As a freelancer, there are some things you need to consider.
Personal branding | You are your own business card, so you need to make sure you come across as professional. The platform allows you to collect ratings from clients. After every gig you receive a review. If you receive a good rating, you will be chosen sooner for a next gig. Do you lack certain skills? Then follow workshops or trainings.
Tax return | As a freelancer, you are responsible for your own income tax and turnover tax (VAT return) (inkomsten - en omzetbelasting). You receive VAT (btw) on the acquired turnover. You pay the VAT received with the turnover tax to the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst). It is therefore wise to put the VAT received into a separate account. This does not apply when you make use of the Small Businesses Scheme (kleineondernemersregeling, KOR). You will also have to pay income tax annually. Keep in mind that you may also have to pay taxes. So always make sure you have some money in reserve.
Administration | As a freelancer, you are required by law to keep your records for up to 7 years. All invoices and receipts that you receive must be kept up to date. You can do this manually, but there are also apps that can help you with this. See our administration tools here & view all options for a business current account.
You should also keep in mind that the hourly rate includes vacation pay, your pension and business expenses (such as travel, parking and meals). After the gig, you can tell us how you want your invoice paid. This can be through direct payment or you can wait until the client has paid. If you want to wait, you have to take into account the debtor risk you have as a freelancer.
Insurance | Normally, when you work as an employee, you are insured by your employer and the company is liable. As a freelancer, this works differently. You are not insured by default. But at YoungOnes we believe that all workers, regardless of the form of work, should be protected against accidents or damage/injury to third-party property. See here all the information. For gigs through YoungOnes, you are insured for liability and accidents at no cost. We recommend considering for yourself whether you also need other insurance. For example, consider disability insurance or liability insurance.
Prepare | Count on about 15 minutes of preparation work. Make sure you arrive at the gig at the time the gig starts. Good preparation is half the battle and often results in higher ratings!
Communication | From the moment you are booked for a gig, all communication is between you and the client. You can choose how you want to communicate, via app, email or phone, that's up to you.
The cancellation period and replacement | Can you unexpectedly not show up for a gig? No problem, you can always cancel the gig before the cancellation period expires. Has the cancellation period expired? Then you have to arrange for a proper replacement. The replacement may be anyone, but keep in mind that the client may also refuse the replacement. You also remain responsible for the replacement and handle the payment with him or her.
Note: as long as you have made yourself available for a gig, the client may still accept you until the gig starts. So keep an eye on the cancellation deadline for a gig, so that you cancel in time if you have already made other plans.
