Introduction

In online writing, two main types of accounts are defined by how work is distributed: bid and take accounts. These account types cater to different writer preferences and offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this discussion is to compare and contrast these two types of accounts, analyzing their pros and cons to help writers understand their differences. We will explore factors such as pay rates, workload, and job security for each type. Ultimately, this guide aims to assist writers in making informed decisions about which type of account is better suited to their individual needs and work style.

A. Bid Online Writing Accounts

Bid accounts are a type of writing account where writers express their interest in available orders and wait for someone, either support/ the system, or the client, to decide who gets the job. In bid accounts, writers actively search for and bid on orders they wish to complete. There are two types of bid accounts: Support or System Assigned and Client Assigned.

In both types, writers need to be proactive in securing work, but the process of assignment can differ based on whether the system, support, or client makes the decision.

I. Bid Accounts Where Support or System Assign Work

In bid accounts where support or the system assigns work, writers do not have direct contact with clients before being assigned an order. Instead, support staff or the system evaluates the bids and decides which writer is best suited for a particular order, taking into account factors such as the writer’s qualifications, experience, and bid price. The selection process is handled entirely by the platform, leaving writers to focus on submitting their bids and waiting for assignments without needing to communicate with the client directly.

a. Pros of System/ Support-Assigned Bid Accounts 

Here are several advantages of bid accounts where support assigns work:

1. Objective Assignment: Support or the system often uses objective criteria to assign orders, which can be beneficial for new accounts starting at the relevant company. This reduces the reliance on subjective client preferences and provides a more level playing field for new writers.
   
   2. Relationship Building: Developing a positive relationship with support staff can lead to long-term growth opportunities. Support staff may become familiar with your work and preferences, potentially leading to more favorable assignment decisions over time.
   
   3. Price Negotiation: In some cases, there is room for negotiating prices, particularly for complex or technical assignments. This can allow writers to secure better pay for specialized work.
   
   4. Objective Feedback: Support may offer more objective feedback and evaluations, providing clearer insights into performance. This can contribute to stable, long-term job security as writers receive consistent and fair assessments.
   
   5. Planning and Stability: If orders are assigned at specific times or periods, writers can better plan their workdays. This predictability helps in managing workload and maintaining a balanced schedule.
   
   6. Work Volume and Outsourcing: In accounts where there are no limitations on work volume, writers can potentially manage a large number of assignments. This opens opportunities for outsourcing work or hiring help, leading to increased earnings and growth throughout the year.
   
   7. Bot-friendly systems: These accounts often allow for the use of bots, which can streamline the bidding process and make securing work easier.
   
   8. Fair Work Distribution: In accounts where support or the system assigns work, the order distribution process is typically more objective. Unlike client-assigned accounts, which might favor more experienced writers or those with better statistics, these systems aim to ensure a fair allocation of work. Support staff often make an effort to give new writers opportunities to prove themselves and grow their accounts, striving for a balanced distribution of orders.

b. Cons of System/ Support-Assigned Bid Accounts

However, there are also several disadvantages to bid accounts where support or the system assigns work. These include:

1. Lower Pay Rates: These accounts often have fixed prices for assignments, with writers expected to work at set rates. Pay rates in these accounts may be lower compared to bid accounts where clients assign work, as there is no direct negotiation involved.
   
   2. Limited Opportunity to Showcase Qualifications: Writers may not have the chance to highlight their qualifications and experience directly to clients or support while bidding on orders. This lack of direct interaction can limit their ability to influence the hiring process.
   
   3. Constant Availability Required: To maintain a good “activity rate” and increase the chances of being assigned work, writers may need to be online and bid on orders around the clock. This constant vigilance can be demanding and exhausting.
   
   4. Unpredictable Work: The unpredictable nature of order assignments makes it challenging for writers to plan. The lack of foresight into when or if they will be assigned specific orders can lead to inconsistencies in workload and income.
   
   5. Difficulty Growing New Accounts: New accounts, particularly those with poor statistics, may struggle to gain traction. Support or the system may favor established accounts with pristine statistics, making it challenging for newcomers to secure work and build their reputation.
   
   6. Unfair or Subjective Decisions: Decisions made by support or the system can sometimes be unfair or subjective. Writers may face issues such as being blocked from receiving assignments indefinitely, which can be frustrating and detrimental to their growth.
   
   7. Loss of trust could spell doom: In support-assigned systems, maintaining the trust and confidence of the support team is crucial. If writers become inactive or miss deadlines, it can be challenging to regain support’s trust, which may negatively impact their ability to secure work in the future. For example, writers who go dormant for an extended period might find it difficult to receive assignments once they return.

II. Bid Accounts Where Clients Assign Work

In bid accounts where clients assign work, writers have the opportunity to directly communicate with clients and negotiate prices and terms for their work. Clients personally decide which writer to hire, selecting the one they believe is best suited for the job. This decision is often based on factors such as the writer’s profile, ratings, and bid proposal. In this type of account, writers can interact more freely with clients, giving them a chance to showcase their skills and establish long-term working relationships.

a. Pros of Client-Assigned Bid Accounts

There are several advantages to bid accounts where clients assign work, including:

1. Ability to negotiate price: Writers can discuss and negotiate payment with clients, potentially securing higher rates.
   
   2. Building rapport: These types of accounts encourage direct collaboration between writers and clients, with minimal input from support. Due to this, it is relatively easy for writers to establish long-term relationships with clients, both on and off the platform, creating a steady stream of work.
   
   3. Control over the hiring process: Clients personally select writers, allowing writers to highlight their qualifications and experience. This gives writers the power to influence the hiring process and increases their chances of being chosen for projects.
   
   4. Unlimited work potential: These accounts typically do not impose limits on how much work a writer can take on. Writers with strong statistics can receive an unlimited amount of consistent work throughout the year, providing greater stability and earning potential.
   
   5. Direct communication: These accounts allow for direct communication and collaboration with clients, making it easier to influence clients’ hiring decisions. Writers with strong communication and social skills can use their charm and persuasive abilities to convince clients to hire them. Additionally, direct communication offers a good opportunity for writers to convert clients into direct clients, potentially leading to more work outside the platform.
   
   6. Lux quality standards: In these types of accounts, writers may find it easier to meet relatively lower quality standards compared to other types of writing platforms. Since clients are the ones reviewing and approving the work, their expectations are often less stringent than those of a dedicated professional quality assurance team found in other writing platforms. As a result, writers can get away with delivering work that may not meet the highest standards. Additionally, issues related to quality can be resolved through strong relationships with clients, allowing writers to correct mistakes without incurring the severe penalties that would typically be imposed if support staff were directly involved in quality checks. Support usually intervenes only if a client complains or escalates the matter.
   
   7. Autonomy: Writers and clients often manage their issues, with platform involvement only when necessary. Writers enjoy a high degree of freedom on these platforms, allowing them to manage their work and time more effectively. Writers and clients typically resolve their issues, with the platform intervening only when necessary. This level of independence makes writers feel more like self-employed professionals rather than traditional employees, providing them with greater control over their workflow and decision-making processes.
   
   8. Better workflow: These types of accounts generally offer a more consistent workflow. One key reason is that clients can place orders before selecting a writer, prompting them to make a payment, which locks in the project. The ability for clients to inquire, negotiate terms, and then finalize the payment process makes these platforms quite attractive. Additionally, in today’s environment, many clients prefer knowing exactly who is working on their order, which is why platforms that encourage direct collaboration between writers and clients tend to attract more users. Furthermore, the ability to negotiate and find help within their budget makes these platforms appealing to budget-conscious individuals. All these factors contribute to a better and more reliable workflow within these types of accounts.
   
   9. Bot-Friendly Systems: Some bid accounts facilitate the use of bots, which can automate and streamline the bidding process. This feature is particularly beneficial for account owners managing large teams of writers who require a constant flow of work. Bidding bots allow for continuous operation, reducing the burden of manual bidding and ensuring that work is secured more efficiently. This automation can lead to smoother workflow management and increased productivity.

b. Cons of Client-Assigned Bid Accounts

However, there are also several disadvantages to bid accounts where clients assign work. These include:

1. Bias toward clients: When issues arise, support typically sides with clients, resulting in unfair treatment of writers, even when they present valid arguments. For most companies, the cost of acquiring a client is significantly higher than retaining or hiring a writer, making it in their interest to favor clients over writers.
   
   2. Difficult to grow new accounts: Starting as a new writer on these platforms can be tough. Growing a new account with no statistics is challenging because clients tend to prefer experienced writers with proven track records, making it harder for newcomers to secure work.
   
   3. Skewed work distribution: Writers with better statistics and more experience receive the majority of work, creating an uneven distribution. Clients often make subjective hiring decisions based on stats or price, rather than selecting the most qualified writer in the field, leaving new or less experienced writers struggling to secure consistent orders.
   
   4. Encourages over-hiring: These platforms tend to over-hire writers to ensure clients have ample options and avoid the risk of unfilled orders. Unfortunately, this results in stiff competition among writers, leading to negative effects such as limited opportunities and underbidding.
   
   5. Relatively low pay rates: The bidding system allows writers, especially those with new or poorly performing accounts, to place low bids to win work. This drives down prices across the platform as clients choose cheaper bids, forcing even experienced writers to lower their rates. Over-hiring further intensifies this competition, leading to exploitation and lower pay overall.
   
   6. Constant bidding: Writers must bid on orders continuously, often around the clock, in hopes of securing work. This constant bidding can be exhausting and unsustainable for long-term productivity.
   
   7. Unpredictable work: Since hiring depends on client decisions, writers face uncertainty regarding if and when they will be hired. This unpredictability makes it difficult for writers to plan, leading to inconsistent schedules and income.
   
   8. Subjective performance evaluation: Client feedback plays a large role in evaluating writers’ performance, which can be unfair. Client expectations vary, and feedback may not always reflect the true quality of the writer’s work. For instance, if a writer refuses to make revision changes that go against the original instructions, the client may rate them poorly despite the writer delivering exactly what was asked initially.
   
   9. Always online: For these types of accounts, writers must be constantly online, either bidding on orders, communicating with clients, or managing tasks. This constant engagement can be hectic and demanding, necessitating a team to effectively manage all aspects of the operation. Consequently, while productivity might be higher, the share of earnings for the account owner may diminish as more individuals need to be compensated.

B. Take Online Writing Accounts

In the take system, writers claim orders by clicking the “take” button, with the order going to the fastest writer. This system values speed above other factors.

Most take accounts have levels that limit how much work a writer can claim, with higher levels allowing more orders. Unlike bid accounts, take accounts offer a simpler process where writers directly select and claim available tasks, allowing them to start working immediately.

a. Pros of Take Accounts

There are several advantages to take accounts, including:

1. Quick and simple order claiming process: Claiming orders in take accounts is straightforward—writers click a “take” button to claim tasks. There’s no need to submit proposals or wait for approval, making it faster than traditional bidding systems. For example, a writer can log in, view available tasks, and immediately claim one. However, writers need to act quickly to secure orders, especially during slow periods or at lower levels where competition is fierce. Writers who are slow or inattentive, as well as those at lower levels with fewer opportunities, may struggle to secure orders.
   
   2. Easier to plan your work schedule: Directly choosing and claiming orders means you always know when you have work lined up. This clarity helps writers organize their schedules more effectively. For instance, if a writer prefers to work in the morning, they can log in at that time, claim available orders, and plan their workload accordingly.
   
   3. Easier to grow new accounts: For new accounts, the ability to quickly claim orders is crucial for growth. Writers who act fast can build a reputation and take on more assignments, accelerating account development. A new writer who consistently claims urgent tasks and delivers quality work can quickly rise through the account levels. Unlike bidding systems, where new writers must compete against established ones, take systems allow them to succeed based on their speed and efficiency.
   
   4. Less time-consuming than bid accounts: Take accounts are less time-consuming because writers don’t need to spend time submitting proposals or waiting for client decisions. Instead, they can focus on completing tasks. For example, a writer can log in periodically, claim a few tasks, and start working without extended negotiations, saving time compared to bidding systems.
   
   5. More balanced work distribution: Take accounts often use level-based systems to manage how many orders a writer can handle at once. This approach helps distribute work more evenly among writers. For instance, a lower-level writer might only take one or two orders at a time, while more experienced writers can handle more, preventing a few individuals from monopolizing all available work.
   
   6. Potential for higher earnings: Writers who handle urgent or high-demand orders may earn more through take accounts, as these tasks often come with higher payouts due to tight deadlines. For example, a writer who excels at quick-turnaround tasks can claim more urgent orders and benefit from higher returns.
   
   7. Suitable for writers with limited people skills: Take accounts are beneficial for writers who prefer to focus on their work rather than client interactions. Writers can claim, complete, and submit tasks with minimal communication. However, maintaining some client communication can still be valuable for building long-term working relationships.
   
   8. Good work quality stands out: In take accounts, the quality of work is the primary factor for success. Writers who consistently produce high-quality work can attract repeat orders and access higher-level tasks. For example, a writer with positive feedback on completed orders may advance through account levels and gain access to better-paying assignments. Unlike bidding systems, where social skills can sometimes overshadow quality, take accounts highlight and reward strong work.
   
   9. Fair issue resolution: Take accounts typically involve strong support systems that handle disputes between clients and writers. Dedicated quality assurance departments often mediate and resolve issues objectively. For instance, if a client disputes the quality of a completed order, support can review the work and make a fair decision, ensuring that writers are not unfairly penalized.
   
   10. Relatively quick payout periods: Take accounts often have faster payout processes compared to bid accounts. Orders are usually approved and funds are transferred to the available balance within a week. In contrast, bid accounts might require up to 14 days for clients to request revisions before funds are available. This quicker turnaround can be advantageous for writers who need to access their earnings promptly to address urgent financial needs.

b. Cons of Take Accounts

However, there are also several disadvantages to take accounts:

1. Limited number of orders allowed at a time: Take accounts often restrict the number of orders a writer can handle simultaneously, which limits the amount of work you can take on. For example, a writer at a lower level might only be able to claim one or two orders at a time, even if more tasks are available. This can be frustrating for writers who want to maximize their workload and earnings.
   
   2. Higher support involvement in work quality checks: In take accounts, support teams are often more involved in reviewing work quality, which can lead to stricter standards and potentially more disputes. For example, if the support team finds issues with a submitted order, it could result in revisions or penalties, which might be more stringent compared to the more lenient checks in bid accounts.
   
   3. Lower pay compared to bid accounts: Take accounts might offer lower pay as companies can set fixed prices for orders that writers might not have the opportunity to review or negotiate before claiming. For instance, a writer might accept a task at a lower rate simply because it’s the only available option, whereas bid accounts allow for negotiation and potentially higher pay rates.
   
   4. Defined levels with varying privileges: Take accounts often have a tiered system with different levels that come with varying privileges. Writers at lower levels may struggle to find work because they have fewer opportunities compared to those at higher levels. For example, a writer at level 1 might have access to fewer tasks and lower-paying assignments compared to a writer at level 5 who can claim more tasks and higher-paying orders.
   
   5. Risk of demotion or termination: Writers in take accounts face the risk of demotion or termination if they do not perform well. For instance, if a writer consistently fails to claim or complete tasks quickly, they might be demoted to a lower level or even terminated, making take accounts a riskier investment compared to bid accounts where job security can be more stable.
   
   6. Unfair work distribution due to a top-down approach: In many take account systems, top-level writers get first access to available work, leaving fewer opportunities for those at lower levels. This top-down approach can lead to an imbalance where writers at the bottom struggle to find work while those at the top have a constant flow of tasks.
   
   7. Different pay rates for the same job based on level: Pay rates can vary for the same job depending on a writer’s level, which can lead to exploitation. For example, a task with a fixed price might pay less to a writer at a lower level compared to someone at a higher level, even if both complete the same job. This disparity can discourage lower-level writers and create inequality.
   
   8. Subjective evaluations and promotions/demotions: Promotions and demotions in take accounts can be based on subjective evaluations, which might not always be fair. For instance, a writer might be promoted or demoted based on internal biases or company preferences rather than objective performance metrics, potentially benefiting the company more than the writer.
   
   9. Potential for exploitation by companies: Companies may take advantage of writers by offering lower pay rates or setting unfavorable terms. Writers in take accounts might find themselves accepting less favorable conditions due to the lack of negotiation opportunities and the pressure to quickly claim available orders.
   
   10. Blank white screen staring contest: Within take accounts, work is only available after clients place and pay for orders. This can lead to significant periods of inactivity, as writers may find themselves staring at a blank screen, waiting for new orders to appear. This can be particularly frustrating for inexperienced writers or those used to more active platforms, where work is more consistently available. The infrequent availability of orders in take accounts can be demoralizing and can contribute to a feeling of stagnation, especially if the writer is accustomed to a more dynamic work environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both bid and take accounts offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for writers, influencing their choice of account type based on individual preferences and work styles. Bid accounts provide opportunities for price negotiation, client interaction, and potentially higher earnings, but come with challenges such as lower pay rates, constant bidding, and unpredictable work distribution. On the other hand, take accounts streamline the work claiming process and offer more predictable scheduling, but they may impose limitations on the number of orders, involve stricter quality checks, and risk exploitation due to fixed pay rates and subjective evaluations. Understanding these differences allows writers to make informed decisions about which type of account aligns best with their goals and working conditions.

OWC Recommendations

Based on the comparison between bid and take accounts, here are some recommendations for writers:

1. Evaluate Your Preferred Work Style: Choose bid accounts if you prefer flexibility, direct client interaction, and opportunities for negotiation. Opt for take accounts if you value a straightforward claiming process, predictable scheduling, and minimal client communication.
   
   2. Consider Your Experience Level: Newer writers might find take accounts easier for building their reputation and gaining work quickly. Experienced writers might benefit more from bid accounts where their qualifications and negotiation skills can be leveraged for better pay and consistent work.
   
   3. Assess Pay and Earnings Potential: If maximizing earnings is a priority, bid accounts may offer better opportunities for negotiating higher rates. However, take accounts with fixed pay rates and quicker payouts might be advantageous if you prefer a more predictable income.
   
   4. Think About Job Security: Bid accounts might offer more stability due to the potential for long-term client relationships and less stringent quality checks. Conversely, take accounts may pose higher risks of demotion or termination based on performance, so ensure you can meet the demands of quick turnaround and high-quality work.
   
   5. Weigh Workload Management: If you prefer managing a larger volume of work and can handle constant bidding, bid accounts might be suitable. If you value simplicity and want to avoid the continuous need for bidding, take accounts with their straightforward claiming process may be a better fit.
   
   6. Review Support Involvement: If you’re comfortable with stricter quality checks and the possibility of handling disputes by support teams, take accounts might work well. If you prefer less involvement from support and more direct client interactions, bid accounts where you can negotiate and build relationships might be preferable.
   
   7. Plan for Growth: Consider how each account type affects your growth potential. Bid accounts may offer more opportunities for growth through client relationships and repeat business. Take accounts can help you build your profile and gain experience quickly, but be mindful of potential limitations based on your level within the system.
   
   8. Research Work Distribution and Opportunities: Analyze how work is distributed in each account type. Take accounts often use level-based systems to manage work distribution, while bid accounts may involve subjective client decisions. Choose an account type that aligns with your preferences for work distribution and opportunity access.
   
   9. Evaluate Your Time Management Skills: Consider whether you can handle the unpredictability and constant bidding required in bid accounts. If you prefer a straightforward process with the ability to claim tasks quickly, take accounts might be more suitable.
   
   10. Assess Your People Skills: If you excel in negotiation and communication, bid accounts offer opportunities to negotiate better pay rates and build client relationships. For those who prefer minimal negotiation and a more automated process, take accounts could be a better fit.
   
   11. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Reflect on your strengths, such as people skills and ability to work under pressure. Writers with strong negotiation skills may excel in bid accounts, while those who prefer minimal client interaction and quick task claiming may find take accounts more suitable.
   
   12. Understand the Platform’s Reputation and Support: Research the reputation of the platforms offering bid and take accounts. Choose platforms with strong support systems and fair policies to ensure a positive experience. Reviews and feedback from other writers can provide valuable insights.
   
   13. Examine Payment Terms and Frequency: Be aware of the payment terms and frequency associated with each account type. Take accounts often have faster payouts, while bid accounts may involve longer payment cycles or additional steps for securing funds. Choose an account type that aligns with your financial needs and preferences.
   
   14. Reflect on Your Long-Term Goals: Align your choice with your career goals. If you seek steady growth and long-term client relationships, bid accounts can offer sustained opportunities. For immediate tasks and quick turnaround, take accounts might be more appropriate.
   
   15. Evaluate the Competitive Landscape: Understand the competition level for each account type. Bid accounts may involve intense competition and frequent bidding, while take accounts may focus on speed and level-based competition. Choose the account type that matches your ability to manage and thrive in a competitive environment.

By aligning your preferences with the strengths and weaknesses of each account type, you can make a more informed choice that supports your career goals and work style.

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