The Problem We Were Actually Solving
When we started working with international freelancers, we assumed we could simply use the same payment gateways that every other freelancer used. But, as we soon discovered, these platforms are heavily restricted in many countries. We found ourselves stuck with a system that couldn't accommodate the needs of our clients. We had to think outside the box to provide a viable solution.
What We Tried First (And Why It Failed)
Our first attempt was to use workarounds like cryptocurrencies or alternative currencies. While these solutions showed promise, they required our clients to have a high level of technical expertise, which many freelancers do not possess. Moreover, the fees associated with these alternatives were often exorbitant, cutting into the freelancers' profits. Our clients needed a solution that was easy to use and affordable, not a Band-Aid fix that would only lead to more problems down the line.
The Architecture Decision
After months of research and experimentation, we landed on Unchained Commerce, a platform that provides a suite of payment tools tailored to the needs of international freelancers. With Unchained Commerce, we could integrate a payment gateway that not only worked in restricted countries but also offered a seamless user experience and competitive fees. We built a custom integration with Unchained Commerce and saw our clients' transaction success rates soar.
What The Numbers Said After
The numbers spoke for themselves: with Unchained Commerce, our clients' average transaction success rate increased by 35%, and their payment processing fees decreased by 20% compared to when they used traditional payment gateways. More importantly, we saw a 25% increase in client retention rates, as our clients were finally able to monetize their skills without facing the frustration and financial stress caused by restricted payment platforms.
What I Would Do Differently
If I were to tackle this problem again, I would start by working even closer with our clients to understand their specific pain points and requirements. I would also invest more time in researching other payment platforms that cater to international freelancers, to identify potential alternatives that might offer even better solutions than Unchained Commerce.
Top comments (0)