'Basic' is the entry level membership into RapidLance. Basic subscribers gain partial access to listed projects and service engagement tools such as RapidLance's global billing and payment system.

'Select' is for established businesses and professionals and is subject to stricter qualification standards. In return, Select subscribers have access to the 'Select' set of projects and higher marketing visibility on directories and searches. They also gain access to advanced functionality such as confidential proposals designed to differentiate their offerings and protect their intellectual property.

In general, the advanced functionality and stricter qualification for buyers and service providers in Select results in larger and more qualified projects being transacted. Select service providers on average win more projects and earn more per project than the average Basic service provider.

You can choose the Select service provider option during registration. If you are already registered, you can upgrade to Select in 'My RapidLance'.

For Either Select or Basic, always attach your contract terms and conditions to your private message board when awarded a project to negotiate.  For sample contracts, click on the "Resources" tab at the top of your "My RapidLance" pages.

Comparisons between RapidLance Select and RapidLance Basic memberships:

Key benefits Basic Select Access new business Access to thousands of project leads Basic projects only Basic Select projects Pre-qualified and verified buyers   Higher dollar value projects pre-screened by RapidLance consultants   Financial Returns Greater dollar value per project (on average)   Higher return on subscription (on average)   Respond to and manage engagements successfully Bidders conference to clarify buyer's requirements Service engagements tools such as RapidLance's collaborative workspace and global billing payment system Confidential proposals viewable only by the buyer   Offer Buy Now services - an instant purchase option for buyers   Enhance market reach and leverage promotional opportunties Reach new customers worldwide Build an online reputation through buyers feedback ratings Prominent placement in service directories and service category pages   Highlighted on proposal listings and search results

• Will have a complete profile detailing relevant experience for that subcategory where profile is listed.
• Will meet authentication requirements for Select service providers

• Will make reasonable effort to provide detailed, customized proposals that are relevant to the project. General sales pitches are confined to Profile page or attachment to bids.
• Will not submit "lowball" or placeholder bids. Bid amounts are only part of the full proposal, and will reflect true scope of project and time commitment necessary to provide highest client satisfaction.
• Will not offer free or unsolicited mockups in public bidding on Select projects. Mockups may be provided at service provider's discretion, but only in context of Select project negotiations with buyer through the private message boards. (NOTE: Some Basic project postings may require mock-ups with a bid. While RapidLance does not recommend this practice for anyone, we acknowledge that it is often part of the challenge of doing business in a highly competitive global marketplace. ALL service providers on RapidLance provide mock-ups in Basic at their own discretion and risk.)
• Will adhere to the minimum bids required in the Select marketplace.

• Will work with buyer before project begins to outline requirements, milestones and payment terms, either through private message board or written agreement.
• Will communicate with buyer in a professional manner. Accept/decline project and respond to buyer questions promptly, and keep buyer informed of changes to project timeline or scope.

• In event of disputes affecting completion of project, will attempt to resolve disputes through SquareTrade (free of charge) and work to avoid negative feedback.
• Repeated client dissatisfaction, as evidenced through low feedback or buyer complaints, repeated cancellation of accepted projects or failure to complete projects, will be cause for review and may lead to suspension from Select.

• Although not required to choose an RapidLance service provider, buyers posting in Select are signaling a clear intention to complete the project. If you are looking for general information on pricing or estimates, check the service provider directories to review their standard rates for services.
• Will not require providers to submit free mock-ups or samples as part of bids/proposals. If you are discussing project details with a service provider on the private message boards, you may both agree that a mock-up is an appropriate part of the negotiations. But submitting a sample is at the service provider's discretion, and it is not an accepted industry standard to request free mock-ups.
• Will choose winning proposals promptly to allow sufficient time for service provider to schedule and complete the project.

• Will work with service provider before project begins, to outline requirements, milestones and payment terms, either through private message board or written agreement.
• Will communicate with service provider in a professional manner. Respond to questions promptly and keep provider informed of changes to project timeline or scope. If significant changes are made, service provider will not be held accountable for original bid. You can either repost the project or renegotiate terms using the private message boards.
• If you must cancel the project, notify Customer Service promptly to prevent service provider from being charged transaction fee.

• In event of disputes affecting completion of project, will attempt to resolve disputes through SquareTrade (free of charge) and work to avoid negative feedback.
• You and the service provider agreed to your originally posted project. If the project's description or scope changed, do not penalize the service provider if they are unable to deliver work beyond the original project agreement.

Buyers who post a project in the RapidLance Marketplace are asked to provide a valid credit card for identity verification. For Buyers posting in Select, a $25 refundable deposit is also required.

How the $25 deposit works:
The buyer's credit card is authorized for a $25 deposit, but no charge is actually made. If the buyer does not choose a winning bid within 30 days after the bidding closes and the project has received five or more bids, the buyer's credit card is then charged the $25.00.

It is highly recommended that you always attach your contract terms and conditions to your private message board when awarded a project to negotiate.  For sample contracts, click on the "Resources" tab at the top of your "My RapidLance" pages.