FAQ
About uFathom BPO ~ Global Outsourcing Trade Center
About the uFathom BPO Network
A: About the uFathom Global BPO & Outsourcing Trade Center
uFathom Inc. (uF) is a marketplace for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology outsourcing (ITO) solutions. Service Providers with a strong performance record can deliver BPO services to Service Buyers with ongoing project requirements. uF aims to become a primary outsourcing service provider for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) wish to build effective, scalable cost-effective and specialized partnerships.
The uF niche emphasizes Service Provider sourcing in effective locations such as in India, Bangladesh, the Philippians, Russia and Eastern Europe. The primary BPO and ITO services provided include IT, web design, internet marketing, technical writing, accounting and engineering.
uFathom Objectives
Key business model characteristics for uF include automation, mobility and scalability. All functions of the website are automated for efficiency (e-mails, newsletters, client support, newsfeeds, API and RSS feeds). The business has strong infrastructure, highly efficient coding, a custom database and light-weight software for lower bandwidth regions.
Corporate Services
uF is a B2B outsourcing portal that will cater to geographically dispersed Service Buyers and Service Providers with a multitude of business service categories. The website hosts projects in verticals that are categorized into services areas that include call centres, BPO, Animation, Data Entry, Software Development, Accounting/ Book Keeping, Internet Marketing, SEO, Website Design, Legal Services, Database Development and Content Writing.
uFathom Inc. (uF) is a marketplace for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology outsourcing (ITO) solutions. Service Providers with a strong performance record can deliver BPO services to Service Buyers with ongoing project requirements. uF aims to become a primary outsourcing service provider for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) wish to build effective, scalable cost-effective and specialized partnerships.
The uF niche emphasizes Service Provider sourcing in effective locations such as in India, Bangladesh, the Philippians, Russia and Eastern Europe. The primary BPO and ITO services provided include IT, web design, internet marketing, technical writing, accounting and engineering.
uFathom Objectives
Key business model characteristics for uF include automation, mobility and scalability. All functions of the website are automated for efficiency (e-mails, newsletters, client support, newsfeeds, API and RSS feeds). The business has strong infrastructure, highly efficient coding, a custom database and light-weight software for lower bandwidth regions.
Corporate Services
uF is a B2B outsourcing portal that will cater to geographically dispersed Service Buyers and Service Providers with a multitude of business service categories. The website hosts projects in verticals that are categorized into services areas that include call centres, BPO, Animation, Data Entry, Software Development, Accounting/ Book Keeping, Internet Marketing, SEO, Website Design, Legal Services, Database Development and Content Writing.
How Can my Business Start a Premier Membership?
A: To upgrade to a Premier Account, click "Login" on the uFathom BPO home page, then click the "Launch Premier Membership" button on the main User Account page. A User will require a balance of at least $20USD for the first month of a Premier Membership. The funds will be deducted on a monthly basis for a Premier Membership.
How to Delete a Company Profile on uFathom
A: uFathom BPO security controls require that all user accounts are closed by the uFathom Support Desk. A User can submit a Ticket through the User Account by clicking the "Help Desk" link. The account will need to have a balance of $0USD or greater in order to be closed.
Company Sign-up Requirements and Process
A: The sign-up process on the uFathom network involves two main steps:
1. Click the Sign-up link on the uFathom home page and fill in company details including desired username, actual company name (or trade name) and contact e-mail. New users also must agree to the uFathom Terms of Service. Once the information is complete a verification e-mail will be sent to the contact e-mail account.
**IMPORTANT: Check bulk/junk mail folder in the event the confirmation link did not hit the e-mail inbox.
2. Click the verification link sent out by uFathom and complete company details. The company details including location, size, service specialties and other important details can be included.
3. Once the initial user information is complete the user account becomes listed on uFathom and current projects can be posted on the uFathom network. As per Terms of Service, no company contact information can be included in the user profile. The information can only be provided to other users following the acceptance of a Service Proposal (bid) or following the purchase of a Service Package.
Company information can be modified after initial registration by visiting the Account Preferences page. Corporate video can be embedded, Portfolio Pictures and Feedback Import (from other outsourcing networks) are also recommended for demonstrating professional expertise to other uFathom Users.
1. Click the Sign-up link on the uFathom home page and fill in company details including desired username, actual company name (or trade name) and contact e-mail. New users also must agree to the uFathom Terms of Service. Once the information is complete a verification e-mail will be sent to the contact e-mail account.
**IMPORTANT: Check bulk/junk mail folder in the event the confirmation link did not hit the e-mail inbox.
2. Click the verification link sent out by uFathom and complete company details. The company details including location, size, service specialties and other important details can be included.
3. Once the initial user information is complete the user account becomes listed on uFathom and current projects can be posted on the uFathom network. As per Terms of Service, no company contact information can be included in the user profile. The information can only be provided to other users following the acceptance of a Service Proposal (bid) or following the purchase of a Service Package.
Company information can be modified after initial registration by visiting the Account Preferences page. Corporate video can be embedded, Portfolio Pictures and Feedback Import (from other outsourcing networks) are also recommended for demonstrating professional expertise to other uFathom Users.
uFathom User Cost Structure (Service Buyers & Service Providers)
A: uFathom has a Single User Platform for Service Buyers and Service Providers, meaning users can buy and provide business services with a single user account. As a result the costing shown below includes the service fees for both Service Buyers and Service Providers.
Service Buyer Costs (USD):
+$15– New User Account Credit (Buyer/Provider)
-$20– Premier Membership Cost per month (Buyer/Provider)
-$5 – Basic Project Listing ($1 Premier User)
-$20– Part-Time Project Listing (Ongoing position with <20 hours/week)
-$35– Full-Time Project Listing (Ongoing position with >20 hours/week)
-$15– Commission Project Listing (All pay-for-performance projects sales/leads)
-$5– Open Budget Project (The project is open to all bid amounts)
-$0– Hide Project from Unregistered Users
-$5– Invite Only Project (Project is only open to invited Service Providers)
-$5– Hide Project from Search Engines (Project is hidden from Google/APIs)
-$1– Project is only open to uFathom Premier Providers
Service Provider Costs (USD):
+$15– New User Account Credit (Buyer/Provider)
-$20– Premier Membership Cost per month (Buyer/Provider)
-8%– Final Value Fee upon Withdrawal for a successful project (Standard User)
3.5%- Final Value Fee upon Withdrawal for a successful project (Premier User)
Other Provider Notes:
Bid Allotment- 30 Bids per month (Standard User)
Bid Allotment- 70 Bids per month (Premier Provider)
Service Package Costs (Service Buyer):
Service Package Fee- No cost (Service Buyer)
Maximum Purchase- None (Service Buyer)
Service Package Costs (Service Provider):
Listing Cost- No Listing Cost for Service Provider (Standard & Premier Providers)
Package Posting Limit- 30 Service Package Listing Maximum (Standard User)
Package Posting Limit- 50 Service Package Listing Maximum (Premier User)
Sale Fee- No listing cost & 8% Final Value per Service Package Sold (Standard User)
Sale Fee- No listing cost & 3.5% Final Value per Service Package Sold (Premier User)
Service Buyer Costs (USD):
+$15– New User Account Credit (Buyer/Provider)
-$20– Premier Membership Cost per month (Buyer/Provider)
-$5 – Basic Project Listing ($1 Premier User)
-$20– Part-Time Project Listing (Ongoing position with <20 hours/week)
-$35– Full-Time Project Listing (Ongoing position with >20 hours/week)
-$15– Commission Project Listing (All pay-for-performance projects sales/leads)
-$5– Open Budget Project (The project is open to all bid amounts)
-$0– Hide Project from Unregistered Users
-$5– Invite Only Project (Project is only open to invited Service Providers)
-$5– Hide Project from Search Engines (Project is hidden from Google/APIs)
-$1– Project is only open to uFathom Premier Providers
Service Provider Costs (USD):
+$15– New User Account Credit (Buyer/Provider)
-$20– Premier Membership Cost per month (Buyer/Provider)
-8%– Final Value Fee upon Withdrawal for a successful project (Standard User)
3.5%- Final Value Fee upon Withdrawal for a successful project (Premier User)
Other Provider Notes:
Bid Allotment- 30 Bids per month (Standard User)
Bid Allotment- 70 Bids per month (Premier Provider)
Service Package Costs (Service Buyer):
Service Package Fee- No cost (Service Buyer)
Maximum Purchase- None (Service Buyer)
Service Package Costs (Service Provider):
Listing Cost- No Listing Cost for Service Provider (Standard & Premier Providers)
Package Posting Limit- 30 Service Package Listing Maximum (Standard User)
Package Posting Limit- 50 Service Package Listing Maximum (Premier User)
Sale Fee- No listing cost & 8% Final Value per Service Package Sold (Standard User)
Sale Fee- No listing cost & 3.5% Final Value per Service Package Sold (Premier User)
Service Buyer Information
How To Hire with Ufathom?
A: The following contributors should be recognized for the impact they have made and/or continue to make by adding content to the manual: Jouni Ahto, Alexander Aulbach, Daniel Beckham, Stig Bakken, Jesus M. Castagnetto, Ron Chmara, John Coggeshall, Simone Cortesi, Markus Fischer, Wez Furlong, Sara Golemon, Rui Hirokawa, Brad House, Moriyoshi Koizumi, Rasmus Lerdorf, Andrew Lindeman, Stanislav Malyshev, Rafael Martinez, Yasuo Ohgaki, Derick Rethans, Sander Roobol, Egon Schmid, Thomas Schoefbeck, Sascha Schumann, Lars Torben Wilson, Jim Winstead, Jeroen van Wolffelaar and Andrei Zmievski.
New Employers – Tips for Posting Projects
A: The currently most active maintainers are: Mehdi Achour, Friedhelm Betz, Vincent Gevers, Aidan Lister, Nuno Lopes and Tom Sommer.
These people have also put a lot of effort into managing user notes: Daniel Beckham, Victor Boivie, Jesus M. Castagnetto, Nicolas Chaillan, Ron Chmara, James Cox, Sara Golemon, Zak Greant, Szabolcs Heilig, Oliver Hinckel, Hartmut Holzgraefe, Rasmus Lerdorf, Andrew Lindeman, Maxim Maletsky, James Moore, Sebastian Picklum, Derick Rethans, Sander Roobol, Damien Seguy, Jason Sheets, Jani Taskinen, Yasuo Ohgaki, Philip Olson, Lars Torben Wilson, Jim Winstead, Jared Wyles and Jeroen van Wolffelaar.
Contracts for Freelance Work
A: Here we would like to show the very basics of PHP in a short, simple tutorial. This text only deals with dynamic webpage creation with PHP, though PHP is not only capable of creating webpages. See the section titled What can PHP do for more information.
PHP-enabled web pages are treated just like regular HTML pages and you can create and edit them the same way you normally create regular HTML pages.
Service Provider Information (Subcontractors)
Information for Service Providers
uFathom BPO User Terms, Details and Definitions (Termonology)
Website Support Terms
A:
uFathom Support- The uFathom help team that is responsible for helping users with the requirements and concerns.
Customer Help Desk- uFathom customer support for system used to answer Users inquiries.
User Suspension- When a User Account is locked by uFathom Support due to a violation on the uFathom Terms of Service.
Banned User- When a User Account is permanently deleted due to repeated violations of the uFathom Terms of Service.
Dispute Resolution Services- The service provided by uFathom support for resolving a dispute over payment due on the uFathom website.
uFathom Support- The uFathom help team that is responsible for helping users with the requirements and concerns.
Customer Help Desk- uFathom customer support for system used to answer Users inquiries.
User Suspension- When a User Account is locked by uFathom Support due to a violation on the uFathom Terms of Service.
Banned User- When a User Account is permanently deleted due to repeated violations of the uFathom Terms of Service.
Dispute Resolution Services- The service provided by uFathom support for resolving a dispute over payment due on the uFathom website.
uFathom Project Types
A:
Project- A Project is any assignment posted by a Service Provider on the uFathom website
Open Project- A Project that is Open to new Bid Proposals from Service Providers.
Closed Project- A Project where the Service Provider(s) have been chosen and is not open to further Bids.
Expired Project- A Project that has expired without a successful Proposal from a Service Buyer.
Frozen Project- The Service Buyer has selected the chosen Service Provider(s) to complete the outsourcing project requirement. The project will be Frozen until the Service Provider(s) accept the Project. If the Service Provider does not agree to proceed with the project, the Service Buyer may choose to Re-list or close the project.
Cancelled Project- A Project that was cancelled without selecting a Service Provider before the end of the listed time-line.
Commission Project- A Project where the Service Buyer pays for the results or outcome provided by a Service Provider. The Commission Projects are usually priced based on Leads or Sales.
Part-Time Position- A Project that will require assistance of a Service Provider on an ongoing basis. The time requirement for a Part-Time Project will range between 5 and 20 hours on a weekly basis.
Full-Time Position- When a Service Buyer has a Project that will require assistance of a Service Provider on an ongoing basis. A time requirement for a Full-Time Project can range between a 20 and 40+ hour requirement on a weekly basis.
Project Category- The Project categories include the general categories of business services that can be outsourced on the uFathom website.
The Project Categories include the main areas of BPO services:
Private Project- A Private Project is a project listing that can only be accessed by the Project creator (Service Buyer) and invited Service Providers only.
Non-Public Project- A project that requires a uFathom membership prior to viewing the project. A Non-public Project is not visible to search engines, which increases the level of Privacy for a Service Buyer.
Premier Member Project- A Project listed by a Service Provider that will only accept proposals (bids) from Premier Users.
Project- A Project is any assignment posted by a Service Provider on the uFathom website
Open Project- A Project that is Open to new Bid Proposals from Service Providers.
Closed Project- A Project where the Service Provider(s) have been chosen and is not open to further Bids.
Expired Project- A Project that has expired without a successful Proposal from a Service Buyer.
Frozen Project- The Service Buyer has selected the chosen Service Provider(s) to complete the outsourcing project requirement. The project will be Frozen until the Service Provider(s) accept the Project. If the Service Provider does not agree to proceed with the project, the Service Buyer may choose to Re-list or close the project.
Cancelled Project- A Project that was cancelled without selecting a Service Provider before the end of the listed time-line.
Commission Project- A Project where the Service Buyer pays for the results or outcome provided by a Service Provider. The Commission Projects are usually priced based on Leads or Sales.
o Leads- Qualified potential contacts.
o Sales- Contacts that directly result in a sale.
o Note- Commission Projects will generally relate to a Service Buyer marketing requirement, which could include marketing the services, website or software for a Service Provider.
Part-Time Position- A Project that will require assistance of a Service Provider on an ongoing basis. The time requirement for a Part-Time Project will range between 5 and 20 hours on a weekly basis.
Full-Time Position- When a Service Buyer has a Project that will require assistance of a Service Provider on an ongoing basis. A time requirement for a Full-Time Project can range between a 20 and 40+ hour requirement on a weekly basis.
Project Category- The Project categories include the general categories of business services that can be outsourced on the uFathom website.
The Project Categories include the main areas of BPO services:
o Programming & Website Design
o Internet Marketing & SEO
o Engineering & Architecture
o Writing & Translation
o Business Services (BPO, KPO, ERP, ITO, SCM, etc.)
o Design, Graphics & Media
o Writing & Translation
o Business Services (BPO, KPO, ERP, ITO, SCM, etc.)
o Design, Graphics & Media
Private Project- A Private Project is a project listing that can only be accessed by the Project creator (Service Buyer) and invited Service Providers only.
Non-Public Project- A project that requires a uFathom membership prior to viewing the project. A Non-public Project is not visible to search engines, which increases the level of Privacy for a Service Buyer.
Premier Member Project- A Project listed by a Service Provider that will only accept proposals (bids) from Premier Users.
Posted Projects Terms, Details and Definitions
A:
Project Term- The Project Term is the duration (length) of the Project listing, which is set when a Service Buyer posts a new Project. A Project Term is required for all types including Freelance, Part-Time, Full-Time and Commission listings.
Contract Term- The Contract Term specifies the duration of the services provided by the Service Provider. The Term of the Contract can be open ended for a Part-Time, Full-Time and Commission Project. The Freelance project listing category requires a deadline specified in the Project Listing.
Project Deadline- The date when all Project deliverable are due. The importance of the deadline varies based on the Service Buyer requirements. The importance of meeting specified time-lines should be discussed between the Service Buyer and Service Provider prior to the commencement of a Project.
Negotiation Phase- This is the period of negotiation between a Service Buyer and Service Provider(s) prior to the finalization, budget and acceptance of a bid. The Negotiation Phase will involve discussion on Project terms, expectations, reporting requirements and milestones for a successful transaction.
Basic Project- A Basic Project is a RFP (invitation to bid) on a specific, time-line oriented task. The Service Provider can submit a Proposal (bid) based on an hourly estimate or final fee for project completion.
Featured Project- A project type that gains additional exposure and Service Provider interest by being displayed in the top of the category.
Hide Bid Details- When a Service Buyer posts a Project that conceals both Service Provider identities and Bid details. Hide Project Details can be useful in negotiating a lower Bid from the Service Provider as well as increasing Service Buyer privacy.
Project Term- The Project Term is the duration (length) of the Project listing, which is set when a Service Buyer posts a new Project. A Project Term is required for all types including Freelance, Part-Time, Full-Time and Commission listings.
Contract Term- The Contract Term specifies the duration of the services provided by the Service Provider. The Term of the Contract can be open ended for a Part-Time, Full-Time and Commission Project. The Freelance project listing category requires a deadline specified in the Project Listing.
Project Deadline- The date when all Project deliverable are due. The importance of the deadline varies based on the Service Buyer requirements. The importance of meeting specified time-lines should be discussed between the Service Buyer and Service Provider prior to the commencement of a Project.
Negotiation Phase- This is the period of negotiation between a Service Buyer and Service Provider(s) prior to the finalization, budget and acceptance of a bid. The Negotiation Phase will involve discussion on Project terms, expectations, reporting requirements and milestones for a successful transaction.
Basic Project- A Basic Project is a RFP (invitation to bid) on a specific, time-line oriented task. The Service Provider can submit a Proposal (bid) based on an hourly estimate or final fee for project completion.
Featured Project- A project type that gains additional exposure and Service Provider interest by being displayed in the top of the category.
Hide Bid Details- When a Service Buyer posts a Project that conceals both Service Provider identities and Bid details. Hide Project Details can be useful in negotiating a lower Bid from the Service Provider as well as increasing Service Buyer privacy.
Project Budget Details, Terms and Definitions
A:
Budget- The Budget is the cost expectation set by a Service Buyer when listing a new Project on uFathom. The Service Buyer has the option to select a Price Range or Open Budget for a Project listing. The Budget set for the Project is flexible and Service Providers are permitted to Bid above or below the amount specified by the Service Buyer.
Open Budget- A Project where a Service Buyer does not specify a price range for the Project and the project is open to all bid amount.
Price Range- The Price Range is Bid amount expectation (range) set when a Service Buyer Posts a Project on uFathom. The Price Range is flexible and Service Providers are permitted to place a Proposal above or below the Price Range set for a Project.
Budget- The Budget is the cost expectation set by a Service Buyer when listing a new Project on uFathom. The Service Buyer has the option to select a Price Range or Open Budget for a Project listing. The Budget set for the Project is flexible and Service Providers are permitted to Bid above or below the amount specified by the Service Buyer.
Open Budget- A Project where a Service Buyer does not specify a price range for the Project and the project is open to all bid amount.
Price Range- The Price Range is Bid amount expectation (range) set when a Service Buyer Posts a Project on uFathom. The Price Range is flexible and Service Providers are permitted to place a Proposal above or below the Price Range set for a Project.
Project Bid Details
A:
Bid- A Bid is how the Service Provider indicates interest in a newly posted Project on the uFathom website.
Bid Allotment- The number of Proposals that can be made by a Service Provider on a Monthly Basis.
Membership Cycle- The day of the month when the Service Provider Bids are refilled. A Service Provider can check the number of remaining by logging into the User Control Panel.
Minimum/Maximum Bid- The Minimum and Maximum Bid is the limitation set by for the Service Provider project proposal.
Bid Retraction- When a Service Provider cancels a bid. A Bid is generally retracted when the expectations for a Project differ significantly between the dialog with a Service Buyer and the actual Project description for a Posted Project.
Hidden Bids- Service Buyers have the option to Hide Bids when posting a Project. This is set when during the posting of a project and cannot be changed after a project is listed.
Revise Bid- When a Service Provider increases or decreases the amount bid on a project based on project clarification from the Service Buyer. The Revise Bid option is only available while a Project is still open to Bidding.
Bid- A Bid is how the Service Provider indicates interest in a newly posted Project on the uFathom website.
Bid Allotment- The number of Proposals that can be made by a Service Provider on a Monthly Basis.
Membership Cycle- The day of the month when the Service Provider Bids are refilled. A Service Provider can check the number of remaining by logging into the User Control Panel.
Minimum/Maximum Bid- The Minimum and Maximum Bid is the limitation set by for the Service Provider project proposal.
Bid Retraction- When a Service Provider cancels a bid. A Bid is generally retracted when the expectations for a Project differ significantly between the dialog with a Service Buyer and the actual Project description for a Posted Project.
Hidden Bids- Service Buyers have the option to Hide Bids when posting a Project. This is set when during the posting of a project and cannot be changed after a project is listed.
Revise Bid- When a Service Provider increases or decreases the amount bid on a project based on project clarification from the Service Buyer. The Revise Bid option is only available while a Project is still open to Bidding.
Negotiation Terms
A:
Proposal- When a Service Provider submits a Bid or quote for a Project posted on uFathom. The Service Buyer can accept, reject or counter the bid placed by the Service Buyer
Hourly Proposal- When the Service Provider submits a Bid that is Based on an Hourly Estimate that is flexable and may vary based on the time commitment to complete the project.
Rational- The Rational includes the justification, reason and details for the Bid amount specified in a Service Provider Bid. A stronger Rational will often increase the chance one equivalent Service Provider will be chosen over another.
Final Value- The Final Value is the amount that the Service Buyer and Service Provider agree on as the estimate for the completion of a Project listed on uFathom.
Proposal- When a Service Provider submits a Bid or quote for a Project posted on uFathom. The Service Buyer can accept, reject or counter the bid placed by the Service Buyer
Hourly Proposal- When the Service Provider submits a Bid that is Based on an Hourly Estimate that is flexable and may vary based on the time commitment to complete the project.
Rational- The Rational includes the justification, reason and details for the Bid amount specified in a Service Provider Bid. A stronger Rational will often increase the chance one equivalent Service Provider will be chosen over another.
Final Value- The Final Value is the amount that the Service Buyer and Service Provider agree on as the estimate for the completion of a Project listed on uFathom.
Payment Terms
A:
Deposit- When a User deposits funds into their uFathom account.
Withdrawal- When a User removes funds from their uFathom account.
Referral Fee- Referral Fee is profit sharing between uFathom and a User that refer associates or contacts to the uFathom website. Users typically capture a referral fee with the placement of uFathom banner on the a website owned by the referring User.
uFathom Trust- The uFathom Trust is a service where uFathom holds funds for the Service Buyer is fully satisfied with a project. Once Service Buyer agrees that the Project expectations have been met, the Service Buyer will transfer the funds
Release Payment- When the Service Buyer transfer funds from the uFathom Trust account into the Service Provider account. The Release Payment is only recommended for when the service buyer is 100% satisfied quality of the finished Project.
Partial Completion- When a Service Buyer and Service provider mutually agree to cancel a project for a valid reason. A Partial Completion will then involve the Service Buyer releasing payment for the percent (%) of the both parties feel have been completed. When this occurs Service Buyer will Select Partial Completion in the User Control Panel and the Service Buyer will agree to that amount.
Dispute- A Dispute occurs when a Project has been started and the one or both parties want to cancel the Project. The Dispute is different from a Partial Completion as both parties disagree on the percent (%) of the Project that has been completed. The Dispute will be resolved when both parties find an acceptable compromise or by uFathom Arbitration.
Arbitration- When neither the Service Buyer nor Service Provider agree on an agreeable Partial Completion amount, uFathom will make a judgement on the percent (%) of the project that has been completed. The decision of the uFathom Support will be Binding and will not be up for further debate (as per the User Agreement). A fee for the use Arbitration will apply and will be payable by one or both parties.
Project Milestones- When both parties agree to sequential payments through the course of a Project. Project Milestones generally apply to large, long or ongoing assignments where a bulk payment is not an option.
Note: The funds deposited into the account can only be released in a bulk sum. If the Project is ongoing, commission based or involves milestones, the Service Buyer should ensure that the amount deposited is the appropriate amount to be released in a sum.
Deposit- When a User deposits funds into their uFathom account.
Withdrawal- When a User removes funds from their uFathom account.
Referral Fee- Referral Fee is profit sharing between uFathom and a User that refer associates or contacts to the uFathom website. Users typically capture a referral fee with the placement of uFathom banner on the a website owned by the referring User.
uFathom Trust- The uFathom Trust is a service where uFathom holds funds for the Service Buyer is fully satisfied with a project. Once Service Buyer agrees that the Project expectations have been met, the Service Buyer will transfer the funds
Release Payment- When the Service Buyer transfer funds from the uFathom Trust account into the Service Provider account. The Release Payment is only recommended for when the service buyer is 100% satisfied quality of the finished Project.
Partial Completion- When a Service Buyer and Service provider mutually agree to cancel a project for a valid reason. A Partial Completion will then involve the Service Buyer releasing payment for the percent (%) of the both parties feel have been completed. When this occurs Service Buyer will Select Partial Completion in the User Control Panel and the Service Buyer will agree to that amount.
Dispute- A Dispute occurs when a Project has been started and the one or both parties want to cancel the Project. The Dispute is different from a Partial Completion as both parties disagree on the percent (%) of the Project that has been completed. The Dispute will be resolved when both parties find an acceptable compromise or by uFathom Arbitration.
Arbitration- When neither the Service Buyer nor Service Provider agree on an agreeable Partial Completion amount, uFathom will make a judgement on the percent (%) of the project that has been completed. The decision of the uFathom Support will be Binding and will not be up for further debate (as per the User Agreement). A fee for the use Arbitration will apply and will be payable by one or both parties.
Project Milestones- When both parties agree to sequential payments through the course of a Project. Project Milestones generally apply to large, long or ongoing assignments where a bulk payment is not an option.
Note: The funds deposited into the account can only be released in a bulk sum. If the Project is ongoing, commission based or involves milestones, the Service Buyer should ensure that the amount deposited is the appropriate amount to be released in a sum.
User Fees and Costs for uFathom Service
A:
Service Fee- The fee that Users pay for use of the uFathom website and Payment Processing.
uFathom Fee- The portion of the Service Fee that is charged for using the uFathom website.
Final Value Fee- The amount uFathom will bill a Service Provider to process payments through the uFathom website. The Final Value Fee includes the uFathom service cost, in addition to Payment Processing costs.
Payment Processing Fee- The Service Fee that is charged by online payment providers for depositing funds and withdrawing funds on the uFathom website. The Payment Processing Fee includes online payment, PayPal, Google Checkout, MoneyBookers and miscellaneous banking services.
Service Buyer Fee- The fee that a Service Buyer pays for the use of the uFathom website.
Service Provider Fee- The fee that a Service Provider pays for use of the uFathom website.
Basic Account- A Basic Account that is provided free of cost to any individual/organization that signs up for the uFathom website.
Premium Account- A Premium Account is a account that involves a monthly fee for the use of extra website Tools, reduced Final Value Costs for Service Providers and reduced Service Fee for Projects listed by Service Buyers. The Premium Account is appealing for high volume Users on the uFathom website.
Benefits of Premium Service Provider Account- The Premium Account is beneficial for Service Providers due to an increased Bid Allotment and little/no Final Value Fee for Projects. The User will also gain access to additional tools for increasing the chance of a successful Bid.
Benefits of Premium Service Buyer Account- A Premium membership is appealing to Service Providers due to a reduced/no cost for individual Project listings. The User will also gain access to additional tools for increasing the chance of successfully selecting a ideal Service Provider for a Project.
Account Upgrade- When the User changes the uFathom membership from a Basic Account to a Premium Account.
Account Downgrade- When the User changes the uFathom membership from a Premium Account to a Basic Account.
Service Fee- The fee that Users pay for use of the uFathom website and Payment Processing.
uFathom Fee- The portion of the Service Fee that is charged for using the uFathom website.
Final Value Fee- The amount uFathom will bill a Service Provider to process payments through the uFathom website. The Final Value Fee includes the uFathom service cost, in addition to Payment Processing costs.
Payment Processing Fee- The Service Fee that is charged by online payment providers for depositing funds and withdrawing funds on the uFathom website. The Payment Processing Fee includes online payment, PayPal, Google Checkout, MoneyBookers and miscellaneous banking services.
Service Buyer Fee- The fee that a Service Buyer pays for the use of the uFathom website.
Service Provider Fee- The fee that a Service Provider pays for use of the uFathom website.
Basic Account- A Basic Account that is provided free of cost to any individual/organization that signs up for the uFathom website.
Premium Account- A Premium Account is a account that involves a monthly fee for the use of extra website Tools, reduced Final Value Costs for Service Providers and reduced Service Fee for Projects listed by Service Buyers. The Premium Account is appealing for high volume Users on the uFathom website.
Benefits of Premium Service Provider Account- The Premium Account is beneficial for Service Providers due to an increased Bid Allotment and little/no Final Value Fee for Projects. The User will also gain access to additional tools for increasing the chance of a successful Bid.
Benefits of Premium Service Buyer Account- A Premium membership is appealing to Service Providers due to a reduced/no cost for individual Project listings. The User will also gain access to additional tools for increasing the chance of successfully selecting a ideal Service Provider for a Project.
Account Upgrade- When the User changes the uFathom membership from a Basic Account to a Premium Account.
Account Downgrade- When the User changes the uFathom membership from a Premium Account to a Basic Account.
User Types and User Activity
A:
Service Buyer (Hirers)- Website Users that are involved with hiring Service Providers to complete a Project Posted on uFathom.
Service Provider (Freelancers)- Website Users that are engaged in completing Projects posted on the uFathom website.
Subcontractor- Users that are involved in both Service Buyers and Service Provider activities on the uFathom website.
User- A company individual that signs up for a account on the uFathom website.
Affiliate User- A User that is actively involved in promoting the uFathom website for a rate of Commission. The
Skill Category- The skill category outlines the proficiencies of the Service Provider.
Service Buyer (Hirers)- Website Users that are involved with hiring Service Providers to complete a Project Posted on uFathom.
Service Provider (Freelancers)- Website Users that are engaged in completing Projects posted on the uFathom website.
Subcontractor- Users that are involved in both Service Buyers and Service Provider activities on the uFathom website.
User- A company individual that signs up for a account on the uFathom website.
Affiliate User- A User that is actively involved in promoting the uFathom website for a rate of Commission. The
Skill Category- The skill category outlines the proficiencies of the Service Provider.
User Account and User Tools
A:
User Profile- The User Profile is the User information that is displayed publicly in a uFathom User Account .
Feedback Import- A tool that allows Users to import feedback from other outsourcing and freelance websites and migrate the information into the uFathom User Profile.
Collabtive- Collabtive is a project management and groupware tool that can be used by uFathom Service Buyers and Service Providers to manage outsourcing, offshoring and freelance project operations.
User Skill Tests- Service Provider testing is provided by ExpertRating (www.expertrating.com); a leader in standardizing IT and BPO. The service enhances the Service Provider account and adds a high level of certainty for the perspective Service Buyers.
User Credentials- The qualifications, training and education that is displayed in User profiles and visible will be visible to all uFathom Users. The Credentials can be checked by uFathom Support to verify accuracy.
User Profile- The User Profile is the User information that is displayed publicly in a uFathom User Account .
Feedback Import- A tool that allows Users to import feedback from other outsourcing and freelance websites and migrate the information into the uFathom User Profile.
Collabtive- Collabtive is a project management and groupware tool that can be used by uFathom Service Buyers and Service Providers to manage outsourcing, offshoring and freelance project operations.
User Skill Tests- Service Provider testing is provided by ExpertRating (www.expertrating.com); a leader in standardizing IT and BPO. The service enhances the Service Provider account and adds a high level of certainty for the perspective Service Buyers.
User Credentials- The qualifications, training and education that is displayed in User profiles and visible will be visible to all uFathom Users. The Credentials can be checked by uFathom Support to verify accuracy.
