Bark Review
Bark is an online job board featuring thousands of professionals offering both local and digital services. Posting jobs is free, and it can serve as a useful supplement to other popular platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. While the quotes I received on Bark were fair, I think there are more affordable options available for digital services.
Bark is an online platform connecting users with professionals offering a wide range of local and digital services. From home improvement to digital marketing, Bark offers an extensive directory of service providers. Posting a job on Bark is free, and users receive multiple quotes from professionals eager to take on their projects. The platform can be used alongside popular job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn to broaden your search for the right talent.
While Bark is user-friendly and provides a convenient way to find professionals quickly, the pricing for digital services can be on the higher side compared to other platforms. However, for local services, the rates tend to be competitive. One downside is that professionals have to pay to respond to leads, which might affect the number of quotes you receive. Overall, Bark is a solid tool for finding both local and remote service providers with minimal effort.
The platform serves multiple countries and covers a wide range of services, making it a versatile tool for both consumers and professionals. It aims to simplify the process of finding and hiring local professionals, providing user reviews and ratings to aid in decision-making.
4.5
Key Features
Seller Ratings ✓
Selection & filtering ✓
Ease of use ✓
Seller Portfolio ✓
Ranked 6 from 22 Freelance Websites
Performance: |4.9| 
Quality of Matches: Bark’s performance largely hinges on its algorithm for matching users with service providers. The effectiveness can vary depending on the location and the type of service requested.
User Experience: The website and app are generally user-friendly, but performance can sometimes be affected by the volume of requests or technical issues.
Uptime: |4.9|
Reliability: Bark’s uptime is generally stable, but like any online service, it can experience occasional downtime or maintenance periods. Their technical support team usually addresses these issues promptly.
Customer Service: |4.8|
Support Channels: Bark offers support via email and has a comprehensive FAQ section on their website. They also provide a contact form for more specific queries.
Response Time: Customer service response times can vary. Some users report quick resolutions, while others have experienced delays.
Pricing: |4.7|
Cost for Users: Users generally do not pay to use Bark to find service professionals. Instead, they may incur costs if they choose to hire a professional or if they want to access premium features.
Cost for Professionals: Service providers usually pay for leads or opportunities to connect with potential clients. Pricing can vary depending on the service category and the competitiveness of the market.
Overview
An Employment Board for Online and Local Services
Bark operates in 11 countries, including the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Clients post jobs on the platform, and Bark connects them with professionals nearby for local services. The responsibility lies with the client to review profiles and reach out to candidates that meet their needs.
Unlike many job boards, Bark is more commonly used by agencies and small businesses rather than individual freelancers. This is because professionals must pay a fee to access a client’s contact information, which can range from $5 to $50. For many freelancers, these costs can be prohibitive.
However, Bark’s pay-to-bid system can help filter out less serious freelancers, potentially resulting in more targeted offers for your business. While you may receive fewer responses, they are often more relevant to your specific needs.
Most of the listings on Bark are for one-time local services (e.g., house painting). However, the platform also includes professionals offering long-term services (e.g., counseling, personal training) and remote services (e.g., logo design, copywriting, marketing). While the quotes I received were reasonable, for digital services, I would still recommend more affordable options like Fiverr or Upwork.
As with any job board, it’s important to exercise caution when hiring through Bark. Professionals aren’t pre-screened, there are no guarantees or refunds, and you’ll need to manage payments independently. Continue reading to learn more about Bark and how it can enhance your hiring search.
What Is Bark & Who Is It For?
Bark is an online resource that links consumers with nearby service providers in a range of sectors. It acts as a marketplace where individuals or businesses can find and hire experts for various needs, ranging from home services and event planning to business consulting and personal training.
Who It’s For
Consumers: Individuals seeking reliable service providers for tasks like home repairs, event planning, or personal coaching can use Bark to find local professionals, compare quotes, and read reviews.
Service Professionals: Businesses and freelancers looking to expand their client base can use Bark to receive leads, showcase their services, and manage client interactions.
In essence, Bark is tailored for anyone needing professional services as well as those offering them, facilitating connections and streamlining the hiring process.
FEATURES |4.6|
Service Matching: Connects users with local professionals based on their needs and location.
Request for Quotes: Allows users to request quotes from multiple service providers.
Professional Profiles: Provides detailed profiles, including reviews and ratings, for each professional.
Direct Messaging: Enables direct communication between users and professionals.
Search Filters: Users can filter search results by location, category, and budget.
A Decent Alternative to Traditional Job Boards
Bark operates similarly to traditional job boards. One feature I appreciate is the ability to post a request and wait for professionals to respond with quotes and offers, though it may not always be as fast as expected. The platform also provides several tools to help you filter through “matches” and identify the right professional for your needs.
Digital and Local Services
Bark hosts thousands of profiles from professionals offering a wide range of services, both digital (e.g., web design, copywriting, translation, marketing) and local (e.g., gardening, house cleaning, decorating, catering, DJ services). Based on my research, the platform features more agencies and small businesses than independent freelancers.
After you submit your job details, Bark automatically matches you with professionals who fit your criteria. While you can contact any of these matches for free, the platform doesn’t allow you to search its entire database freely, which can feel somewhat restrictive.
Match Sorting and Profile Details
You can easily organize your matches by rating and response time. When a profile grabs your attention, clicking on the name reveals more detailed information.
Each profile includes a brief “About” section that provides an introduction to the freelancer or agency, along with their history and activity on the platform (e.g., how many times they’ve been hired, average response time, and staff numbers). You’ll also find a portfolio showcasing photos of past work, as well as client reviews. Additional features like user-generated Q&As and a full list of services are available through the main profile menu.
Unfortunately, profiles don’t display pricing information. I find it frustrating to have to wait for custom quotes to get a sense of the costs, but that’s just how the platform operates.
No Additional Fees
Posting a request on Bark is free, which is a nice benefit. However, it’s important to remember that Bark does not manage payments. Once you’ve hired a professional, Bark’s involvement ends. You’ll need to negotiate rates and handle payment directly, with no option for refunds if something goes wrong.
Agencies and freelancers on Bark, even Elite Pro members, must pay to respond to your job requests. This likely discourages users from bidding on every available job, much like Upwork’s Connects system.
However, the pay-to-bid model only works well on platforms that offer freelancers some level of security, which Bark lacks. As a result, there are fewer professionals bidding on jobs, leading to slower response times for clients.
Urgent Requests
If your job is time-sensitive, you can mark it as urgent by pressing a button at the top of your matches page. I’m not sure if this feature actually speeds up response times or if it’s just cosmetic. It seems a bit unnecessary, since most people would probably use it anyway, given that it doesn’t cost extra.
Popular Freelance Websites
Bark Key Features at a Glance
| Signup fee | ✘ |
| Transaction fee | ✘ |
| Money-back guarantee | ✘ |
| 24/7 support | ✔ |
| Conflict resolution | ✘ |
Service and popular service offered in Bark
Services Offered
Home Services: Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Cleaning
Events: Wedding Planning, Photography, Catering, Entertainment
Business Services: Marketing, Consulting, Accounting, Virtual Assistance
Health & Wellness: Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching, Therapy, Massage
Education: Tutoring, Language Lessons, Music Lessons, Test Prep
Popular Services
Wedding Planning: High demand for planning and coordinating weddings.
Photography: Event and portrait photography are popular requests.
Home Cleaning: Regular and deep cleaning services for homes.
Plumbing: Common service needed for repairs and installations.
Personal Training: Growing interest in fitness and personalized workout plans.
PROS AND CONS OF BARK
Pros of Bark
Wide range of service categories
Easy to request quotes and compare options
Direct messaging between users and professionals
Intuitive website and mobile app
Cons of Bark
Service providers pay for each lead
Quality of leads can vary
Some users may experience delays in response
Premium listings may be costly for professionals
Tools
Bark provides several tools designed to streamline the process of connecting users with service professionals. The platform features a robust search and filtering system that allows users to narrow down their options based on location, service category, and budget. Users can request quotes from multiple professionals simultaneously and view detailed profiles, including reviews and ratings, to make informed decisions. Direct messaging tools enable seamless communication between users and professionals, facilitating quick and efficient interactions.
For service providers, Bark offers tools to manage leads and track responses, helping them stay organized and responsive to potential clients. Professionals can also invest in premium listings to enhance their visibility on the platform, potentially attracting more clients. Additionally, Bark’s mobile app ensures that users and professionals can access these tools on the go, making it convenient to handle requests and communications anytime.
Why you should consider Bark?
Wide Range of Services: Bark connects you with professionals across various categories, from home repairs to event planning and business consulting, making it a versatile platform for diverse needs.
Easy Comparison: You can request quotes from multiple service providers, compare their offerings, and choose the best option based on reviews and ratings.
Direct Communication: The platform allows for direct messaging with professionals, facilitating clear and efficient communication throughout the hiring process.
Convenient Access: With a user-friendly website and mobile app, you can easily search for and connect with service providers on the go.
Enhanced Visibility for Professionals: Service providers can gain more exposure through premium listings and manage their leads effectively, helping them reach potential clients more efficiently.
EASE OF USE |4.5|
Bark provides a user-friendly experience with its intuitive website and mobile app. Users can quickly search for service professionals by entering their needs and location, receive filtered results, request quotes, and compare options with ease. This streamlined process helps users make informed decisions efficiently.
For service professionals, Bark’s interface simplifies lead management and client communication. The platform’s tools for tracking responses and managing profiles are designed to be easy to navigate, ensuring that professionals can efficiently handle inquiries and grow their client base. Overall, both users and providers benefit from Bark’s streamlined and accessible design.
Hiring Through Bark Is Simple, but Slower Than Expected
Creating an account and posting your first job on Bark takes only a few minutes. Filtering through matches was easy for me, but I didn’t receive responses from professionals within the promised timeframe. While most profiles indicated response times of 1–5 minutes, I didn’t get any replies until a few hours later.
The delay likely comes from the fact that professionals must pay a fee (ranging from $5–50) to access your contact information, so it may take some time before you hear back from anyone.
Lots of Matches
Although you can’t browse Bark’s entire database, the platform does provide a good number of options. For example, my logo design request resulted in 400 matches. However, since you don’t know if you’ll get responses from the professionals you contact, it’s best to request replies from as many as possible.
This is the only way to get quotes and estimate costs, as pricing details aren’t listed on profiles.
Multiple Requests at Once
While waiting on my logo design request, I decided to post another one for house cleaning services. This time, I received responses much faster, showing that Bark is better suited for local services. There’s no limit to how many requests you can post at once, and I even found that reposting the same job resulted in quicker replies.
Communication by Phone
Bark provides a message overview page on its website, but communication between clients and professionals typically happens through email. Once a professional responds to your request, they’ll receive your phone number, allowing you to request a callback to discuss your project in more depth.
This seems to be the standard approach on Bark, and it’s a welcome feature. While instant messaging works, a quick phone call can help you better convey your ideas and specific project needs.
Create a Account with Bark
Visit the Website: Go to Bark’s website.
Find the “Create Account” or “Sign Up” button on the homepage and click it.
Enter Details: Fill in your information, such as name, email address, and password. You may also be prompted to specify if you’re a user seeking services or a professional offering services.
Verify Email: Check your email for a verification link from Bark and click on it to confirm your account.
Complete Profile: Log in to your new account and complete your profile by adding any necessary details, such as service preferences or professional information.
GTMetrix
SUPPORT |4.5|
Help Center: The website features a comprehensive Help Center with FAQs and guides addressing common questions and issues.
Contact Form: Users can submit specific inquiries or issues through a contact form available on the website, which is reviewed by the support team.
Email Support: For more detailed assistance, users can reach out to Bark’s support team via email. Response times might change based on how complicated the problem is.
Phone Support: Bark does not offer phone support, focusing instead on digital communication methods.
Community Forum: Users can sometimes find additional help through community forums or user groups associated with Bark.
Bark Security:
Bark implements several measures to ensure security and protect user data:
Data Encryption: Bark uses encryption protocols to secure data transmitted between users and the platform, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Secure Authentication: The platform employs secure authentication methods to protect user accounts. This typically includes strong password requirements and email verification.
Privacy Controls: Users have control over their privacy settings, allowing them to manage who can view their information and communicate with them.
Regular Security Audits: Bark conducts regular security audits and updates to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure the platform remains secure.
Fraud Prevention: The platform has mechanisms in place to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, ensuring a safer experience for both users and service providers.
Review
PRICING |4.5|
Posting Requests on Bark Is Free
Accessing Bark’s profiles is completely free. As a customer, you won’t pay anything to contact professionals, and there are no hidden fees. However, it’s important to note that Bark doesn’t handle payments, meaning there’s no built-in transactional security. You are responsible for negotiating payment terms with the professionals you hire, and Bark won’t provide refunds if you’re unhappy with the results.
In this way, Bark operates more like a traditional job board than a modern freelance platform. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as long as you know what to expect.
So, what can you expect to pay on Bark? While I can’t give you specific pricing for each professional, I can share some averages based on my experience.
For a one-off logo design request, I received four offers, ranging from $50 to $200. For a housecleaning service (4–5 hours), I got five quotes, between $100 and $180. Overall, these prices were quite reasonable.
Professionals on Bark generally charge close to the market average, but you can likely get better deals by letting your requests sit longer and negotiating for a lower price.
Bark Alternatives
Frequently Asked Question.
Bark is an online platform that connects users with local service professionals across various categories, from home services to business consulting.
Users submit a request for the service they need, and Bark matches them with professionals who provide quotes and details. Users can then compare options and choose the best fit.
Yes, users can access Bark for free to find and request quotes from service providers. Professionals pay for leads or premium features.
Visit the Bark website, click “Sign Up,” enter your details, verify your email, and complete your profile to start using the platform.
Yes, you can request quotes from multiple professionals at once, making it easy to compare services and prices.
Review the profiles, ratings, and reviews of professionals who respond to your request. Compare their quotes and experience to make an informed decision.
Yes, Bark uses encryption and secure authentication methods to protect your personal information and ensure a safe user experience.
Professionals can pay for premium listings to increase their visibility and attract more clients.
Ensure your request is detailed and clear. You can also try adjusting your criteria or reaching out to more professionals.
Yes, you can usually cancel or modify a request if needed. Check the platform’s guidelines or contact support for assistance.
Contact customer support through the Help Center, by submitting a contact form on the website, or via email.
Bark offers a wide range of services, including home repairs, event planning, business consulting, personal training, and more.
Bark provides mechanisms for reporting issues and disputes. The support team can assist in resolving conflicts based on their policies.
Yes, after completing a service, you can leave a review and rating for the professional to help future users make informed decisions.