How am I supposed to get payed as a freelance web designer?

Hello!
I'm only 16 years old and I want to start freelancing as a web designer using sites like freelance.com, odesk.com, etc.
Considering my age how can I be payed for my services?
Also I'm thinking of starting my own website where clients can see my recent work and contact me in order to discuss the prices and details about the projects. What legal issues should I think about? Please point me to some links/ articles explaining the legal part of freelancing.

 

You can start by advertising your services on sites like this one
How to get paid? Paypal doesn't have an age requirement (IIRC they don't anyways).

 

Also you can go to local craigslist listings of businesses and contact them directly. You could show them some examples of sites that you have done in the past and see if they are willing to work with you.

 

And IIRC paypal does have an age requirement where you must be 18. Maybe it depends where you're from, I dunno.

He'd be better off advertising locally, such a the previously mentioned craigslist. Just watch out for competition if you're posting your own ad, they'd be more than happy to flag you for no reason.

 

I do believe you're supposed to be 18 to sign up. However, I remember seeing a new students account thing a while back, which I'm sure his parents could sign him up for.

However, as stated, PayPal is pretty much the primary and most effective and efficient way of processing payments online.

 

better to use your brother or father account until you are 18.

 

Use your parent as a co-applicant. Just as an FYI Paypal is NOT the most cost effective way of processing payments onlnie if you're doing over a couple grand a month - their rates is higher than what you can get on your own percentage wise and the only thing that they help you save on is the monthly fee primarily. Paypal would be a good start for you but as you see more work you'll notice that the flat rate higher percentage does add up and it costs you more in the long run. Features are also limited unless you switch to their virtual terminal which costs you $30 per month (while merchant accounts can cost around $20 - cheaper).

Start with Paypal but keep in mind that there is a really good reason why most mid-larger sites still offer credit card as a payment method and paypal as an option as well - if Paypal were the end all be all then everyone would only offer paypal. Just about Everyone can use their credit/debit card but not everyone has Paypal or is comfortable using it. Keep that in mind for future reference as your needs grow. But start with Paypal.

 

Set up a Paypal account is probably the best way to do this freelance online. Don't worry much about legal issue if you aren't doing anything wrong with copyright or trademark. Many people your age already making tons through their legit service.

 

I agree with one poster above, you're better off starting locally. Instead of them contacting you, why not you contact them, pay them a visit. There are small to medium enterprises that might need your services or you offer them the prospect of marketing their business online.

 

Age does not matter in any field of skill. You can go on, make paypal account and enjoy. If somewhere age is a problem, you can use others persons on behalf of yourself.

 

Are there age requirements/restrictions for the freelance sites as well? I have to think there's at least a minimum age...

 

Paypal is the easiest method and the most widely known. In terms of age you can get your parent to help you. Good luck!

 

Ask around local businesses to design their website for free, build up a reputation and a portfolio. Then once you're known in the area and have proof that you can design high quality websites start charging for the service.

 

yea use paypal for your payments and craigslist to find clients to start.

 

Start small and work up from there.

There are design competitions on this forum. Worth entering - nothing to lose - and you get feedback.