Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com runs on bids, and the volume is the point: there is always work posted, at every level of budget and quality. Contests let a designer submit speculative work and get paid only if it wins. Rates run low and the bid allowance on the free account runs out fast, which is what the membership tiers sell back to you.

Joining is free. Memberships buy bid allowance and visibility: Basic is $4.99 a month for 50 bids and 50 skills, and Plus is $9.99 for 100 bids, client engagement tools and daily withdrawals, with a one month free trial. Higher tiers sit above. Annual billing saves up to 20 percent. The project fees Freelancer.com charges on completed work are not on the membership page, so check them separately before pricing a job.

A freelancer starting out who needs volume and reviews more than they need high rates. An established editor or designer with a waiting list will find the rates here depressing.