We were all there when we felt like a platform we had used for a long time no longer served our purpose, and we knew we needed to find something else.
Topmate.io is a standard platform operating globally as a tool base for experts. They, however, recently started offering a real-time client base to their experts. However, those who are not obtaining enough clients through them or any other medium are obviously searching for Topmate io alternative platforms.
Topmate io takes a commission on every expert call, and it turns out many are not happy paying such heavy commissions to Topmate out of their own pockets.
Read the full guide: Topmate vs Upwork vs VirtUp platform comparison
General Feature Comparison of Topmate io Alternative Platforms
A brief table of five alternatives that offer something Topmate doesn’t offer. The reasons why people are even looking elsewhere.
Here’s a table showing why Topmate io alternative platforms are searched so often.
| Features | VirtUp | Topmate | Superpeer | Mentorcruise | Gumroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Core Purpose |
All in one 1:1 platform for combining calls, memberships, and complete expert support ecosystem |
Simple tools for monetizing calls, consultations, and smaller digital products |
Platform for helping creators monetize their audience via calls, events + memberships |
Focused platform for facilitating long-term memberships |
Sell digital products like eBooks/courses/ templates. |
|
1:1 Paid Calls |
Aids execution of flexible formats (consulting, mock interviews, coaching sessions) via communication channels chosen by experts and clients |
Supports a few formats (paid calls and consultation) |
Supports premium calls, events, and webinars |
Aids mentorship calls within structured programs |
Does not work for live calls |
|
Subscription Based Model |
VirtUp has a subscription-based model and 3 subscription models – $9 – 10 consultations, $24 for 50 consultations, and $99 for unlimited consultations |
Commission based model |
Commission Based Model |
Commission Based Model |
Commission Based Model |
|
Expert Growth Tools |
Adds profile pages, contributing to discoverability, and operates with a funnel like monetization setup |
Basic profile overview visibility with limited growth tools |
Moderator tools include event tools, email capture, and branding |
High niche visibility is available for mentor categories |
No proper means of discovery, you are supposed to drive traffic yourself |
|
Marketplace Discovery |
Hybrid discovery model – mix of platform exposure and experts and client’s own audience |
Very minimum platform discovery option almost audience driven |
Some amount of discovery however, largely audience dependent |
Strong niche discovery for mentees searching for mentors |
The platform traffic is formed from traffic brought in by all those who join it |
|
Setup Ease |
Easy onboarding process with creator focused interface and quick monetization setup |
Quick launch setup structure |
Easy with some extra features to configure |
(Application + structured onboarding) |
Easy to upload products and selling them ease |
|
Control over pricing |
Complete flexibility to set your own pricing packages for different services offered |
Commission based – more rigorous control on charges |
Commission based – more rigorous control on charges |
Commission based – more rigorous control on charges |
Commission based – more rigorous control on charges |
|
Automation & Scaling |
Supports combining consulting and freelancing options |
Restricted scaling options (mostly 1:1 calls) |
Membership and recorded content scaling limitations |
Scaling limitations persist |
Passive product sellers can scale better |
|
Client or Revenue Source |
Earn from both platform discovery and your own group audience |
Mostly dependent on your own audience |
Most have an audience driven monetization |
Combine platform matching + personal branding |
For traffic, entirely dependent on external audiences |
|
Best For |
Creators, consultants, coaches in need of multiple income streams + those looking for growth in one place |
Individuals starting with paid calls or consulting |
Established creators having to monetize premium audience |
Professionals providing standard mentorship programs |
Creators wanting to sell digital products |
One of the most highlighted problems is the commission model in place.
How Does the Commission Model Impact Earnings – One Reason Why Experts Search for Topmate io Alternative
Most people do not achieve earning fulfillment due to the current sharing model. They are more comfortable with a subscription model often because it does not exponentially multiply the commission against total earnings.
- For example, if you earn $300 from a project and you need to share 30% of the commission, you must give $30 for that project.
- But if you earn $500 from a project, you will need to pay a $50 commission to the platform.
- But if you are working on a subscription model like VirtUp, you will pay a fixed price of $9/$24/$99 to the platform, and thus, it’s entirely independent of what you earn yourself.
- The gain is yours: if you complete an average of 10 projects, each being $300, then you pay $300 to the platform out of $3000.
- This is three times the highest-tier subscription price for VirtUp.
- Also, at $99, you are not restricted at all, which means you can have an unlimited number of consultation calls.
- If you take 3 calls daily, one each of $100, you earn $300 a day, and if you work 5 days, your total weekly earnings are $300 x 5 = $1500, and then evenly distributed into 4 weeks, you will get $1500 x 4 = $6000, of which you pay $99 to the platform.
- Even at a commission rate of 10%, you would still pay them $600, way more than what you pay VirtUp (pricing plans are from VirtUp, and the entire comparison highlights the difference in expert pay through commission and subscription-based models).
If you are also tired of paying for such exorbitant commissions, which you feel could be used to buy tools or other essential services crucial to your business, you might want to look for commission-free alternatives available on the market.
Several Reasons Why Platforms Are Moving to a Zero Commission Model
Here is a list of reasons platforms are also choosing to move to zero commission models.
- Extreme Market Pressure
- High-Level Regulatory Scrutiny
- Improvized technological transformations
- Availability of alternative revenue
- To ensure competitive advantage
9 Best Commission-Free Topmate io Alternative Platforms
Here are 9 top Topmate io alternative platform examples for your reference.
VirtUp has removed many challenges –
- VirtUp is not a decentralized platform
- It has a quick onboarding process.
- It is open to both small and large experts and does not entirely favor large consulting firms, thereby making way for boutique or individual consultants.
- Job volume is not controlled, and VirtUp exercises good control over the job flow.
- There is no charge for the clients right now.
- VirtUp has an independent communication channel, which means clients and experts can choose the platform they prefer to use.
- VirtUp is completely commission-fee-free as well as hidden-fee-free. It means anyone on VirtUp will just pay the subscription charges. Also, the experts are charged a subscription fee, which has three different tiers to choose from.
- VirtUp also has a commission model. When you refer to a client or consultant, you get 20% off on your subscription charges.
- Our consultants are vetted, and we don’t have a gated community.
- The client is free to choose from a list of experts provided by the platform using its AI algorithm.
- VirtUp is a no lock-in structure.
2. Jobbers.io
- Freelancing platforms aimed to support remote jobs, gig work, and other professional services.
- A no-commission platform, payments are made directly between the client and the expert, they charge only to provide extra visibility to the expert, and they facilitate direct hiring without the middleman fees
- It is great for those who want a platform which just helps them connect to their clients.
- Inference: But they still may not find the right jobs, may encounter difficult clients, and may not get paid at all for the projects completed.
3. Hubstaff Talent
- It is a completely free platform that offers a directory of talent. Clients can browse it to find the right fit.
- Best Topmate io alternative platform for those who are looking for free lead generation and remote jobs.
- Again, the complete onus of obtaining clients, staying visible, and having good client flow lies with the experts themselves.
4. Contra
- Contra is commission-free and has a built-in payment system.
- They offer a one place payment option + portfolio facility + contracts to be used by experts.
- It helps manage freelance work better and even assists with branding.
- It monetizes through premium tools, but it is not a deeply vetted talent network. Hence, clients need to evaluate portfolios before they hire someone from here.
5. Toptal
- They claim to be the largest network of talent forces in the world, and this way serves as one of the most potent Topmate io alternative platforms.
- But they are gated for both clients and consultants, which means no one knows who they would meet on the other side of the request.
- It is commission-free but one of the strictest platforms when it comes to choosing experts since they claim to hire only the top 3%.
6. LinkedIn ProFinder
- You can use Linkedin’s professional network, and its credibility factors benefit.
- It gets you clients based on your existing LinkedIn profile and connections you have.
- It’s a no commission channel, but they earn by inviting experts to submit proposals for clients. The annual cost of submitting proposals is $575.88, which some find huge.
7. Consultport
- As a Topmate io alternative, it works great since it primarily specializes in high-end consultation. Their focus is on reaching enterprise clients and projects.
- The platform’s earnings are through clients paying a charge for getting access to the finest available experts.
- Clients do find it cumbersome.
8. Braintrust
- A primarily decentralized platform, good as a Topmate io alternative if freelancers want less platform control and fair pay.
- But they have limited job volume challenges, a BTRST decentralized token model (Web3 can feel challenging), and have poor control over job flow.
9. Catalant
- Catalant, as a Topmate io alternative, serves to connect large enterprises with different consulting projects. They are into offering project-based work that’s strategically built and is not dependent on small gigs. Experienced experts seeking enterprise-level projects can use Catalant.
- But it’s highly competitive since many consultants there are top firms; job access is limited and has slow onboarding and matching challenges to handle apart from others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Topmate io alternative to use?
We consider VirtUp the best Topmate io alternative platform
What are the prime features that differentiate Topmate from VirtUp?
- Topmate is primarily a tool provider; VirtUp is a platform.
- Topmate charges commissions; VirtUp does not.
What are the steps to onboard VirtUp?
- Steps to join VirtUp are simple – add your email ID, add a password, and then verify your email ID.
- Fill in all the sections, complete your consultation card, and set your availability to start getting noticed on VirtUp.
- All this and more, we are completely confident VirtUp is the right place to be for those seeking balance between life and work, and clarity and tranquility in life.