Belay

What: Belay matches remote workers to companies needing service in four areas — social media, web design, virtual assistance and bookkeeping

Expected Pay: $15 to $30 per hour

Husl$core: $$$

Commissions & fees: 50%*

Where: National, but does not accept contract workers from California, Montana, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

Requirements: smart phone; home office with computer and high-speed internet access; bachelor’s degree preferred; other requirements vary by position

Belay Review:

Belay launched as a company providing virtual assistants to companies needing help managing email, schedules and projects. It moved into bookkeeping, social media and web services with the purchase of MAG Bookkeeping. Now the company matches remote workers to companies needing service in four areas — social media, web design, virtual assistants and bookkeeping.

Worker reviews are generally positive and the site promises pay ranging from $15 to $30 per hour. However, workers are only paid once per month, so it’s not a good option if you need to earn money in a hurry.

M-F Availability

Belay arranges remote work for both contractors and its own staff. But the site expects you to be available during normal business hours (Atlanta time), Monday through Friday. If you’re looking for a more flexible arrangement, you need to check elsewhere.

Reviewers at Indeed maintain that the site also takes 50% of the freelancer’s pay. That’s a steep levy and may only be worthwhile if you need help finding clients. It may also be the reason that freelancers maintain that the pay is pretty low here, particularly for those who have copious experience.

Recommendations:

If you’re looking for full-time work, you may also want to check out Indeed and Glassdoor, which are highly-rated job boards. If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper, also check out AccountingDepartment.com, Acuity, Paro, and Robert Half.

You also can post your availability to handle any job/project through Fiverr, which will only charge a 20% commission.

Want to freelance for Belay?

Here’s a direct link to where you can sign up.

What their workers say (from Indeed*): 

“Great pay, wonderful management, best flexibility. Takes time to get full-time schedule, but worth it. Company mission is outstanding. Lots of resources provided for success.”

*”Great Company – But they do take about 50% of your pay. They tend to over-hire for the number of jobs they have open. The culture is great – they do follow up with you and the client for happiness.”

“The pitch and idea of this is great, but doesn’t play out as advertised. The pay is low, demands are high and the Client Success Consultants put all of the onus on the contractor to deal with any issues. You can’t really EVER take time off. Been with them a few years now and approaching total burnout. Will be relieved to move on to something else soon. Might as well work as a temp as do this.”

“I am highly qualified and I make similar pay as I did in high school which is definitely a con. There wasn’t any negotiation in pay. And there is never any mention of raises, even for those of us who have been with the company for years.”

(From Glassdoor)

“You are a contractor so do not expect them to give you the hours that you need. You go through an application process that matches you with a client, which can take a very long time. As a contractor you do not get any benefits. They match you with the clients.”

“Everyone you work with at BELAY is absolutely incredible. Uplifting, available, helpful! They truly walk you through the process when you’re first starting out. But even with 8 years of experience, the starting pay was extremely low. After 1 year of engagement you are eligible for an increase, however it was only $1/hour.”

“You are your own boss. You make your own schedule. BELAY encourages this standard between you and your client, and this ultimately creates the perfect life/work balance. On the other hand, pay is not that great. In my opinion, this job is better as a supplement income to your partner’s income. Or an alternative to daycare and a part-time onsite job.”

Updated 11/2/2021