Malt is Europe’s leading freelance management system and marketplace, connecting ambitious freelancers with project owners through intuitive tools. Serving over 70,000 clients, including small businesses and multinational corporations, Malt boasts a network of more than 550,000 freelance experts. The platform has successfully facilitated over 255,000 projects across nine countries, offering a fast and efficient hiring process that allows freelancers to begin work within 24 to 48 hours.
To ensure a smooth onboarding process for both freelancers and clients, Malt handles user documents for validation and compliance purposes, addressing any challenges promptly to enhance the overall user experience.
Flexiple, one of Malt’s main competitors, also targets companies in need of web developers, providing a similar platform for seamless freelancer recruitment. With a focus on community building and freelancer engagement, Malt continues to lead in the European freelance market, offering additional incentives like the “Super Malter” status to its top performers.
How Does Malt Work?
Malt works as a freelance management system that connects clients with freelancers for various types of projects. It simplifies the process for both parties by streamlining communication, project management, and payment processes. Each project on Malt is considered a mission, with clear guidelines and expectations set for both clients and freelancers. Below, we break down the steps Malt follows for both clients and freelancers to ensure smooth project execution.
For Clients
- Project Creation: Clients begin by creating a project on Malt, providing a detailed description of the project, including requirements, skills, and budget. This helps attract the right freelancers who are a fit for the project and ensures customer satisfaction by clearly outlining expectations.
- Freelancer Search and Selection: Clients can use Malt’s advanced search engine to find freelancers based on keywords and location. They can refine their search results using filters to narrow down the pool of available candidates. Clients can also utilize Malt Plus, a feature that uses algorithm-driven matching to recommend freelancers suited to the project.
- Freelancer Contact: Once suitable freelancers are found, clients can contact them directly using Malt’s messaging system. This allows for an initial discussion of project details, expectations, and scope.
- Quote and Contract: Freelancers send their quotes to clients via Malt’s platform. After reviewing and agreeing on the terms, clients accept the quotes, which triggers the creation of a digital contract. Clients can also invite existing freelancers they have worked with before to handle new projects, streamlining project management through the platform.
- Project Execution and Payment: After project initiation, clients can track progress, manage tasks, and communicate with freelancers through Malt’s platform. Payment terms are flexible and can include pre-payment, cash advance, SEPA direct debit, or delayed invoice payment, depending on the nature of the project and mutual agreement.
For Freelancers
- Profile Creation: Freelancers begin by creating a comprehensive profile on Malt that highlights their skills, experience, and portfolio. A detailed freelancer's profile is crucial for attracting clients and enhancing visibility on the platform. They also set their rates and availability, making it easier for clients to find and approach them for suitable projects.
- Project Opportunities: Freelancers receive project proposals directly through Malt’s messaging system, or through Malt Plus, which sends algorithm-generated project recommendations based on their profile. Freelancers can apply to posted projects or wait for clients to contact them directly with opportunities.
- Quote and Contract: When freelancers find a suitable project, they submit their quotes to clients. If accepted, a digital contract is automatically formed, formalizing the terms of the collaboration. Freelancers can manage all of their projects and clients within Malt for a streamlined workflow.
- Project Execution and Payment: Freelancers work on projects within the Malt platform, using it for project management, communication, and status updates. Payment for projects is processed through Malt, with options for secure payment methods, such as escrow accounts for projects requiring pre-payment. This ensures a safe and smooth transaction process for both freelancers and clients.
Business Model of Malt
Malt operates as a dynamic online marketplace designed to connect businesses with freelancers who possess specialized skills and expertise. By offering a platform where businesses can find talent based on specific needs, Malt takes a more direct and personalized approach compared to competitors that often rely on reverse bidding systems. Clients can search for freelancers through detailed profiles that highlight each freelancer’s skills, experience, and rates, allowing for a tailored selection process.
This setup empowers both freelancers and businesses to engage in more meaningful and efficient collaborations. Positive client reviews on Malt contribute significantly to a freelancer's reputation, helping them secure more projects and enhancing their professional credibility.
Revenue Model
Malt’s revenue is generated through a transactional model where the platform takes a commission fee from each completed project. This structure aligns the platform’s success with the quality of service provided, as Malt is incentivized to ensure a positive experience for both freelancers and clients. The platform’s ongoing focus on maintaining high standards ensures that both parties benefit from the platform’s services. This approach fosters trust and satisfaction, essential for repeat business and long-term growth.
However, these commission fees can significantly impact the money freelancers take home, making transparent fee structures crucial to avoid payment issues and ensure overall satisfaction.
Project Management Tools and Solutions
To enhance the user experience, Malt provides a suite of project management tools that help streamline workflows. These tools support key aspects such as managing timelines, tracking deliverables, and handling payments. This ensures that both freelancers and clients have a smooth and transparent experience throughout the course of a project.
Malt's project management tools also help ensure that freelancers deliver project milestones on time. Additionally, Malt has expanded its offerings with Malt Plus, a service that uses an algorithm to automatically match freelancers with client projects, further improving the efficiency of the hiring process.
Flexibility and Specialized Services
Malt’s success lies in its ability to offer flexibility and cost savings for businesses while providing freelancers with the opportunity for financial stability and career growth. The platform operates in multiple countries, catering to a large and diverse community of freelancers and clients. To further serve specific business needs, Malt has expanded its offerings with services such as Malt Strategy, which targets management consultants and interim executives, broadening the scope of talent available on the platform. Additionally, Malt helps freelancers develop their business by providing access to a wide range of clients and projects.
Review of Malt’s Key Features
Malt is a European freelance marketplace connecting over 550,000 freelancers with more than 70,000 clients. It offers a platform for freelancers to showcase their expertise and for clients to find suitable talent for various projects. Many users consider Malt a legit platform due to its extensive network and positive reviews.
1. Freelancer Excellence
Malt boasts a verified network of thousands of freelancers with deep technical and industry expertise, ensuring clients have access to top-tier professionals for their projects. Many freelancers on Malt have many years of experience, ensuring high-quality service for clients.
2. Best Matching Process
The platform’s advanced matching system, supported by dedicated recruiting teams, simplifies and accelerates the process of finding the right freelancers for clients’ specific needs.
At the stage of matching, Malt's algorithm ensures that the best-suited freelancers are recommended to clients.
3. Secure Freelance Management
Malt’s freelance management system centralizes projects, freelancers, and costs, providing a secure and efficient environment for both clients and freelancers to manage their collaborations.
Malt's platform ensures the secure management of project-related documents, enhancing trust between clients and freelancers.
4. Payment Security
All missions conducted through Malt are covered by professional liability insurance, and payments to freelancers are guaranteed within 10 days, ensuring financial security for both parties.
Malt offers secure payment options, including Paypal, to ensure freelancers receive their payments promptly.
5. Global Reach
Operating in nine countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, Malt provides a broad platform for freelancers and clients across Europe and beyond.
Malt's website is accessible in multiple languages, catering to a diverse international audience.
Malt Pricing Review
Malt offers different pricing structures for both freelancers and clients, with varying fees based on the type of service and plan chosen. Here's a breakdown of the costs for both parties:
For Freelancers (Candidates):
- Service Fees: Malt deducts a service fee from the freelancer's earnings, ranging from 0% to 10% (excluding taxes), depending on the project and client's pricing plan.
- No Commission: In the UK, Malt does not charge freelancers any commission, making it free for them to use the platform.
- No Additional Charges: Freelancers do not pay any commission to Malt and receive their specified daily rate from clients.
For Clients:
-
Service Fees: Clients pay service fees based on their chosen tariff plan. The fees can vary significantly:
- Starter Plan: 15% service fee.
- Advanced Plan: 20% service fee.
- Enterprise Plan: Personalized service fees.
Additional Services: Clients may also pay for premium services like featured listings and priority support.
Malt User Experience Review
Malt provides a seamless and intuitive user experience for both freelancers and clients. The platform is easy to navigate, with a clean and simple interface that allows users to quickly find and post projects. Freelancers can create detailed profiles showcasing their skills, while clients can filter search results to find the right match. Malt aims to ensure that user requests are never completely ignored, emphasizing their commitment to responsive communication.
For freelancers, the process of submitting proposals is straightforward, and the communication tools make collaborating with clients efficient. The payment system is secure and reliable, ensuring freelancers are paid on time.
Clients benefit from a large pool of qualified talent, making it easier to find specialists for any project. The platform also offers project management tools, allowing clients to monitor progress and stay connected with freelancers.
Pros and Cons of Malt: Positive & Negatives
When evaluating Malt, freelancers and clients alike often weigh its benefits and drawbacks. The platform offers a range of features aimed at facilitating seamless project collaboration. However, it also has its limitations that users should consider. Here’s an in-depth look at both the pros and cons of Malt based on user reviews.
Some users absolutely recommend Malt for its efficiency, while others caution against it due to high service fees.
Pros of Malt
- Wide Range of Talents: Malt boasts a large pool of highly skilled freelancers, making it easier to find the right fit for projects.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is intuitive, allowing clients and freelancers to navigate easily.
- Secure Payment System: Malt ensures secure payments with clear invoicing, reducing potential conflicts. Many users hope to continue having positive experiences on Malt, thanks to its user-friendly interface and secure payment system.
- Flexibility: Freelancers have the freedom to set their rates and work schedules.
- Quality Control: Malt verifies the expertise of its freelancers, which enhances trust and reliability.
Cons of Malt
- Service Fees: Freelancers are subject to a service fee, which can be high for small projects.
- Competition: The platform’s popularity leads to intense competition among freelancers, which can make it harder to stand out.
- Limited Global Reach: While Malt is expanding, its services are not yet available in all countries.
- Dependence on Reviews: Success on the platform heavily depends on obtaining positive client reviews, which may take time to build.
- No Built-in Communication Tools: Malt does not provide integrated communication tools, leading users to rely on external apps for messaging.
- Scammers: Some users have reported concerns about scammers on the platform, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Malt Reviews from Clients and Candidates
Here are a few real reviews from clients and candidates sharing their experience working with malt.
Malt Review 1 from Client
This is a positive review from Stephanie Matard for Malt, dated October 14, 2024. Here’s a summary of her feedback:
Key Points:
- Consistently Outstanding Freelancers: Stephanie reports that every freelancer she has hired through Malt has been exceptional.
- Personal Use: She also notes that she uses the platform herself as a freelancer, adding a layer of credibility to her review.
- Preferred Platform: Malt is her first choice when it comes to hiring freelancers, indicating a high level of trust and satisfaction with the service.
Overall Impression: Stephanie expresses strong satisfaction with Malt, highlighting the quality of freelancers she has engaged with and her preference for using the platform for her own hiring needs. Malt values the strong relationship built with freelancers, contributing to their overall satisfaction.
Malt Review 2 from Candidate
This is a negative review from Katarzyna Skarzynska for Malt, dated October 25, 2024. Here’s a summary of her feedback:
Key Points:
- Unprofessional Treatment: Katarzyna describes her experience with Malt as full of unprofessionalism and a lack of respect towards freelancers.
- Contract Issues: She had a contract unexpectedly terminated and experienced misinformation about contract details which led to a loss of four weeks of notice pay.
- Communication Failures: Katarzyna highlights a severe lack of communication from Malt, noting that she was often ignored and only received late and insufficient responses.
- Payment Delays: She mentions a specific incident where there was a discrepancy in the promised and actual pay dates, adding financial stress to her situation.
Katarzyna felt that these issues were not her fault, emphasizing the platform's shortcomings in communication and support.
Overall Impression: Katarzyna’s review warns other freelancers about her poor experience with Malt, characterized by broken promises, disrespect, and unreliable communication, which made her professional and personal life significantly more stressful. She advises against using Malt based on her experiences.
Top Alternatives to Malt for Clients
Top alternatives to Malt for clients include Flexiple, CloudDevs, and Gun.io. These platforms offer tailored solutions for hiring remote talent, each bringing unique strengths in speed, pricing, and expertise to meet diverse client needs. Additionally, these platforms provide efficient ways to hire skilled freelancers for various projects, ensuring affordability, portfolio reviews, and secure transactions.
1. Flexiple
Flexiple is an elite network that focuses on connecting companies with top-tier freelance developers and designers within 48 hours. With a robust vetting process assessing over 50 unique data points, Flexiple guarantees only the highest caliber talent. Best wishes are what we consistently deliver to our customers through successful placements.
The site offers a variety of hiring models, allowing clients to choose part-time or full-time engagement based on project demands. Clients can also trial developers for a week before making a commitment, ensuring compatibility and avoiding any mistake in the hiring process. Flexiple’s network includes alumni from top companies like Amazon and Microsoft and serves high-profile clients such as Urban Ladder and MobiKwik.
2. CloudDevs
CloudDevs specializes in providing Latin American remote developers, offering quick assignments within 24 hours. It boasts a cost-effective model that can save clients 50-60% compared to local hiring options. With a talent pool of over 80,000 engineers, CloudDevs has a strong focus on senior-level developers with an average of 7+ years of experience. CloudDevs offers competitive prices, making it a cost-effective option for hiring remote developers.
The platform offers three flexible hiring options, including freelance hires, direct recruitment, and team augmentation. Clients also benefit from a 7-day risk-free trial and timezone-matching, making it a good fit for companies needing developers in similar time zones.
3. Gun.io
Gun.io is designed to quickly connect companies with top-quality software engineers through a streamlined hiring process. With a focus on flexibility, Gun.io provides clients with access to both freelance and salaried developers, specializing in front-end, back-end, and full-stack engineering roles. The platform prides itself on speed, offering instant interview booking and a quick hiring process, often taking less than two weeks. Gun.io provides a streamlined process for posting job listings and hiring top-quality software engineers.
Gun.io also provides ongoing support and ensures that all candidates are thoroughly vetted using a combination of senior engineers and algorithms. Additionally, it offers transparent pricing and continuous engagement through a monthly retainer.
Alternatives to Malt for Tech Talent
If you’re exploring alternatives as a tech talent, consider these alternatives:
For freelance talent and gig‑based work:
- freelancer.com
- peopleperhour.com
- upwork.com
For pre‑vetted developers and teams:
- flexiple.com
- toptal.com
- x‑team.com
Tech talent can easily register on these platforms to access a wide range of freelance opportunities.
Is Malt the Right Platform for You?
Yes, Malt is the right platform for you if you are looking for a quick and efficient way to connect with skilled freelancers, as they can start working within 24 to 48 hours. The platform also offers a large and diverse talent pool, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes, from SMBs to multinational corporations. Additionally, if you are looking to work in one of the nine countries where Malt operates, it is an excellent choice. If you value community building and support, Malt’s emphasis on a strong freelancer-client network and account management services makes it a great fit. Many users consider Malt a trustworthy platform due to its secure payment system and verified freelancer network.
Malt is not the right platform for you if you are not based in one of the countries where the platform is active, as its geographical presence is limited to specific regions. Additionally, if you’re looking for a platform with a broader range of long-term hiring opportunities, Malt’s focus on freelance projects may not align with your needs. Lastly, if you prefer traditional recruitment processes and are not interested in gamification or community-focused platforms, Malt may not suit your preferences.
FAQs On Malt Reviews
1. How does Malt ensure the quality of freelancers on the platform?
Malt uses a vetting process and a feedback system to maintain high standards, allowing clients to review freelancers based on performance and expertise. This vetting process helps confirm the quality of freelancers on the platform.
2. Can I use Malt for short-term or one-off projects?
Yes, Malt is ideal for short-term and one-off projects, offering freelancers who can quickly start and complete tasks within tight deadlines.
3. What is “Super Malter” status, and how do freelancers earn it?
“Super Malter” status is a reward for highly active freelancers, offering increased visibility and access to a wider variety of projects based on their performance and engagement on the platform.
4. Does Malt offer support for managing ongoing projects?
Yes, Malt provides account management support, helping clients find the right talent and manage projects effectively throughout the engagement.
5. Are there any geographic restrictions on using Malt?
Malt operates in nine countries across Europe, the UAE, and the UK, so users outside these regions may have limited access to the platform’s services.
