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

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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Consider a scenario where an innovative tech startup in India has designed a groundbreaking software solution coveted by clients worldwide. To seize global opportunities, the company must seamlessly transact with partners in different currencies, navigate diverse regulatory landscapes, and wrestle with the ebb and flow of exchange rates. This intricate ballet of elements underscores the complexities inherent in cross border payments.

For these Indian tech exporters, the efficacy of these cross border payments holds the key to unlocking their full potential. The impact is not solely monetary – it resonates through every facet of their operation. In this interconnected world, the efficiency of international transactions isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a strategic imperative.



The world is at our fingertips, yet the complexities of this global exchange often lurk beneath the surface. Let us discuss the different international payment methods, unraveling the threads of traditional channels and digital platforms while unveiling the challenges that can hinder the smooth flow of cross-border transactions.

Traditional Channels: Bank Transfers and checks

Bank transfers and checks have long been the pillars of international trade, trusted by businesses to facilitate cross border payments. Bank transfers, while reliable, can be a maze of intermediary banks, each taking their slice of the payment, resulting in high transaction fees that can eat into profits.&nbsp;

One significant component of these fees is the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) fee.

SWIFT fees can be a significant burden for businesses engaged in cross-border transactions, ranging up to USD 40. The fee depends on various factors like the destination, intermediary banks involved, and the currency being exchanged. These fees can quickly add up, eroding profits and making international trade less cost-effective.

Furthermore, the fund transfer across these networks is far from instantaneous, often spanning several days or weeks before reaching the intended recipient. This sluggish pace can hamper businesses that require <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">timely payments</a> for operations, supplier relationships, and more.

Cheques, though a time-honored method, often introduce additional complexities. They're subject to international mail delays, manual processing, and the uncertainty of clearance times. These factors collectively create an environment ripe for delays and disputes, eroding the reliability of this channel.

The arrival of technology has led to platforms like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-paypal-india-alternatives-for-international-payment">PayPal</a> and Stripe designed to expedite <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-much-forex-fees-do-you-pay-on-your-international-transactions?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">international transactions</a> with the tap of a button. These platforms boast convenience and speed, delivering a new era of financial connectivity. However, this convenience comes at a cost. While transaction fees might be lower than traditional methods, they still accumulate, potentially straining profit margins, especially for high-volume transactions.

Despite the promises of convenience, the landscape of international transactions is subject to the following challenges.

In this complex landscape, businesses seek a solution that transforms these hurdles into stepping stones.

Elevating Global Financial Flows: Skydo's Cross Border Payments Transformation

As businesses expand their horizons across continents, a partner that can streamline these financial flows becomes invaluable. Skydo, a pioneer in advanced payment solutions, steps onto the stage as a catalyst for change, promising to revolutionise the landscape of cross-border transactions.

Enhanced Payment Efficiency and Streamlined Processes

Skydo revolutionises cross border payments with an ingenious approach that maximises payment efficiency and streamlines processes. Through an intuitive user interface, automated compliance checks, real-time tracking, and robust data security.

Skydo empowers businesses to initiate, monitor, and complete transactions seamlessly. This transformative solution eliminates traditional complexities, enabling swift and transparent movement of funds across borders. Skydo's commitment to innovation redefines the cross-border payment experience, catalysing businesses to engage in global opportunities with confidence and ease.&nbsp;

Retain Profits Through Real-time Exchange Rates and Flat Fees

In cross border payments, every cent matters. Therefore, Skydo’s services are designed with your business’s financial well-being in mind.

With real-time, up-to-the-minute exchange rates for your transactions, you'll always get the most accurate and competitive rates available in the market, ensuring the best value for your money.

Furthermore, with a flat fee charge for Skydo’s services, you'll know exactly how much you're paying for each transaction. There are no hidden costs or surprise charges, giving you peace of mind and predictability in your financial transactions.

By eliminating hidden fees and offering a flat fee structure, Skydo empowers businesses to engage in cross border payments confidently.

Improved Cash Flow Management with Faster Settlement Times

Skydo revolutionises cash flow management by prioritising rapid settlement times. Through streamlined workflows and advanced technology, Skydo accelerates the movement of funds from sender to recipient. This approach empowers businesses with enhanced liquidity, agility, and the ability to seize opportunities promptly.&nbsp;

By minimising transaction delays, Skydo ensures consistent and reliable cash flows, enabling businesses to allocate resources effectively and thrive in the dynamic realm of global commerce.

Enhanced Transparency and Visibility into Payment Statuses

Through real-time updates and comprehensive tracking, Skydo keeps businesses informed at every stage of the transaction journey. This level of insight ensures that senders and recipients are equipped with accurate, up-to-the-minute information, mitigating uncertainties and instilling confidence.

As a business owner, you want to know exactly when and how your money is being converted during cross border payments. Through Skydo’s transparent payment tracking mechanism, you can see the date and time of conversion prominently in all our transaction details. You can also cross-check exchange rates at the specified timestamp via reputable sources like Google and <a href="https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/">XE</a>.&nbsp;

In a world where clarity is paramount, Skydo's commitment to transparency reshapes the cross border payments landscape.

See How Skydo is Revolutionising International Transactions for the Exporters Like You

Abhishek, the founder of a technology export business, Aidetic, in India, faced recurring challenges when receiving cross border payments. These issues included delays and uncertainties related to international money transfers.&nbsp;

In November 2021, Abhishek was eagerly anticipating a $7,000 payment from a new client located in Canada. The payment had been initiated via the <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</a> network nine days prior, but Abhishek had not received confirmation of the funds. His bank's relationship manager couldn't provide clarity on the payment's status, leaving Abhishek frustrated. These payment-related problems were not new to him, and they posed a significant obstacle to his technology export business's growth.

A turning point arrived in Abhishek’s path, when he discovered Skydo, through a tweet from Movin, the platform's founder, who expressed interest in assisting Indian export business owners with cross-border payment issues. He quickly reached out to Movin, and they connected over a Zoom call.

During this conversation, Abhishek realised that Skydo was tailor-made to resolve his payment woes. Without hesitation, he became one of Skydo's first customers. Shortly after, he acquired virtual accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe through Skydo's platform.&nbsp;

Abhishek's testimonial reflects the positive impact of Skydo's services on his business:

"Running a startup presents numerous challenges, and the last thing I want to worry about is how to receive our hard-earned revenue. Thankfully, Skydo has beautifully solved that problem for us, and now we can look forward to expanding our business to more countries without the constant concern of how to collect payments from our clients."

His experience with Skydo demonstrates how the platform effectively addresses the challenges of cross-border payments for businesses, enabling them to focus on growth and expansion while eliminating the frustrations associated with traditional payment methods.

Streamlined cross-border transactions emerge as the cornerstone of success for export-oriented businesses. This journey, though complex, becomes an opportunity when partnered with Skydo, the catalyst for optimising payment efficiency. Reflecting on this voyage, it's evident that businesses cannot rely on traditional methods and face the challenges alone.

Skydo's ingenious approach addresses the pain points of high fees, lengthy processing times, and compliance hurdles, redefining international transactions into a seamless, efficient process.&nbsp;

In this era of boundless possibilities, seizing global growth opportunities hinges on a strategic partnership. Skydo stands as that partner, offering the tools to navigate the complexities, unlock efficiency, and capitalise on the global marketplace.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Book a demo</a> to witness Skydo's features and unlock a world of prosperity.

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When you embark on a journey via the airways, you trust that your luggage will make it to your destination. However, the system is not immune to glitches. Just as luggage can end up misplaced or delayed despite sophisticated tracking systems, international payments can encounter delays, errors, or even go missing along the way.

The uncertainty surrounding its whereabouts and the lack of control over the situation can make the situation much worse. Similarly, when international payments don't proceed as expected, the lack of payment tracking in the process can be worrying. You wonder: Has the payment been initiated? Is it stuck somewhere in the process? Will it reach the intended recipient account on time?&nbsp;

These uncertainties are concerning for businesses relying on timely international transactions to maintain operations and relationships.

The SWIFT Black Box: Why Tracking International Payments is Challenging

Since its establishment in the 1970s, the <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">Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT)</a> has been a fundamental part of the global financial system. It has connected thousands of financial institutions around the world, allowing them to communicate quickly and easily for cross-border money transfers.

Ravi, an entrepreneur based in India, recently won a contract with a firm in New York, US. To get paid for his services, he needs to send a transaction request via the SWIFT network so that his payment from New York is routed correctly to his Indian bank account.

Here's where things get tricky. When Ravi’s payment is sent through the SWIFT system, its movements become difficult to track. It would be like tracking a flight without being able to see any updates between departure and arrival. This "in-flight" stage, when Ravi knows his money has left New York but hasn't yet arrived in India, where most of the concerns and uncertainties arise.

There are several potential speed bumps on the payment journey:

For Ravi and other individuals and businesses, navigating the SWIFT network payment journey is an unavoidable part of doing business in the global economy. Unfortunately, this journey is often unpredictable and complicated.

The Stressful Journey: Tracing Payments Manually

For Maria, a small business owner, dealing with the payment for her international shipment of handcrafted pottery can feel like being in an overwhelming library.&nbsp;

Without a streamlined process and efficient documentation between multiple banks involved in the transaction, it can take more than 3 days for her to receive her payment - 10 days in this case. A delay on any day means she cannot invest back into her business or cover necessary expenses such as staff and overhead costs.

Maria is worried about the delay in her transaction, so she reaches out to her local bank in Mexico for information. They can only tell her when they sent the payment instruction, not the current whereabouts.&nbsp;

So they send an inquiry to the intermediary bank in the U.S., and after checking their records, they respond that two days ago they passed on the funds to the buyer's bank in France.&nbsp;

The chain of inquiries goes on—each step adds more confusion and uncertainty.

The risks and repercussions in this scenario:

This manual tracing of payments is time-consuming and can be financially damaging. The need for more transparency and efficient global transactions has never been more pressing.

Introducing Skydo: A Solution to Payment Tracking Woes

In the world of international transactions where payments seem to vanish into thin air, Skydo emerges as a pioneering lighthouse. It is a revolutionary financial tool that offers unparalleled clarity and security in international payments.&nbsp;

No more worrying about lost funds or navigating the unknown - Skydo illuminates the previously murky world of transacting money across borders, providing users with a sense of security and peace of mind.

#1: Local collection accounts - bringing the world closer

Skydo's local collection accounts are designed to bridge international gaps and make global transactions easier. With local collection accounts, there is no need for international transactions from a business in Mumbai to its partner in Sydney.&nbsp;

Skydo takes care of the international component by creating a local Australian account for the Mumbai partner, making it feel like a domestic transaction. This simplifies the process and reduces complexities, fees, and uncertainties associated with cross-border transactions.

#2: API integration - real-time visibility into your payments

Skydo’s API integration enables you to track your money end-to-end in near real-time, giving you visibility on every step, from initiation through intermediary banks until final receipt. This provides clarity and assurance that your funds are on the right track. Skydo is like having a GPS for your money.

Harnessing the Power of the Skydo Dashboard

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-using-the-skydo-platform?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Skydo’s dashboard</a>.

Once logged in, you can see the Invoice ID, the client’s name, the status of the payment, the amount and the due date. You also get an overview of the outstanding and settled payments.

You can click on the actions tab to view more details, change the status as paid, remind the client of payment or delete the invoice as well.

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Click on a client name and it will lead to a new screen displaying all the details of the client such as amount, due date, invoice date, currency, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/real-time-tracking-of-international-payments?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">track payment status</a> and more.

Here you can also click on ‘remind client’ to send a payment reminder.

The show-all reminders option helps you track past <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">payment reminders</a> sent to the client along with the date and delivery status.

To <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">create a new invoice</a>, click on the new invoice option. This will open up a screen containing details such as 'Bill from' (your company address), 'Bill to' (client), items and bank details.

You can either select from the existing client list or add a new client name in the 'Bill to' field. Provide the address, select the country, and click on save and continue.

In the items tab, you must provide details such as item name, SAC, rate and amount. You can also provide a discount in percentage, and Skydo will automatically display the new amount (after the discount).

Next is the banking details, where you must enter your client's bank details and currency.

If you prefer to receive the payment in USD, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/gst-requirements-international-service-sales?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Indian GST laws</a> will apply, and you must provide <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-lut-for-tech-service-export?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">LUT</a>.

Once you enter all these details, check if they are correct, and you have three options on the right side of the screen - finalise the invoice, download the PDF or delete the invoice.

When you click on finalise invoice, the below screen appears. It has options for manually entering the invoice number and due date for payment.

Once you click on generate E-invoice, you get the QR code and IRN. You can email the invoice to the client directly or download the invoice.

Once the invoice is sent to the client via the dashboard or email with invoices@skydo.com in CC, this is where the payment tracking begins. The right-hand section in each invoice provides detailed tracking of the payment from the moment of remittance to the final deposit in your bank account.

There are two options, business overview and client overview. The business overview talks about the monthly revenue generated per client. 

The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/make-data-driven-business-decisions-with-customer-level-revenue-analysis?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">client overview</a> talks about the revenue generated by the individual client, and their historical data on payments (6 months).

We are constantly looking to add more helpful features for our clients. So you can recommend your suggestions in the 'What else we can add' option under analytics.

This tab has a comprehensive dashboard of the locations you can receive the payment from.

If you scroll down, there is a Skydo fee and FX calculator - an important feature that provides a complete break up of the payment. This is especially helpful for business owners who are unsure of how much they should charge, keeping into account GST and the platform fee.

The 'Clients' tab has a comprehensive list of all the clients you have entered and their payment history. An important feature in this tab is the 'View ledger.' Here you get access to all the invoices raised and the amount pending/paid with a detailed timeline. You have the option to share the ledger with your client as well. You can also click on the analytics option to view the data related to a specific client.

Make Best Use of Skydo for International Payments

Skydo provides a modern-day solution to this age-old problem by offering unparalleled transparency in financial transactions. With Skydo, you can enjoy greater visibility into your money with reduced stress, enhanced efficiency, and minimised delays. Alerts and data insights help tackle potential issues proactively so that transactions are smoother than ever before. 

Take control of your finances now with <a href="https://www.skydo.com/?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=demo_click">Skydo</a> - the bridge between banking opacity and transparency.

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The pandemic in 2020 completely transformed how we work, pushing remote work into the spotlight almost overnight. Before this shift, only about <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/03/20/before-the-coronavirus-telework-was-an-optional-benefit-mostly-for-the-affluent-few/">7% of employees worked remotely,</a> but now it's expected that by 2025, <a href="https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/10/9/20885699/remote-work-from-anywhere-change-coworking-office-real-estate">this number will climb to 70%</a>. This change has touched everyone, from entry-level employees to CEOs.

Companies like Zapier, Adobe, Microsoft, Spotify, and TCS have embraced remote and hybrid work options, making it clear that work-from-anywhere is here to stay. <a href="https://hbr.org/2020/11/our-work-from-anywhere-future">A study by Harvard Business Review</a> even showed that productivity jumped by 13% to 22% in just nine months of working from home. Many employees moved back to their hometowns, saved on living expenses, and enjoyed more time with family.

On the business side, companies found new opportunities to expand globally, with India becoming a go-to spot for outsourcing. With its skilled, cost-effective workforce, strong English proficiency, and successful track record, India presents a solid choice for businesses looking to grow internationally.

Spotlight on India: A Powerhouse of Remote Talent

India, with its vast talent pool, vibrant startup ecosystem, and presence of global companies, has become a top destination for hiring remote workers.

<a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-work-trend-index-reveals-urgent-trends-as-hybrid-work-unfolds-in-india/">Microsoft's Annual Work Trend</a> Index reveals that 74% of India’s workforce prefers remote work, reinforcing the idea that flexibility and hybrid models will shape the future of work.

Global software companies choose India for several reasons:

By 2030, India is projected to have an 11 million surplus of tech workers, positioning the country as a leader in the global tech job market. This surplus will offer companies access to a wide range of skills that may be hard to find elsewhere.

Successful Companies Leveraging Indian Remote Workers

<a href="https://www.deel.com/resources/state-of-global-hiring-report-2022">State of the Global Hiring Report</a> highlights global companies' growing trend of remote hiring, with a 227% rise in Asia Pacific, 286% in Latin America and Europe, and 250% in the Middle East and Africa.&nbsp;

India has the highest employer-of-record adoption at 70.5% across the globe today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Multinational companies like Adobe Inc., Airbnb, Buffer, Gitlab, Zapier, Google, LinkedIn, Squarespace, Dell, Oracle, and hundreds of others have adopted the Indian remote-first, hybrid work model. The companies offer flexible work schedules, paid parental leaves, equity, vacations, and other exciting benefits to maintain the morale and motivation of their remote employees.&nbsp;

Airbnb and Uber’s well-thought strategic ‘partnerships with people, organisations, and government’ have led to their sustained growth in the country.&nbsp;

India is quickly becoming a go-to hub for innovation and IT, offering global companies top talent at a fraction of the cost. With living expenses in India significantly lower than in the US, businesses can save <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-work-trend-index-reveals-urgent-trends-as-hybrid-work-unfolds-in-india/">60-80% by hiring remotely</a>, making it an appealing option for many.

As the US faces a shortage of 6 million tech workers, India’s skilled workforce is stepping in to fill the gap, helping companies stay competitive and manage economic challenges. With unmatched talent and diversity, India offers global companies both quality and value.

Key benefits of hiring Indian talent include:

India remains an attractive choice for companies seeking both talent and cost efficiency.

How to Effectively Leverage Indian Remote Workers

While hiring talent from India offers significant benefits, global corporations sometimes struggle to fully tap into this skilled workforce. The hiring process can feel daunting, as the Indian market is still maturing in terms of recruitment practices.

However, the advantages far outweigh the challenges, and with the right approach, hiring remote workers from India can be seamless. Here's how:

With these strategies, companies can successfully navigate the Indian hiring landscape and unlock the full potential of its workforce.

The Future of Remote Work in India and Its Global Impact

The potential trends and implications of the rise of remote work in India would work in its favour. Providing livelihood to millions and global opportunities to upscale careers. The future of work is a hybrid remote work model, with India leading the front.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-find-high-paying-remote-jobs?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">remote working</a> option would bring greater flexibility, better work-life balance and access to global opportunities for remote workers in India. It would be a huge opportunity for global corporations to tap the rich talent pool and skill set to their advantage in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

As we inch nearer to a world powered by virtual reality and AI, greater connectivity, improved security, and better flexibility, conventional office spaces will dissipate to give way to online borderless, streamlined remote workspaces.&nbsp;

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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