Howcanwehelp?

General

Do I have to pay to use Contra?
No, Contra is a free service and does not cost you anything! In the future we will charge users for premium features such as instant payouts and the ability to boost your profile. For now, do not worry we will be transparent if you're ever going to be charged.
What makes Contra different from other professional platforms?
Contra is built by independents, for independents! Contract, project terms, scope of work, payment tools, messaging, and everything in between is handled right on Contra, and it's all commission-free, the way it should be!
What is flexible work?
Flexible work includes:
- Independent work
- Freelancing
- Consulting
- Creating
- Full/Part time remote work
- Flexible schedules
- Flexible payment types (💸 + equity)
Who is Contra for?
Whether you're in product, design, engineering, marketing, writing, or everything in between, as long as you're looking to build and grow your independent career around the life you want to live (no matter your experience level), Contra is for you.
If I'm not based in the US, can I still join?
Absolutely! We're based in the US, but we're a global platform— everyone is welcome! 💛
Can I share my account with a teammate so they can review candidates?
Since we launched the ability to add payments to your Contra profile, we switched to 2FA as a more secure method of signing in. So the best way for now would be to tell your teammates to log in with your email, and when they do you'll receive an email with a login code that you can share with them.
What is Contra?
Contra is the new professional community that allows anyone to work for themselves. We provide tools created by fellow independents to help you work the way you want with zero commission fees.
What is the Contra Community? How do I join?
Once you have created and completed your Contra profile, you'll have the option to join our Slack community! Our Slack community is filled with talented independents, recruiters, founders, and more! The main purpose of the community is to help you grow your professional community, access helpful resources, and learn with like-minded individuals. 🤩

Profile & Account

How do I delete my account?
We're sad to see you go! 🥺 We would really appreciate hearing why Contra is no longer for you. Feel free to tell us more about how your career has changed, or what Contra can provide for you.
To permanently delete your account:
1. Go to your "Account Settings" page
2. Click "Delete Account" at the bottom of the page
3. Click "Permanently Delete Account"
You have 30 days before your account is permanently deleted if you decide to change your mind.
If I have projects under NDAs, can I make them private?
The ability to private projects is coming soon! 👀
How do I build my community on Contra?
Your community on Contra consists of independents from two different groups.
Your trusted community houses all of the people you add as collaborators on your projects and services, while your extended community are all of the independents that are collaborators from your trusted community.
How do I change the email associated with my account?
To change your email:
- Go to your "Account Settings" page
- Update the email in the Email field
- Click "Save Changes"
- Go to your email inbox
- Click the link to update your email address associated with your Contra account
Why do I have to wait to unlock all of Contra's features?
We require users to complete a few basic steps to ensure that your account is ready for you to begin your independent journey! Follow your onboarding checklist (found on your profile) to complete your profile and unlock new features.
How long does it take to set up my profile?
You can set up your profile in under 10 minutes from start to finish! 🤩
What should I do after I sign up?
Fill in your profile details, add projects that you've worked on, add in the services that you provide, and share your Contra link everywhere on the internet! 🚀
Can I add the companies, brands, and agencies that I've worked with?
Of course! You can add the companies, brands, and agencies that you've worked with to the project that you worked on together. Their logos will appear along with their roles and tools on the corresponding project.

For Independent Professionals

Can I use Contra if I'm just starting my independent career?
Absolutely! We give you all of the tools to give you a head start on your independent journey 💪
How can I get discovered on Contra?
Top rated profiles will be featured on our talent discovery page. This page will host profiles that have high quality projects, high value services, and are regularly active. You can also be discovered on Contra by copying your profile link and sharing it with your network, this will increases your chances of receiving inquiries.
Can I still apply for opportunities if my country isn't supported on Contra?
Yes you can! If there is an opportunity that interests you, you can always apply and begin a conversation with the hiring contact. This will allow you to make an intro and potentially land the gig.
How can I get a job on Contra? Did you see my application?
Getting jobs on Contra is simple. We will send you personalized opportunities that fit your skillset. Each job that we send to our independents goes through a rigorous vetting process to ensure it is a high quality opportunity. While you wait for opportunities make sure your profile is up to date and fully complete.
How can I utilize Contra?
Contra is meant to replace all of your online identities on other professional platforms, but you can also think of us as a supplement to your traditional portfolio that showcases all of the work you've done! 🥸

Services

How do I get hired for my services?
It's all through the grapevine 🍇, your services can be accessible by the community when you collaborate on different projects, or you can even publicly announce your services to the world wide web. You can also be featured on our discover talent page. This page showcases top profiles on Contra.
What are services?
Services give you the opportunity to monetize the skills that you're best at! These skills are ones that can be replicated with a standard price, scope of work, and timeline. We highly recommend that you add as many details to your service as possible. Let clients know the deliverables and what they can expect by showcasing similar past work.
Why do I have to include a price for my service?
The reason we require you include a price is because we want you to be paid for what you are worth, don't shy away from adding the price that you deserve to be paid! Having a price displayed also reduces the time spent negotiating pricing between you and your client.
If you want to learn more about pricing services, check out our Pricing Your Services guide!
What kinds of services can I post on Contra?
Add any skill that you're able to standardize and replicate for any future project that comes your way. Some examples are:
- 60-Minute Strategy Call
- Ongoing Product Consultation
- Logo Design
Need some help? Here's a guide to services!
What happens if I don't want to add a service?
Your services tab will be hidden from your public profile. Once you add a service, it'll appear on your profile again! In addition some features will not be accessible. Adding a service is required to complete your profile.
Can I add who I've collaborated with to a service?
This feature is coming soon... 👀

Analytics

What are analytics?
Analytics are a great way to see how your Contra profile is performing to gain actionable insights on how to get more paid projects. You can track profile visits, project and service views, and inquiries.
How can I improve my analytics?
We'll send you a weekly breakdown of your analytics with actionable steps and tips to improve the analytics you care the most about.
Here's an in-depth guide to analytics!
Why can't I access my analytics?
Analytics are only available once your profile is completed and features are unlocked.

Projects

What are linked projects?
Linked projects allow you to link any of your projects that live on the web right onto your Contra profile!
What do I add to my linked projects?
Once you add a linked project, you'll be prompted to add in a description, your role, and what tools you used. Here's an in-depth guide to linked projects that outlines all the details.
What makes a good project?
Projects on Contra are designed to show off your work and the things you do best. Good projects include:
- Title, role, tools used, and company
- Visual assets such as videos, images, or Gifs
- Written content explaining the project, your role(s), and important outcomes
What's the difference between linked and from scratch projects?
Linked projects are links to projects that live on different parts of the internet, while from scratch projects are projects that you create from scratch— you add your own text and photos to tell a story ✍️
How do I report a project that breaches confidentiality, is plagiarized, or is spam?
You can report a project to our Contra support team by emailing [email protected] Please provide your profile URL, the project title, and the users profile URL who you are reporting.

General Payments

What countries does Contra support for payments?
We currently support US-based bank accounts and 3rd party services (e.g. Payoneer, Transferwise) within these countries:
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Belgium 🇧🇪
- Bulgaria 🇧🇬
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Cyprus 🇨🇾
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Estonia 🇪🇪
- Finland 🇫🇮
- France 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Hungary 🇭🇺
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Latvia 🇱🇻
- Lithuania 🇱🇹
- Malta 🇲🇹
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Poland 🇵🇱
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Romania 🇷🇴
- Slovakia 🇸🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- UK 🇬🇧
- USA 🇺🇸
We are working hard to get other countries on board! Request support for your country here!
How does Contra make money?
Contra does not make money from users transactions on our platform; we will never take a commission fee. In the future we will charge for access to premium features (e.g., instant payouts, etc.). Contra will never sell your data.
When verifying my identity through Stripe, can I only use my SSN (Social Security Number)?
Yes, right now you can only be verified through Stripe by using a SSN. We are working on supporting businesses soon!
If I require further payment assistance who can I contact for support?
Please send all questions to [email protected]!
My country isn't supported, but I have a business with a US bank account, can I use that?
As per Stripe guidelines we must authenticate your identity before setting up payments. If your country is not on this list of supported countries, we will not be able to authenticate your identity. However, we will soon have the ability to verify your identity using an EIN.
What does Contra do with my data?
Contra only collects data that is needed to enable websites functionality. Contra will never sell your data.
How are payments secured?
Our third party payment processor Stripe has been audited by a PCI certified auditor and is certified to PCR service provider level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. To accomplish this, Stripe uses best-in-class security tools and practices to maintain a high level of security.
How does Contra process payments?
Contra uses Stripe for all payment transactions.
What fees does Contra charge for payments?
Contra is 100% commission free, however clients will be charged a Stripe processing fee for each payment.

Payments For Clients

How often will I be charged?
When initiating a project with an independent, you will be charged for the entire project. Your deposit will be securely held by Contra until the project deliverables are approved.
Can I be refunded if an independent is not meeting my project needs?
Yes, refunds are handled on a case-by-case matter, and we take into consideration multiple factors to ensure fairness for both parties. If an independent is not meeting your standards, please file a project dispute.
How do I hire independents on Contra?
Hiring talent on Contra is easy! You can reach talent three different ways:
Service Inquiry — Message an independent through one of their created services.
General Inquiry — Message an independent through the "Work With Me".
Posting an opportunity — If you need help with a project or role, post an opportunity and wait for independents to apply.
My payment was refunded; where are my funds?
Refunds are handled by Stripe, whether that be full or partial refunds. Users should expect a refund in their account 5-10 days after the refund was initiated, depending upon the bank.
How can I pay an independent?
You are able to pay independents using a United States credit card.
Will my credit card information be saved on the Contra platform?
No, we do not save your credit card information. You must re-enter credentials after each transaction. This feature is coming soon!
Can I have more than one ongoing project at a time?
Yes, as a client, you can manage as many projects as you want at the same time.
How do I know the independent I am hiring is high quality?
Each independent goes through a rigorous vetting process, and is required to meet certain standards set up by our team.
Can I hire an independent if I am located outside of the United States?
You can hire an independent from anywhere in the world as long as you have a US based billing address. Accepting non-US based credit cards is coming soon!
How do I cancel or dispute a project?
Disputes and cancellations can be made through the Contra platform. Cancellation can only occur before a payment is made. If a payment has been made, you will have to submit a dispute. Once a dispute or cancellation request is made, our support team will review the request and proceed with a resolution.

Payments For Independents

If a client stops responding after a project has been submitted, will I still receive my payment?
Yes, in the case that a client stops responding after you submit your work, the project will automatically be approved after 72 hours, and the funds will become available in your account.
How do I cancel or dispute a project?
As an independent you can cancel or dispute a project through the Contra platform. Once this dispute request is submitted, our team will review the request and respond with a solution.
Can I delete my payment information at any time while using the Contra platform?
Currently you cannot delete your payment information but you can change your default account. We are working on making this possible!
Does Contra collect and store my Social Security Number (SSN)?
Contra does not collect or store your Social Security Number (SSN). This information is only held by Stripe for verification purposes.
Why is my country of residence not supported for payments?
Currently we do not support all countries for payments, however we are working hard to support global payments. Here is a list of the countries we currently support:
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Belgium 🇧🇪
- Bulgaria 🇧🇬
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Cyprus 🇨🇾
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Estonia 🇪🇪
- Finland 🇫🇮
- France 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Hungary 🇭🇺
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Latvia 🇱🇻
- Lithuania 🇱🇹
- Malta 🇲🇹
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Poland 🇵🇱
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Romania 🇷🇴
- Slovakia 🇸🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- UK 🇬🇧
- USA 🇺🇸
We are working hard to get other countries on board! Request support for your country here!
What's the difference between "Balance Available" and "Projected Total Balance"?
Balance Available — The funds that are available for transfer to a linked bank account.
Projected Total Balance — The total balance of all payments that have been received, but aren't available for transfer yet.
What can I do if my withdrawals are failing?
There are two things you should check is withdrawals are failing:
Payment information — Make sure your payment information is correct and up to date.
Funds available — Make sure that you have funds that are "available for transfer".
How long does it take for a transfer to be reflected in my bank account?
Depending on your bank, it can take anywhere between 2-5 business days. An independents first payout can take up to 7 days.
How do manual payouts work on Contra?
You are able to request a manual payout when funds are available in your wallet. Payouts will occur ~2-3 days after the request was made.
How do I report income from Contra?
Coming soon will be a way to download a statement of earning from Contra. Right now all earning can be found in your bank statement and will say they are from Contra.
Why aren't debit cards supported for payouts?
We have temporarily disabled debit card payouts due to payout limits. We are working on hard to get this feature available soon.
Can I cancel a project that is in progress?
A project cancellation can only be requested if a payment has not been made. If a payment has been made you will have to submit a project dispute. Both of these submission will be reviewed by our team to ensure fairness for both parties.
Why are my funds not available for transfer?
Funds are held in a temporary hold for security reasons. We will transfer funds to your account as soon as they become available for transfer.

Still have questions?

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General

Do I have to pay to use Contra?

What makes Contra different from other professional platforms?

What is flexible work?

Who is Contra for?

If I'm not based in the US, can I still join?

Can I share my account with a teammate so they can review candidates?

What is Contra?

What is the Contra Community? How do I join?

Profile & Account

How do I delete my account?

If I have projects under NDAs, can I make them private?

How do I build my community on Contra?

How do I change the email associated with my account?

Why do I have to wait to unlock all of Contra's features?

How long does it take to set up my profile?

What should I do after I sign up?

Can I add the companies, brands, and agencies that I've worked with?

For Independent Professionals

Can I use Contra if I'm just starting my independent career?

How can I get discovered on Contra?

Can I still apply for opportunities if my country isn't supported on Contra?

How can I get a job on Contra? Did you see my application?

How can I utilize Contra?

Services

How do I get hired for my services?

What are services?

Why do I have to include a price for my service?

What kinds of services can I post on Contra?

What happens if I don't want to add a service?

Can I add who I've collaborated with to a service?

Analytics

What are analytics?

How can I improve my analytics?

Why can't I access my analytics?

Projects

What are linked projects?

What do I add to my linked projects?

What makes a good project?

What's the difference between linked and from scratch projects?

How do I report a project that breaches confidentiality, is plagiarized, or is spam?

General Payments

What countries does Contra support for payments?

How does Contra make money?

When verifying my identity through Stripe, can I only use my SSN (Social Security Number)?

If I require further payment assistance who can I contact for support?

My country isn't supported, but I have a business with a US bank account, can I use that?

What does Contra do with my data?

How are payments secured?

How does Contra process payments?

What fees does Contra charge for payments?

Payments For Clients

How often will I be charged?

Can I be refunded if an independent is not meeting my project needs?

How do I hire independents on Contra?

My payment was refunded; where are my funds?

How can I pay an independent?

Will my credit card information be saved on the Contra platform?

Can I have more than one ongoing project at a time?

How do I know the independent I am hiring is high quality?

Can I hire an independent if I am located outside of the United States?

How do I cancel or dispute a project?

Payments For Independents

If a client stops responding after a project has been submitted, will I still receive my payment?

How do I cancel or dispute a project?

Can I delete my payment information at any time while using the Contra platform?

Does Contra collect and store my Social Security Number (SSN)?

Why is my country of residence not supported for payments?

What's the difference between "Balance Available" and "Projected Total Balance"?

What can I do if my withdrawals are failing?

How long does it take for a transfer to be reflected in my bank account?

How do manual payouts work on Contra?

How do I report income from Contra?

Why aren't debit cards supported for payouts?

Can I cancel a project that is in progress?

Why are my funds not available for transfer?

Still have questions?

Work the way you want