Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

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Anoosh Kotak

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Trust is not merely a buzzword; it's a potent force that can make or break your brand's reputation, especially when it's difficult to differentiate between natural and artificial. Therefore, in a world brimming with choices, how can you establish trust with your prospects? Enter the unsung heroes of marketing: case studies.

There’s a famous saying “Don’t say, show; Don’t promise, prove.” Case Studies do exactly that for businesses.&nbsp;

The Science Behind Case Studies and Trust-Building

Trust turns a business into a brand. It forms the very foundation of the buyer-seller relationship, irrespective of whether you're operating in the B2B or B2C space.&nbsp;

In a marketplace teeming with choices, customers gravitate toward brands they can trust. They want to feel confident that the product or service they're investing in will meet their expectations and provide value for their hard-earned money.&nbsp;

Here are some of the psychological factors influencing trust formation.

Then, where do case studies fit into this trust-building equation? Case studies are an incredibly effective tool because they address these psychological factors head-on. They offer real-world examples that showcase your reliability, credibility, empathy, and transparency in action.&nbsp;

In the pages of a well-constructed case study, prospects can find the evidence they need to trust your brand, making them more likely to become your customers.&nbsp;

In the context of business and marketing, social proof is an incredibly influential tool. It taps into our innate desire to make decisions validated by the other’s choices.

Social proof in the buyer-seller relationship helps potential customers feel more confident about their decisions. When people see other’s positive experiences with a product or service, they tend to believe they will too. Various forms of social proof exist, each with its unique impact on consumer behaviour.&nbsp;

Let’s dig deeper into the world of case studies as a potent form of social proof.

Case studies provide a window into the real-world application of your services or products. You offer tangible evidence of your capabilities by presenting actual client projects and outcomes.&nbsp;

This authenticity is invaluable in building trust because it shows potential clients that you have a track record of delivering results in practical, non-theoretical settings. Let’s see how these brands won trust with their case studies.

1. <a href="https://www.figma.com/blog/design-on-a-deadline-how-notion-pulled-itself-back-from-the-brink-of-failure/">Figma’s role in Notion’s comeback</a>

In this fantastic narrative on the downfall and rise of Notion, Figma beautifully shares its clients’ journey addressing their pain points and how Figma’s features helped them to go from dying to surpassing competitors.

2. <a href="https://razorpay.com/case-studies/pickyourtrail/#:~:text=All%20in%20all%2C%20Razorpay%20helped,focus%20more%20on%20their%20business.">Razorpay’s role in boosting PickYourTrail’s efficiency by 40%</a>

This case study is an ultimate example of penning customers’ pain points and how they helped them with concrete evidence of success, and defining the targeted metrics. The quantified title of the study makes it catchy and the customer’s testimonial in their own words improves the trust factor.

3. <a href="https://slack.com/intl/en-in/customer-stories/how-spotify-boosted-ad-sales-and-streamlined-operations">Slack’s role in streamlining Spotify’s operations and boosting ad sales</a>

Slack demonstrates expertise and dives deep into the strategies used to help their client, Spotify. It’s an extensive study that includes all the necessary elements to impress potential clients.

4. <a href="https://www.grammarly.com/business/learn/frostandsullivan-case-study/">Grammarly’s role in cutting editing time for Frost &amp; Sullivan by 60%</a>

This to-the-point case study is clear and an effective format demonstrating how they helped clients in the past without being too preachy.

Considering the above samples, how can you create the perfect case study for your business/brand? Here are some tips to get started.

By following these steps, you can create an effective case study that not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your ability to solve real-world challenges for your clients, ultimately attracting potential customers and building trust in your services.

Choose a client and project that represents a successful and noteworthy example of your work. Look for projects that demonstrate your expertise, highlight your strengths, and align with your target audience's interests. Don’t forget to get consent from the client or project owner before you start making the case.

2. Gather Comprehensive Data and Information&nbsp;

Collect all relevant data and information related to the project, including its details, client background, challenges faced, goals, and outcomes. Be thorough in your data collection, using a combination of interviews, surveys, documents, and analytics.

Decide on the structure and format of your case study. A typical case study structure includes:

Check your case study carefully for grammar, spelling, and coherence. Make sure it flows logically and tells a compelling story. A well-edited case study reflects positively on your professionalism.

Before publishing or sharing the case study, seek approval from the client to ensure they approve the information shared and the way their business is portrayed.

Once the case study is ready, strategically distribute it to your target audience through your website, social media, email marketing, or other relevant channels. Use it as a powerful marketing tool to showcase your expertise.

Overcoming Challenges and Concerns with Case Studies

When creating a case study, it's important to overcome challenges and address concerns related to confidentiality, balance the portrayal of positive outcomes with realistic challenges, and ensure the authenticity of the case study. Here's how you can tackle these issues.

Incorporating Case Studies into Marketing Strategy

Here's how you can effectively use case studies in various aspects of your marketing strategy:

Incorporating case studies into your marketing strategy can serve as a powerful tool for building trust, demonstrating your capabilities, and ultimately converting <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/checklist-for-cold-outreach?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">potential leads</a> into satisfied customers. Make sure your case studies are well-crafted, focused on solving real-world problems, and aligned with the needs of your target audience.

In the world of business, trust is a priceless currency. When clients trust your expertise and reliability, they are more likely to choose your services and remain loyal over the long term. By investing in well-crafted case studies, you not only demonstrate your capabilities but also nurture trust that can lead to lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships.

Ans: To write effective case studies, follow a structured case study format, considering key elements like problem identification, solutions, and results. Ensure a clear case study template and use real examples for authenticity.

Ans: Case studies are vital for understanding practical applications of theories, showcasing real-world problem-solving, and providing valuable insights into specific situations. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing learning.

Q3. How to write case studies for business?

Ans: When writing case studies for business, adhere to a business-centric case study format. Focus on addressing business challenges, strategic decision-making, and outcomes. Use relevant case study examples to illustrate concepts effectively.

Q4. Why are case studies important in business?

Ans: Case studies play a crucial role in business by offering insights into successful strategies, problem-solving approaches, and decision-making processes. They provide tangible evidence of business concepts in action, aiding in learning and decision-making within a business context.

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As your business continues to grow, it can be challenging to manage your accounts receivable. With multiple platforms and processes to juggle, there is a high risk of errors and inconsistencies. This can result in missed invoices or inaccurate data creating financial discrepancies that can have significant consequences.&nbsp;

Furthermore, services exports are a complex financial landscape with multiple stakeholders, currencies, regulations, and timelines. Managing financial data can become an overwhelming task.&nbsp;

A centralised financial system is the need of the hour to gain a clear understanding of their financial health. Hopping from one platform to another and trying to gather the information needed makes accessing real-time data and analytics tedious and time-consuming.&nbsp;

Skydo is a single source of truth for all account receivables, explicitly designed for modern businesses. Access all your outstanding invoices, analytics, and data in one intuitive platform - no more tedious switching between systems or manual reconciliation. Here’s how.

Businesses can stay on top of their accounts receivable, from tracking payments to managing invoices in the following ways through Skydo’s robust features.

Skydo provides businesses with a unified platform to centralise all their account data. This eliminates the need to toggle between different tools or platforms and brings consistency and accuracy to the data.&nbsp;

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For instance, a tech export company that sells software licences globally can use Skydo to streamline their payments from Europe, Asia, and America, all in one place while eliminating currency confusion and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/receive-timely-payments-with-skydo's-automated-reminder-feature?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">ensuring timely payment</a>.

Skydo offers an intuitive interface that makes navigating and understanding financial data more accessible for everyone, even those without a background in finance. It enables businesses to quickly view all the necessary information in a clear and concise format to make informed decisions.&nbsp;

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Businesses can gain valuable insight into their financial health with Skydo. This means identifying trends, analysing customer behaviour, and making informed decisions.&nbsp;

For example, an AI solutions exporting company might find an increase in sales when a tech conference is taking place in a particular region. Skydo's payment insights can highlight this information so the company can prepare ahead of time by stocking up resources.

4. Managing Recent Transactions and Payment Summaries

A missed payment can lead to significant losses. Skydo provides real-time updates on your recent transactions. This is incredibly important for businesses that receive payments worldwide. Thus, Skydo’s dashboard ensures you never miss out on any details and trust that your transactions are correct and secure.

Skydo’s Client Overview section provides a summary of the revenue generated by the clients you’ve served. This data can help you identify what products or services are performing well and where there might be room for improvement.&nbsp;

For example, an <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/seamlessly-accept-international-payments-in-india?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">IT solutions exporter</a> can review the revenue generated through a client against the invoice specifying the projects done. They can then track the demand for its services like cloud solutions, cybersecurity, or data analytics, which will guide their R&amp;D, marketing, and client engagement strategy.

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With Skydo, all your transaction data is conveniently organised into one dashboard. This saves time and minimises the risk of errors.&nbsp;

An international company that exports tech consultancy services might find it difficult to correctly convert different currencies in spreadsheets. A small mistake can result in major financial discrepancies.&nbsp;

Skydo resolves this problem by automating those calculations – reducing the chances of any miscalculation.

Skydo’s intuitive dashboard enables you to review any outstanding invoices and keep a real-time watch on your accounts receivable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By providing quick insights into outstanding invoices, you can ensure that payments are made on time and also send reminders to prevent delays that might affect your revenue stream.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/skydo-dashboard-for-all-your-needs?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Skydo's dashboard</a> empowers businesses by offering them the tools to anticipate their future financial needs and challenges.&nbsp;

For instance, a tech export company can leverage Skydo to analyse payment trends in different client regions, recognising patterns such as preferred payment plans or methods. It enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the costs associated with reactive business decisions.&nbsp;

Moreover, Skydo's real-time tracking of international payments eliminates any surprises while its <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">GST-compliant FIRA</a> simplifies accounting and compliance tasks.&nbsp;

With Skydo, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of global payments for a proactive approach to financial management that aligns with their growth objectives.

Skydo is a great tool for businesses of any size to manage their cash flow. It helps you keep track of your payments and outstanding invoices so you can make informed decisions on future production cycles if a buyer's payment gets delayed.&nbsp;

You can also send reminders to the clients concerning the invoice payment and track whether they have received it, seen it, or deleted it.

It's especially useful for small businesses without dedicated finance teams who need to manage manufacturing costs against their receivables.&nbsp;

10. Real-Time Updates on Payment Activities

Skydo is the perfect solution for businesses to stay up-to-date with their payment activities. It provides real-time analytics so companies can have greater visibility and transparency into their financial data.&nbsp;

This can be especially helpful for companies launching new products or services since they can closely monitor sales and returns in real time, allowing them to make faster decisions based on accurate data.

Krenovate Pvt. Ltd., an IT export service business, relied on <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/why-was-a-certain-amount-deducted-from-my-swift-payment?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">SWIFT to receive payments</a> from their global clients. Through the implementation of Skydo, they underwent a profound transformation in their financial operations. The result was a significant improvement in their global financial performance. Here's a glimpse of their&nbsp; journey:

Top Challenges Before Partnering With Skydo:

After Partnering With Skydo, Krenovate could:

Skydo provides an all-in-one solution to manage outstanding invoices and simplify global payments. By centralising accounts receivable data in one platform, businesses can have a clear overview of their financial health and ensure proactive financial management. With features tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses, Skydo ensures that companies can focus on their core operations without being bogged down by the complexities of international payments. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Book a demo with Skydo today</a> to witness financial efficiency in action.

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As an export business owner, the waiting period for a payment to get credited is unsettling. You’re looking forward to receiving important global payments, and you need to use that money to pay a supplier or a partner in service.

Unfortunately, your payment doesn’t show up on time.

This situation worsens when you are seeking some form of payment status information, but there is none. You find yourself in a triggering situation of he-said-she-said -the receiving bank informs you that they have not received <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/why-was-a-certain-amount-deducted-from-my-swift-payment?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication)</a> instructions for your payment to be processed. Yet, when you contact the sending bank, they insist they've already dispatched the SWIFT.

Collecting global payments is already tagged as an expensive and time-consuming process. However, if a customer and you have to go through the pain of lost or delayed payment, it can make your heart skip a beat.

Skydo, a revolutionary payments platform, takes centre stage and answers all your questions–

Here’s how Skydo can help you with real-time payment tracking.



Key Features of Skydo for Real-Time Payment Tracking

Real-time payment tracking is the roadmap through your financial journey. Having a clear understanding of your transactions instills a sense of relaxation and trust, allowing you to engage in repeated business transactions with confidence in your clients. Naturally, communication doors remain open as there is transparency with clients. It makes everything simpler and easier to understand. Here are key features of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a> payment platform – your go-to partner for payment tracking!

1. Sending and Tracking Payment Reminders

With automated, personalised <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/receive-timely-payments-with-skydo's-automated-reminder-feature?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">reminders for payment schedules</a>, late payments are a thing of the past. No more time wasted chasing down information or worrying about delays; you can focus on what matters most.&nbsp;

But the real magic lies in Skydo's real-time payment tracking, which provides essential delivery information and ensures that messages reach their intended recipients promptly.&nbsp;

This dual functionality not only records accountability and allows for instant follow-up in case of disputes or miscommunication but also fosters healthier client relationships and streamlines financial interactions seamlessly.

2. Instant Update for Payment Status Changes

With real-time notifications, you'll be promptly informed about any alterations to your payment status, from initiation to transit and successful receipt. This exceptional transparency enhances your confidence in financial processes, empowering you with timely information for proactive decision-making and efficient issue resolution.

Skydo offers a convenient solution with its intuitive and user-friendly interface, maintaining a complete history of all payment reminders sent. This archive acts as a valuable reference point, bolstering transparency and accountability in your financial interactions.

With access to this reminder history, you can effortlessly monitor the progress of your reminders and stay well-informed about your payment-related communications.&nbsp;

Imagine a scenario where your client disputes a certain payment pending clearing, and you need solid proof or validation of a financial transaction. Here's where Skydo steps in with its handy ledger feature, easily accessible and designed to ensure everyone is on the same page.&nbsp;

It houses a complete record of your financial transactions, payment details, transaction history, and supporting invoices. It's akin to managing your essential documents in a structured, accessible manner, making your financial history readily available whenever you need it.

5. Payment Tracking for Invoices Sent Outside the Skydo Environment

There are certain instances when you send invoices through an external mail platform. However, Skydo's payment monitoring isn't limited to in-house invoices; it extends its efficiency to mail applications too.

When <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transforming-your-invoicing-experience-with-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">sending an invoice to the client</a>, in the CC field, enter invoices@skydo.com. The entire tracking information will be available on the Skydo platform. This way, you're in complete control, knowing precisely when an invoice was received, opened, and paid, even for those outside invoices.

With Skydo, you're always in the know, regardless of where your invoices are coming from.

6. Monitoring Multiple Invoices and Clients in One Place

Skydo ensures you do not need to dig through paper trails for email threads and other data. You can access your financial data in one secure, accessible location. Skydo's user-friendly interface simplifies the often complex task of tracking payments across various accounts and transactions. This consolidated view enhances efficiency and clarity in financial operations.

Real-time transaction tracking isn't just a part of business operations; it's the heartbeat that keeps your financial health in check. With Skydo’s real-time updates, your business can minimise overlooked or forgotten payments. It paves the way for improved financial forecasting, positive cash flow management, and a robust bottom line—all crucial elements of a thriving business.

Additionally, efficiency, clarity, and timeliness are paramount when fostering trust and transparency in your financial processes. Skydo excels in these areas, offering the means to streamline operations, eliminate guesswork, and minimise delays. Whether you are managing your business finances or freelance accounts, Skydo ensures that your financial operations remain crystal clear and reliable, providing you with the trust and transparency you need.

With Skydo, you don't have to settle for uncertain and chaotic financial transactions anymore. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Book a demo now</a>!

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Trusted by 2 million customers worldwide, Stripe is a payment processing and payment gateway platform with additional services like invoicing, billing, and subscription management. But is Stripe the most affordable for Indian businesses and freelancers to receive international payments? In this blog, we will delve into Stripe fees and discover if there's a more affordable alternative for businesses <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-receive-international-payments-in-india">to receive international payments in India</a>.&nbsp;

Stripe India offers a robust cross-border payment solution, allowing businesses to accept payments in over 135 currencies. Its customizable UI components, including masking, styling, and error handling, help businesses create a seamless branded checkout experience. Stripe supports both one-time and recurring payments through instant payment links or direct website integration.

Note that, in India, Stripe functions on an<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/stripe-accounts-are-invite-only-in-india"> invite-only basis</a>. Meaning you cannot sign up from the Stripe website directly, you must request an invite to create a Stripe account. You get access only when Stripe approves this invite but there is no clear timeline on how long it will take to approve an invitation. The Stripe support page also mentions that they can only assist a limited number of companies focused on international expansion.

Besides the invite-only model, Stripe users in India can only use a credit or a debit card to accept international payments. This might be a drawback for your business if your client prefers a different payment method.

If the invite-only model and a single payment option work for you, we suggest exploring the next section closely as we analyze the different Stripe fee categories.

With Stripe you can accept payments in 135+ currencies through Visa and Master Card; American Express only supports USD. While you have more flexibility to accept payments through international cards, the overall fee structure is on the steeper side.

Processing Fees: Stripe charges<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 4.3% as processing fees</a> on every successful transaction.

Currency Conversion Fee: An additional<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/additional-pricing-information-for-indian-cross-border-sellers"> 2% fee</a> is charged for currency conversion.

Additional fees: Stripe may also charge an additional chargeback fee of <a href="https://stripe.com/in/pricing">Rs. 1000 in the event of a lost dispute</a>. A dispute occurs when your client challenges a charge with their bank or credit card provider. The payment is immediately reversed and Stripe debits the amount from your account and the dispute fee.&nbsp;

No FIRA: Stripe does not offer a<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide"> FIRA</a> after you receive an international payment. A<a href="https://support.stripe.com/questions/firc-payment-advice-for-international-transactions-in-india"> payment advice</a> is emailed to your account so that you can present it to your bank and get the FIRA after paying a fee.

Stripe Fees For Receiving International Payments In India

In this section, we will use an example to understand how much you can expect to lose to fees if you were to get a payment via Stripe.&nbsp;

Imagine you received a payment of USD 10,000 from a client in the United States. Here’s the calculation for the amount you will receive in your account:

At first, a Stripe processing fee of 4.3% will be deducted from this amount, which is USD 430. The balance amount now is USD 9,570.

An additional 2% will be charged on the USD to INR exchange rate. Assuming the exchange rate is Rs. 85 for 1 USD, the effective exchange rate will become Rs. 83.3 , post the 2% currency conversion fee

We will multiply the balance amount by the reduced exchange rate to calculate the final amount. Final amount = 9570 X 83.3 =&nbsp; Rs. 797,181

So how much money did you lose as fees? To know that we will compare the full value $10,000 with the final amount we calculated in the last step. Full value = 10000 X 85 = 850,000

Final amount = Rs. 797,181. Amount lost as Stripe’s fees = Rs. 52,819 ($621)

In addition to Stripe’s fees, you must spend a bit extra to obtain the FIRA from the bank. Every bank has a different fee structure, usually starting at Rs. 200 for each FIRA. For example,<a href="https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/money-transfer/remittance/fees-and-charges"> HDFC Bank charges Rs. 200</a> for issuing an FIRA.&nbsp;

If we add the FIRA fees, the total is Rs. 53,019

To summarize, to receive a payment of $10,000, you will lose Rs. 53,000 as Stripe + FIRA fees.

Skydo: An Affordable And Seamless Stripe Alternative To Receive International Payments

Despite its popularity and global trust, Stripe’s invite-only model and high fee structure might not be the best option for most Indian businesses. Skydo is a practical alternative to Stripe and offers a quick, secure, and cost-effective solution to all Indian businesses.

Skydo offers international virtual accounts linked to your bank account. These virtual accounts act as digital delivery agents — accepting payments from international clients and delivering them to your bank account. Virtual accounts provide immense flexibility to manage your international payments in different currencies. You can create separate virtual accounts for customers in key regions like the US, the UK, Australia, and Singapore to keep track of payments efficiently.&nbsp;

Skydo has a simple fee structure with no hidden charges. For accepting payments under $2000, the charges are $19, for payments between $2001-$10,000 the charges are $29, and for payments more than $10,000 it’s 0.3% of the amount. There are no additional currency conversion fees and currency is converted at the live exchange rate.&nbsp;

This makes Skydo a more affordable alternative to Stripe. How? Let’s go back to our previous example.

For receiving a payment of $10,000, Stripe fees cost you Rs. 53,019 ($624)

For receiving the same amount through Skydo it will cost you $29 which is Rs. 2465 — assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 85.&nbsp;