> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://openup.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://openup.gitbook.io/handbook/how-we-work/outsourcing-and-contracting/platforms-we-use-to-find-contractors.md). # Platforms We Use To Find Contractors ### Upwork * Primary source * works best when we're able to specify a task * an end-goal; a specific idea of what we want to get out of it * good for specifying features the organisation wants to implement on our open source software * Also a source for people to suggest possible solutions * * Harder to hold to a contract if specifications are vague #### Why do we prefer Upwork? * Generally speaking, developers in Africa are relatively expensive compared to people on Upwork. (For more info, see [Why We Contract People](/handbook/how-we-work/outsourcing-and-contracting/why-we-contract-people.md)) * Progress visibility of past work of potential contractors * Reviews of the past work of potential contractors * 'If you don’t know someone, it’s a lot easier to get something started on Upwork than it is on ZATech or other local temp/freelancing platforms.' - J.D. Bothma ### Fiverr * Secondary option * another online marketplace for freelance work * Best for creative work ### ZATech * a Slack workspace. * Tech-focused * Community of tech people based in South Africa * * NOTE: We might use ZATech if we specifically want to work with South Africans, which can be important for government projects. Especially for projects where we have to be “client facing” --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://openup.gitbook.io/handbook/how-we-work/outsourcing-and-contracting/platforms-we-use-to-find-contractors.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.