Toptal appears to offer a more rigorously vetted talent pool and clearer guarantees regarding IP protection and satisfaction. However, the lack of pricing transparency is a significant drawback. Designs offers a broader range of pricing options and industry specializations, but the quality control and guarantees might be less stringent. The choice depends on the client's priorities: guaranteed top talent and IP protection versus potentially more affordable and specialized options.
| Attribute | designs | Toptal |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer Skill Level | Platforms categorize creatives into levels like emerging, senior, and pro. Some claim to hire only the top percentage of applicants. | Claims to hire only the top 3% of freelancer applicants through a rigorous vetting process. |
| Project Management Tools | Design project management software coordinates project planning, execution, and monitoring. Examples: monday.com, Scoro, Quire, Kantata, and Productive. | Emphasizes project management tools like Wrike, Trello, and Asana for remote team collaboration. |
| Communication Channels | Platforms offer various channels for discussing project requirements and feedback. | Clear communication channels such as email, Slack, Google Meet, Jira, Asana, Miro, and Microsoft Teams. |
| Pricing Structure | Hourly rates, project-based fees, value-based pricing, retainer fees, and subscription models. Hourly rates range from $15 to $150 per hour. Design agencies charge $50/hour for junior and $75-$150/hour for senior designers. | Monthly subscription fee of $79; Freelancer rates range from $60 to over $200 per hour. |
| Payment Security | Measures are implemented to protect payments and financial information. | Toptal Pay employs financial network safeguards and adheres to PCI Data Security Standards, using Hyperwallet for payment solutions with end-to-end encryption. |
| Design Quality | Design quality measures how well a product or service meets user needs, business goals, and standards. | Offers talent in UI, UX, Visual, and Interaction design. |
| Client Support | Client support teams aim to be responsive and helpful in resolving issues or concerns. | Customer support via email (support@toptal.com) and phone (+1.888.867.7001). |
| Freelancer Vetting Process | Vetting involves evaluating a designer's skills, experience, and working style. Some platforms use a multi-step approach with Q&A video calls and live challenge projects. | Rigorous vetting process. |
| Time to Hire | Can be expedited using skill verification platforms. January to March is often a good time to apply for design jobs. | Typically around 48 hours. |
| Industry Specialization | Designers may specialize in niches such as mobile app design, book cover design, or T-shirt design. | Offers talent in software development, design, finance, product management, and project management. |
| Intellectual Property Protection | Protecting intellectual property involves understanding copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Contracts should clearly establish terms and provisions to protect intellectual property rights. | Contracts assign IP rights to the client. |
| Client Satisfaction Guarantee | Client satisfaction is often ensured through clear communication, defined revision rounds, and addressing ownership of creative assets. | No-risk trial period with payment only if satisfied. |
| Pricing Transparency | Pricing structures vary, requiring clear communication to foster trust. | Undisclosed markup on freelancer rates, potentially up to 50%. Pricing structure transparency concerns. |