Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a classification engine that classifies freelancers in one of a plurality of categories. The classification engine captures data to perform a first classification evaluation of each engaged freelancer. The first classification evaluation is used to drive different levels of onboarding to ensure appropriate onboarding tasks are completed for each engaged freelancer before the freelancer starts work for a client. Depending on the level of onboarding, the classification engine either uses the first classification evaluation to make a determination regarding the classification of the freelancer or captures additional data to perform a second classification evaluation to make the determination. The classification engine eliminates delays, manual workarounds and helps scale work with enterprise clients.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an onboarding dashboard and methods and system thereof for transitioning candidates into welcomed and engaged workers. In an online services exchange medium, clients find and hire freelancer candidates “on demand” to get projects done quickly and cost effectively. A client is able to use the onboarding dashboard to configure onboarding tasks for each individual or group of candidates the client hires. The candidates, once engaged with the client, are able use the onboarding dashboard to view the onboarding tasks established for them by the client. The onboarding dashboard provides complete visibility of the onboarding progress to both the client and the candidates, enforcement of step dependencies and management of documents.

Abstract: A method of using an escrow service within a services exchange medium allows a buyer to deposit asset for a project into escrow. The asset is released to a service provider once the project is completed and approved by the buyer. The buyer and the service provider are able to ascribe escrow status to the project before starting the project. The buyer is able to upon posting the project. The service provider is able to while bidding on the project even if the buyer had not ascribe the escrow status to the project upon posting. The escrow service includes a tax filing feature and a dispute assistance feature. The tax filing feature issues 1099 U.S. federal tax forms on behalf of U.S. buyers to the I.R.S. after each tax year. The dispute assistance feature facilitates discussion between the service provider and the buyer to foster a resolution of a dispute.

Abstract: A method of and a system for ranking users by activity level and achievements within the services exchange medium (SEM) enables better searching for a service provider. An activity score for each service provider is periodically determined. The activity score is based on a point scheme. The point scheme, which is tunable, drives particular behaviors within the SEM by rewarding points for a first set of activities and taking away points for a second set of activities. Upon receiving a query, a total score, which is dependent at least in part on the activity score, is calculated. The results list is sorted based on the total score.

Abstract: A method of and system for ranking users by reputation enables better searching for a service provider. Service providers are also forced to conform to reputation requirements since they are published. The reputation requirements include reviews, earnings, duration on a site, recent visits and other components that are able to establish a user's reputation. The components are also weighted so that more important factors count more towards a user's reputation. By combining a search score and a reputation score, a total score is determined which is used to generate a list of results ordered based on the total score.