How do you know if a website is a scam?

Does anyone know about a graphic design freelance website? (no scam please)?

• Hi I've been using 99designs for less than a week, I manage to have my design in the finals but still none of them have won. I was wondering if anyone know a similar reliable website that you can sell your designs, like the way 99designs.com does. I was googling earlier but I didn't find any relevant site. I found one https://www.getafreelancer.com but this website you have to give your price so then you might have a little chance of being selected, I don't like it. With 99designs instead you can browse a project and work on a design... I'm really looking forward for your answers and please post self-experience with them too... I want to know if you were paid, and more or less how much do clients pay... Thank you

• Answer:

  I have participated in 99designs in the past and still do from time to time. Nice part about 99designs is you don't have to show a portfolio... just participate by uploading a design. The problem is there are a ton of designers and many of them feel frustrated with the clients they are submitting their work to because there is little feedback many times. I work with getafreelancer also but their site is a bit cumbersome... you can't upload samples of your past work and the bids are low. I found that Elance.com to be the best. They have been around for years and their site is upgraded often. I've had the best luck with them. The clients use an escrow payment system and it works. Haven't been burned once and your money goes to your PayPal account. You have to keep up a good portfolio... that makes a difference. Once you have a few jobs under your belt it gets easier. You have to remember one thing... never give up, it will work over time. Sorry, I don't know any other sites that work like 99designs. But like I said I think Elance works the best. You can sign up for free to test the waters. If you pay their monthly fee you are able to bid on larger paying jobs... some go for thousands.