Comparisons · Fees
Fiverr vs Contra: buyer fees and commission models
Short version. Fiverr is a Gig marketplace with percentage buyer fees and a large seller commission. Contra markets 0% Independent commission with flat client platform fees ($15 / $29 on Free) plus processor fees — better when you already have (or can find) an Independent on Contra.
| Fiverr | Contra | |
|---|---|---|
| Client / buyer fee | 5.5% + $3.50 under $200 | Free plan: $15 (<$500) or $29 ($500+); $0 if Independent is on Pro |
| Freelancer take-rate | ~20% (seller keeps ~80%) | 0% Independent commission (Contra claim) |
| Discovery model | Open Gig catalog | Network / contracts oriented; not a Fiverr-scale Gig grid |
Worked $400 and $2,000 (platform fee lens)
- $400: Fiverr buyer fee 5.5%=$22 (no under-$200 add-on). Contra Free=$15.
- $2,000: Fiverr buyer $110; seller keeps ~$1,600 before withdrawal. Contra Free client $29; Independent keeps $2,000 before processor/payout fees.
Deep dives: Fiverr fees, Contra commission-free.
FAQ
Is Contra cheaper on small jobs?
Not always. Contra’s $15 flat fee on a $80 job is a large effective %. Fiverr’s 5.5%+$3.50 can be lower or higher depending on size — run both checkouts.
Does commission-free mean free?
No. Contra Free clients still pay $15 or $29, and processors charge separately.
Sources
- Fiverr Help — Paying for orders: help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360050216133-Paying-for-orders-extras- (checked Nov 5, 2026)
- Contra Help — Fees overview: help.contra.com/en/articles/9322934-fees-overview (checked Nov 5, 2026)
No affiliate links on this page. Figures change; re-check the official page before you rely on them.