
Web Design and Development	$100
Writing and Translation	$50

Need more help? Go to the Help Index above for a complete list of topics, or click the Resources tab on the main RapidLance screen to access Resources, for more tips and advice on posting projects.

Budget Range

From the Post Project form, you can estimate a budget range. This is an optional feature, but please note that for each category RapidLance has set project value minimums. In the Basic Marketplace, these minimums range from $50 to $100 (or foreign currency equivalent). For Select projects, minimums range from $200 to $550. See above list for project bid minimums.

Entering a budget range will help service providers to place more accurate and better-informed bids. You can modify your budget from your Buying Activity page as long as the project is running, by clicking on "Modify Project".

Project Posting Guidelines	Back to index

The RapidLance Market Maker enforces posting guidelines for all projects and reserves the right to remove projects from the marketplace that violate these policies:

Do not post your contact information. Bidding and negotiation should only occur through RapidLance.
Do not post projects that offer fee-based compensation only. Projects that offer equity, advertising, positive feedback or barter in exchange for services are not permitted.
Do not post duplicate projects. Each project should be categorized in the most relevant category.
Do not post projects that are fake, without the intention to award or complete the project or posted only to receive pricing information.
Do not post projects that offer commission, equity compensation or request free services, unless they are posted as Non Profit projects.
Do not post projects related to adult content or businesses.
Do not post projects related to bulk email/"SPAM" including but not limited to bulk email hosting, scripts, programs, proxies, lists, and relay servers.
Projects requesting sales should be posted in the Sales category.
Each project description should contain sufficient detail.
If you use an RapidLance service provider, you must formally select their bid through RapidLance.
Limit the bidding period to 14 days.

Shortlist Feature	Back to Index

What is the Shortlist feature?
A Shortlist is a convenient way for buyers to move bids they are interested in to a second more manageable list. This feature is useful if you receive many bids on a project, but are only interested in a small subset of these bids.
The Shortlist feature allows a buyer to evaluate the bids they have received by moving those bids they like to a second list called "Shortlist". This list allows buyers to easily narrow down and highlight only those bids that are in contention for being awarded.

Where does the bid go when it is shortlisted?
All bids are initially displayed in the Bids Received table. Buyers then have the option of choosing the bid, declining the bid or shortlisting the bid. When a buyer Shortlists a bid by clicking the "Shortlist" link that bid is moved to the "Shortlist" table for the project. To access the Shortlist table, click the "Shortlist" tab.

What does the Shortlisted icon mean?
When a bid is marked with a blue Shortlist icon, this bid has been moved to your "Shortlist". To view this bid and others that have been shortlisted, click the "Shortlist" tab in the bid table.

How do I remove a bid from my shortlist?
To remove a bid from your shortlist you can:
Return the bid to the Bids Received table by clicking the "De-Shortlist" link.
OR
Decline the bid by clicking the "Decline Bid" link.

Message Board	Back to Index

What are the Message Boards?
RapidLance Message boards help buyers and service providers communicate throughout the project - during bidding and after the project is awarded. You can use this message system to clarify project requirements or to request more information. Two types of message boards exist for each project: private message boards and public, or general, message boards.

Private Message Board

What is the Private Message Board or "pmb"?
The private message board is available for each individual bid on your project. Use this board to discuss bids with each service provider or clarify project details privately with the service provider (bidder) before or after selecting their bid. Once you award your project, the private message board will remain available throughout the project so that you and the service provider can keep a record of your communication. Rules for Posting. Note: direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID may not be exchanged until after a project has been awarded by a buyer and accepted by a service provider.

Where do I find the Private Message Board?
While your project is open for bidding, a Private Message Board is located next to each bid under the "Contact Bidder" column heading. Once you award your project, the Private Board becomes available directly from Buying Activity page.

Can Service Providers open a Private Message Board?
No. Only the buyer can activate a private message board while a project is open for bidding. Once the buyer posts, a message board icon will appear in the service provider's Selling Activity. If the project has already been awarded, either party can initiate a discussion.

Project Clarification Board

What is the Project Clarification Board?
Service providers will use this board to ask specific questions about your project before or after they place bids. Please answer their questions or to clarify the project requirements. Posts to this board are viewable by the providers who have access to that category. Rules for Posting. Bidders are not allowed to use the Project Clarification Board to place bids. Note: direct contact information such as email address, address, phone, instant message ID may not be exchanged on the Project Clarification Board.

Where do I find Project Clarification Board?
The Project Clarification Board for each project is located on the project description page, below the project description.

Invite Only Projects	Back to Index

Sometimes a buyer may be familiar with a service provider's work, or see a profile they like, and want to limit their project's bids to these parties. This is called an "Invite Only" project. While it can be viewed by everyone, only the invited service providers may place bids. At any time, the buyer can change the project status and open it to bids from all service providers. Note: If you post a Select project, and invite a service provider who is a Basic subscriber, they will not be able to bid or communicate with you. A service provider who is a Select subscriber will have a gold circle "Select" icon next to their provider listing.

How do I invite a service provider to bid on my project?

Browse service providers with a particular skill by using the Search function, or by clicking on the relevant category from the Home page. On the left of the page, you will see six featured providers. To see more, click the "View all service providers" link below the featured providers. Click on a username anywhere on the site to see a list of that provider's service profiles. Browse their service profiles with detailed descriptions of services offered by a provider, their credentials, feedback and work samples. When you post your project, you can invite specific service providers to submit bids for the work. Note: If you post a Select project, and invite a service provider who is a Basic subscriber, they will not be able to bid or communicate with you. A service provider who is a Select subscriber will have a gold circle "Select" icon next to their provider listing.

Once a buyer accepts a service provider's bid, the process proceeds exactly as RapidLance projects with open bidding: the service provider is notified by email, and the buyer manages the project from the Buying Activity page.

How do I invite a service provider to bid on a project I've already posted?
You can invite service providers to bid on a project you've already posted in two ways:

If you already know the username of the service provider you want to invite, go to My RapidLance Buying Activity, click the project name and then click the Invite Bidders button.
You can also browse the service providers listed in your project's category and invite them directly from their profiles. Once you find a service provider, click the Post Project button on their profile. If you are logged in, you will be given the option to invite the service provider to an existing project.

Once you post your Invite Only project, the service provider will receive an email invitation to bid. They will then be able to submit a bid or decline the invitation. Note: If you post a Select project, and invite a service provider who is a Basic subscriber, they will not be able to bid or communicate with you. A service provider who is a Select subscriber will have a gold circle "Select" icon next to their provider listing.

What are the advantages of inviting service providers to bid?

Shop for services. Use RapidLance profiles like a directory of service providers — browse for detailed descriptions of the specific services you need. When you find a provider you like, invite them to send you a bid.
Be selective. Use RapidLance profiles, portfolio and feedback ratings to pick the best provider for the service you need.
Streamline bidding. Posting an open project can mean sorting through many bid proposals. Inviting specific service providers to bid lets you go straight to the source, pick a service provider and ask for one bid.

Paying for Services	Back to Index

You decide the payment schedule and terms with your service provider. Usual payment methods include payment on completion for smaller projects, and deposit/installment payments for larger or longer-term projects. Be sure to set up payment amounts and schedules before the project begins, and get the terms in writing. Use the Business Terms and Change Order feature to outline payment schedules against scheduled milestone deliverables. We recommend you attach a contract for the Provider to sign on your private message board when negotiating your project terms. A sample contract can be found by clicking on the "Resource" tab at the top of your My RapidLance page.

Service providers are required to send invoices through the RapidLance system for each payment they will receive for the project, and the invoice will be automatically forwarded to the buyer.

Why am I required to make payment only on invoices received through RapidLance?
As per the Terms and Conditions, all invoices related to an RapidLance project must be sent through RapidLance. This requirement helps protect both the buyer and service provider by keeping an online record of all invoices. In addition, RapidLance charges the service provider a transaction fee based on invoiced amounts - which are sometimes closer to the actual project cost than the original bid.

Am I required to make payments through RapidLance?
No. Payments to service providers can be sent according to whatever terms you agree upon before the project begins. Using the RapidLance Payment System is an option that allows you to easily send payments to service providers anywhere in the world at no additional cost.

How will I know if I've received an invoice?
When the service provider sends an invoice through RapidLance, you will be notified via email and in the My RapidLance Message Center. You can view the invoice from Buying Activity by clicking on the Invoice icon next to the project listing, under the "Payment" column heading.

What should I do if I receive an invoice outside of RapidLance?
If you receive an invoice outside of the RapidLance system, you should ask the service provider to resend it through RapidLance. You are not obligated to pay an invoice received outside of RapidLance. If the service provider refuses to send the invoice through RapidLance, please notify marketmaker@RapidLance.

Is the service provider charged when they send an invoice through RapidLance?
Yes. RapidLance charges the service provider a 8.75% transaction fee - 8.75% for Buy Now services -- on each invoice amount. The service provider has 30 days to pay the fee.

For projects posted before January 8, 2003 all subscribers will pay a 5% fee.

Can I make a payment through RapidLance before receiving an invoice from the service provider?
Yes. You can send a payment through RapidLance at any time. If you do this before you've received an invoice, RapidLance will automatically generate an invoice and charge the service provider the related transaction fee. To send payment, click the Payment icon in Buying Activity.

How do I send payment to a service provider through RapidLance?
Go to My RapidLance > Buying Activity and click the "Payment" or "New Invoice" icon in the project row. Select the payment method and enter the payment amount. You must click the Payment icon from your Buying Activity page — simply depositing funds into your RapidLance Account does not send the payment. (You are not required to send payments through RapidLance.)

What if this is the first time I want to send a credit card payment through RapidLance?
To send credit card payments through RapidLance, you need to authenticate your credit card.
How to authenticate your credit card.

What payment methods are available to me?
All buyers can use their RapidLance Account to send payment through RapidLance.
How to fund your account.

In addition, buyers in the US, UK, Canada or Germany can use a credit or debit card to pay a service provider after the credit card is authenticated with a PIN.
How to authenticate your credit card.

Buy Now	Back to Index

A Buy Now is a pre-defined service package offered at a set price. Buy Nows are a convenient alternative to posting a project and evaluating proposals. Simply type in your area of interest in the Search box and click on the Buy Now tab. Select a Buy Now that fulfills your business need and purchase it. (Can not find exactly what you are looking for? You can always describe your project, post it, and pick from the proposals you will receive over the next couple of days.)

How do Buy Nows work?
(1) Choose a Buy Now

(2) Describe Specific Requirements

(3) Select Payment Method

(4) Service Provider is Notified

(5) Get the Job Done

(6) Feedback

Step 1: Choose the Buy Now service
Click on the ‘Search’ tab at the top of your RapidLance pages. Click on the green ‘Shop Buy Nows’ tab. Enter in keywords of the service offerings you would like to view. When you find a Buy Now that meets your needs, click on the ‘Buy Now’ link in the ‘Price’ column.

Step 2: Describe your specific needs
You will see more details of the Buy Now and a short form where you can describe any specific requirements. For example, you may need a logo that is ready for print publications, or translations delivered in a Word document. You can also upload any files relevant to your Buy Now order.

Step 3: Select Payment Method

Choose to pay for the Buy Now from funds in your RapidLance Account or one of your authenticated credit cards. (Note: if you do not have sufficient funds in your RapidLance Account to pay for the Buy Now, this option will not be presented.)

If you chose the Credit Card Payment option, your credit card is charged once the Service Provider accepts your order. (The Service Provider has 3 days to accept the Buy Now order.) The funds are placed in your RapidLance Account and allocated to the Buy Now project under “Scheduled Transactions.” 15 days after you submitted your Buy Now purchase, RapidLance transfers the funds to the service provider.

Step 4: Service Provider is Notified

After you choose a payment method and confirm your purchase of a Buy Now, the Service Provider is automatically notified. They have 3 days to either accept or reject the Buy Now project.

Step 5: Get the Job Done
After you have purchased your Buy Now service and the service provider has accepted, the following will become available in your Buying Activity:

Service provider's email address. Contact them immediately to confirm the project scope and delivery timelines .
Private Message Board. This allows you to keep an accurate, online record of your communication with the service provider throughout the project.
Work Space. Both you and the service provider can upload and share files or schedule deadlines for each project.

We strongly suggest that you discuss the project scope and delivery timelines before work begins to avoid miscommunications or delays.

Step 6: Feedback
Did you find good feedback for your service provider before buying? That's because another buyer posted it when their project was completed. Be sure to rate your own experience by clicking Leave Feedback on the Buying Activity page. Feedback ratings help qualified service providers build their reputations on RapidLance.

Below are Frequently Asked Questions related to the buyer experience with Buy Now. Click here to see Buy Now FAQ for service providers

Who can purchase Buy Now services?
All RapidLance users can purchase one Buy Now service under $500 without restrictions. For purchases over $500 and repeat purchases, you must authenticate your account with a credit card before completing your purchase.

What kind of customization can I request?
You are buying a standard service, but you may have certain requirements. For example, you may need a logo for print publications, or translation delivered in a Word document. Be as specific as you can about your needs. If you're not sure, tell that to the service provider and ask them to give you an overview. The better informed you are about what you want to buy, the more successful your Buy Now purchase will be.

How will uploading files help my project?
Any files or documents that illustrate, explain, or otherwise clarify what you need will give the service provider a better idea of specific needs for your Buy Now service.

How safe is my credit card and purchase information?
RapidLance follows industry standard practices to safeguard the confidentiality of each user's personal information. This includes encryption and password protection for all of your personal information. For more information, please read our Privacy and Security Policy.

Will my credit card or RapidLance Account be charged when I place my order?
No.

If you chose to pay with funds in your RapidLance account and the Service Provider has accepted your order, funds to cover the cost of the Buy Now are allocated to the Buy Now project under “Scheduled Transactions.” (The Service Provider has 3 days to accept the Buy Now order.) 15 days after you submitted your Buy Now purchase, RapidLance transfers the funds to the service provider.

What if I don't have a credit card?
You can still purchase Buy Now services without a credit card. Just deposit funds into your RapidLance Account with a check or wire transfer. You can then use these funds to pay for Buy Now services.

Why should I authenticate my credit card?
To protect against fraud, RapidLance requires an authenticated credit card for all Buy Now purchases over $500 and after making your first Buy Now purchase.

Authentication allows RapidLance to verify that you are the correct credit card holder. The authentication process requires two amounts of less than $2 each to be billed to your credit card. These amounts will be credited to your RapidLance Account after your credit card is authenticated. (If the authentication attempt is unsuccessful, the amounts will be credited back to your credit card.) Detailed info on authentication.

How do I communicate with the service provider?
Communicate with your service provider instantly and privately using the private message board ("pmb"). Just click the private message board icon next to your Buy Now project in the ‘My RapidLance – Buying Activity’ page, and post your private message to that service provider. You will be notified via email when the service provider responds. Communicating via the pmb on RapidLance gives you a complete written record of all negotiations and discussions.

Business Terms

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Business Terms allows the service provider to clarify, confirm and document the details of the project before they accept the project. This provides you and the service provider with the confidence that both parties truly understand and agree upon the scope and expected end deliverables required. It also provides a record of the work to be performed, when it will be delivered and how much the you have agreed to pay for the work. Business Terms are accessible through your My RapidLance area and are associated with each Project.

Feedback	Back to Index

What is Feedback?
Feedback is a history of how a service provider or buyer has been evaluated by others. Buyers and service providers have overall feedback statistics as well as individual feedback reviews for specific projects. Click on the recent feedback statistics for any user in the marketplace and you go directly to a page displaying the user's overall and detailed feedback statistics. Buyers rate and leave comments about service providers, while service providers leave only comments for buyers.

New providers - those that have become RapidLance subscribers in the last 90 days - are identified with a "New Provider" icon, displayed in the feedback column.

Why should I leave Feedback for another user?
Feedback is the backbone of the open RapidLance marketplace. When buyers rate service providers, and vice versa, they are helping others make informed decisions in the future. Feedback is one of the most important ways a service provider is distinguished in the marketplace.

How do I leave Feedback for another user?
Once your project is completed, you can leave Feedback from My RapidLance Buying or Selling Activity. Click Leave Feedback next to the appropriate project. You will be sent to the Feedback Review form. Buyers will be able to rate the service provider's performance and leave comments. Service providers can leave comments about the buyer. After a buyer submits feedback for a service provider, it will be displayed in the provider's profile once he pays the transaction fees for that project.

I am a buyer. How should I rate the service provider?
You should leave fair and honest feedback based on the quality and professionalism of the service provider. Please keep in mind that feedback cannot be changed once posted.

A guide to service provider feedback ratings:

5.0	Extremely statisfied
4.0	Very satisfied
3.0	Satisfied
2.0	Not satisfied
1.0	Extremely unsatisfied

In addition to leaving a feedback rating, RapidLance encourages all users to include specific comments with feedback whenever possible. In some cases, comments provide a more powerful indication of the service provider's performance.

Buyers will also be asked to indicate whether they would work with the service provider again if they had a similar project need. The response is not displayed with the review, but used to calculate an aggregated "Repeat client" statistic.

How is a service provider's overall feedback rating calculated?
RapidLance first calculates an overall score for each project. This per project score is based on each criteria rating and the criterion's relative importance toward the overall provider's performance on the project.

Quality of work - accounts for 30% of overall project score
Responsiveness - 20%
Professionalism - 15%
Subject matter expertise - 15%
Adherence to schedule - 10%
Adherence to cost - 10%

RapidLance uses the per project scores to calculate an overall numerical rating for each criterion, as well as an overall rati ng for the service provider. Scores on higher value projects counting more toward the overall ratings.

Example:

	Relative Weight	Project A	Project B	Project C	Overall
Project Value		$1,500	$500	$250	$2,250
Quality of work	30%	5.0	5.0	3.0	4.8⁽²⁾
Responsiveness	20%	5.0	5.0	3.0	4.8
Professionalism	15%	5.0	3.0	4.0	4.4
Subject matter expertise	15%	5.0	3.0	3.0	4.3
Adherence to cost	10%	2.5	2.0	2.0	2.3
Adherence to schedule	10%	3.0	4.0	2.0	3.1
Overall Scores		4.6⁽¹⁾	4.0	3.0	4.3⁽³⁾

⁽¹⁾ Formula for calculating project score:
Project A = (5.0*30%)+(5.0*20%)+(5.0*15%)+(5.0*15%)+(2.5*10%)+(3.0*10%) = 4.6
⁽²⁾ Formula for calculating overall criteria ratings:
Quality of work: [(5.0*$1500)+(5.0*$500)+(3.0*$250)]/$2,250 = 4.8
⁽³⁾ Formula for calculating overall provider rating:
(4.6*$1500)+(4.0*$500)+(3.0*$250) / $2,250 = 4.3

How are Total Earnings calculated?
Total Earnings is the value of all projects a service provider has accepted on RapidLance. When a service provider sends an Invoice through RapidLance and pays the transaction fee related to the Invoice, the Invoice amount is added to his Total Earnings. Additional payments received from buyers through RapidLance will also be added to Total Earnings.

Can I respond to feedback left about me?
Yes. Users can respond directly to feedback left for them. To enter your response, click Respond to Feedback under the original review. Responses will be displayed directly beneath the original feedback review.

Can I request that a feedback review be removed?
If you left feedback for a user in error or are involved in a dispute regarding a feedback review you received from another user, please refer to RapidLance Feedback Removal Policy. RapidLance will consider removing the feedback only if provided with a ruling or settlement agreement from an RapidLance-approved certified dispute resolution service. This service involves a professional mediator from SquareTrade, available for a small fee partially covered by RapidLance.

To find out more about the mediation process and how to file a case, visit http://www.squaretrade.com/spl/jsp/eln/el.jsp?stmp=RapidLancehttp://www.squaretrade.com/spl/jsp/eln/el.jsp?stmp=RapidLance

Send RapidLance an email with the SqureTrade case ID once a mediator has reached a signed agreement. RapidLance will verify with SquareTrade and take appropriate action.

Why does RapidLance leave a message indicating that feedback was removed in my profile?
Leaving a record of the feedback removal is necessary in order to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the feedback system. The feedback removal record is meant to address those cases where a service provider or buyer exhibits a pattern of disputes or misunderstandings. Buyers and service providers have both expressed strong wishes to see an indication of such a pattern even if the actual feedback has been removed.

Displaying a record of the feedback removal not only provides an accurate history, but it also helps prevent abuse from service providers and buyers and helps those who are not involved in repeated disputes to differentiate themselves.

The record is not intended to penalize service providers or buyers who have worked hard to resolve their dispute or correct a mistaken feedback, and is a middle ground between prohibiting the removal of feedback and wiping out all record of the feedback.

I am a service provider and the buyer left feedback for me. Why isn't it showing in my profile?
Feedback you've received is displayed only after you send an invoice for the project via RapidLance and pay the associated transaction fee. If your feedback for a project is not showing up you have not yet paid the related transaction fee.

I'm a service provider and I've invoiced through RapidLance. Why hasn't feedback or the invoiced amount for that project shown up in my Profile?
Project amounts and feedback scores are automatically displayed in your profile after you pay the related transaction fee. Sending an invoice does not pay the fee. For further information, see Tr ansaction Fee Help.

Why does Feedback for service providers show in the marketplace from only the last 6 months?
To help distinguish active RapidLance service providers who bid on and complete projects, Feedback statistics shown on your main Profile page, in bid listings and in profile listings are based on activity from the last six months. A buyer can always see your all-time Feedback ratings, statistics, and comments from your Complete Feedback page in your profile. This is accessible by either clicking on the Feedback links in your bid or by clicking Complete Feedback from your main Profile page.

Why don't my 6-Month Selling Activity statistics match?

Overall star rating and number of reviews: Shown for six months from the date Feedback is posted.
Projects awarded: Shown for six months from the date project is awarded by buyer.
Projects accepted: Shown for six months from the date project is accepted by service provider.
Total earnings: Shown for six months from the date an invoice is sent for the amount. NOTE: Since invoiced amounts only appear after you pay the related transaction fee, the invoice amount may actually be displayed for shorter than 6 months if you delay payment of the transaction fee.

Will Feedback get adjusted as I send more invoices or receive more payments?
Yes. Feedback statistics, including each project amount and total earnings, will be adjusted upwards based on additional amounts invoiced through RapidLance. This will affect total earnings as well as overall rating since each project's feedback score is weighed by the project's value. However, service providers must pay the related transaction fees before Feedback is adjusted.

RapidLance Project Services: IT	Back to Index

How does the process work?
How much does RapidLance Project Services cost?
What types of projects can I get done with RapidLance Project Services?
How soon will the project begin?

How does the process work?
RapidLance Project Services operates as a project consulting and referral service. We help you complete your projects successfully based on four phases of development:

FREE initial review of your project to determine needs.
- Discussion with RapidLance experts to determine project feasibility and functional requirements. We evaluate (1) if your project is appropriate for remote execution using services offered on RapidLance, and (2) if the project requires more complete specifications.
Project Specification Development - creation of detailed functional requirements document.
- If further project specifications are needed, an analyst works with you to quickly create a detailed project requirements document that includes project goals, list of features, required test scenarios, assumptions, and constraints. This phase requires extensive involvement on your part. A list of appropriate analysts is pre-selected for you, based on the project requirements. You make your choice based on experience, references and quoted price.
Software Design and Development.
- This phase covers the technical design specifications and code development. We provide a list of appropriate software development firms, chosen from our global database and based on the needs of the project. You also get their quoted price and background information. You can then select a firm.
Testing Services.
- If needed, a testing vendor will be selected for software testing. The tests will be based on previously composed test plans.

How much does RapidLance Project Services cost?
The cost of using RapidLance Project Services is built into the quotes provided by the chosen firms. We take a percentage fee from the vendor chosen for the project.

What types of projects can I get done with RapidLance Project Services?
All types of IT projects, such as custom web-based applications, database development and software components, can be done using RapidLance Project Services.

Technologies covered include Microsoft (ASP, VB, COM, SQL Server etc.), Java/EJB, Oracle, and mySQL/PHP.

How soon will the project begin?
We typically will respond to your initial review request within 24 hours. In the past, project development has begun within 2-3 days of the initial review.

RapidLance Project Services: Creative	Back to Index

How does the process work?
How much does RapidLance Project Services cost?
What types of projects can I get done with RapidLance Project Services?
How soon will the project begin?

How does the process work? RapidLance Project Services operates as a project consulting and referral service. We help you complete your projects successfully based on four phases of development:

FREE initial review of your project to determine needs.
- Discussion with RapidLance experts to determine project feasibility and functional requirements. We evaluate (1) if your project is appropriate for remote execution using services offered on RapidLance, and (2) if the project requires more complete specifications.
Project Specification Development - creation of detailed functional requirements document.
- If further project specifications are needed, a consultant works with you to quickly create a project requirements document that includes project goals, list of features, required test scenarios, assumptions, and constraints. This phase requires extensive involvement on your part. A list of appropriate consultants is pre-selected for you, based on the project requirements. You make your choice based on experience, references and quoted price.
Mock-ups.
- You receive mock-ups of the deliverable for your project. This includes wireframe drawings or mocked up design (in image format) of your web site, corporate identity or graphic design. You can suggest changes to the mock-ups before they go into production.
Production.
- You get revisions of the work in progress. For a web design project, you receive a URL containing the copy and graphics for the site. For a logo design project, you get the first revision of the logo. You can suggest changes to the Project Manager, and these can be incorporated into future revisions of the work.

How much does RapidLance Project Services cost?
The cost of using RapidLance Project Services is built into the quotes provided by the chosen firms. We take a percentage fee from the vendor chosen for the project.

What types of projects can I get done with RapidLance Project Services?
All types of Creative and Marketing projects, such as web design, corporate identity development, logo and graphic design, and online advertising services

How soon will the project begin?
We typically will respond to your initial review request within 24 hours. In the past, project development has begun within 2-3 days of the initial review.