Almost every time I hire someone, and doesn't matter if it's here or Elance, or wherever, I have to deal with this: 1. Taking way longer than promised. It is supremely annoying, especially if I don't even get a response to questions on what's the hold-up. 2. Reneging on deal. Eg 50% pay before, then 50% *after* deliver. I got someone insisting on the other 50% before delivery. It's a pity, because I would have continued with said party, except for that sour end. 50% before, 50% after deliver, no ands if or buts. If that is unacceptable to you please don't volunteer your services to me. 3. Regurgitated content, ie giving me non-original content or rewritten PLR material (and I can quickly detect that) 4. Crappy writing. I don't want to hire someone with difficulties writing quality content with proper grammar and spelling. 5. Skimpy research. Why should I pay someone who writes the way someone does for an exam essay question they didn't know the answer to have to bs and fake it? (we've all done it, I suspect, but I don't want to pay you for it)