Megalancer
A comprehensive freelance marketplace connecting clients with contractors for online and local services
📅 Project Timeline
🛠 Tech Stack
Frontend
Backend
Database
Payments
APIs & Services
Infrastructure
✨ Key Features
Dual Marketplace (Online & Local)
Support for both remote digital services (web dev, design, writing) and local in-person services (plumbing, electrical, carpentry) with location-based matching for local jobs.
Job Posting & Bidding System
Clients post jobs with budgets and deadlines. For online jobs, choose between "U.S. Only" or "Worldwide" talent with optional state/country filters. Freelancers submit competitive bids, and clients can communicate with all bidders before selecting.
Direct Offers
Clients can send direct job offers to specific freelancers, bypassing the bidding process for quick hiring.
Services Marketplace
Fiverr-style marketplace where freelancers create service listings with fixed prices. Clients can browse and purchase services directly.
Milestone-Based Escrow Payments
Secure payment system where clients fund milestones upfront. Funds are held in escrow and released upon work approval. Includes wallet system for balance tracking.
Elaborate Dispute Resolution
Multi-stage dispute system: Stage 1 (Issue Identification) → Stage 2 (Negotiations with 5-day timer) → Stage 3 (Arbitration with $20 fee). Features self-resolution options, automatic timeout resolutions, and admin arbitration with flexible fund distribution (100% to either party, 50/50 split, or custom split). Arbitration fee refunded to winner.
Real-Time Messaging with Video Calling
Task-based messaging system with integrated live video calling for face-to-face communication. Includes system messages for milestone notifications and dispute updates.
Smart Email Notifications
Automated notifications via Postmark. Freelancers get notified when jobs open in their area (local) or matching their skillset (online).
Freelancer Profiles & Portfolios
Comprehensive profiles with hourly rates, categories, portfolio images, reviews, and verified Stripe banking for payouts.
Browse Contractors
Advanced filtering by service type (online/local), categories, location, English level, and more. Tabbed interface separating online and local contractors.
Dynamic Category System
Database-driven categories for both online services (Web Dev, Mobile, Design, Writing) and local services (Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, etc.).
Stripe Connect Integration
Express accounts for freelancers with Stripe-handled KYC. Clients pay via embedded payment forms. Platform manages transfers and handles refunds.
Wallet & Billing System
On-site wallet for clients and freelancers. Track earnings, escrow deposits, completed milestones, and transaction history in billing dashboard.
Refund Request System
Clients can request refunds on milestones. Freelancers approve/deny. Approved refunds go to wallet or original payment method.
Review System
Post-contract reviews for building freelancer reputation and helping clients make informed hiring decisions.
Block & Favorite Users
Block problematic users to prevent future interactions. Save favorite freelancers for quick access on future projects.
Built-in NDA System
Pre-written NDA agreements that clients can require for sensitive projects. Freelancers must sign and submit the NDA before placing bids, ensuring confidentiality from the start.
Service Radius for Local Freelancers
Local service providers can set their service radius to only see and bid on jobs within their preferred distance.
Online/Offline Status Indicator
Real-time presence indicators showing when users are online, helping clients know when freelancers are available for immediate communication.
Role-Based Authentication
Smart login system that detects user role (client vs freelancer) and prevents accidental cross-role logins, ensuring users always access the correct dashboard.
Admin Dashboard
Platform management tools for overseeing users, disputes, transactions, and site operations.
💰 Platform Fees
🏆 The Challenge
Built this entire platform from scratch as a solo developer while working a full-time job. The project demanded deep expertise across the full stack, from complex payment flows and escrow logic to real-time features and responsive UI design.
📸 Screenshots
7-step wizard for clients to post jobs with full customization
Multi-stage dispute resolution with negotiations, evidence submission, and admin arbitration
Complete job viewing and bidding flow for freelancers with NDA support
Send private job offers directly to specific freelancers
Fiverr-style marketplace where freelancers create fixed-price service offerings
Customizable email preferences and real-time activity notifications
Billing dashboard, team management, and account features
Freelancer profiles, discovery, verification, and partner program features
Tabbed contract management with all project details in one place
