How Opengates Works

Understanding the Opengates Platform

Opengates is a freelancing marketplace designed to make hiring and working as a freelancer simple, secure, and transparent. This article gives you a detailed look at how every part of the platform works — from how freelancers list their services to how money moves from a client's wallet to a freelancer's bank account.

If you are brand new to freelancing platforms, think of Opengates as an online workspace where skilled professionals and the people who need their skills can find each other, agree on terms, and complete projects with built-in protections for everyone involved.

The Services Marketplace

The services marketplace is the heart of Opengates. It is where freelancers showcase what they can do, and where clients come to find the right person for their project.

How Freelancers List Services

When a freelancer joins Opengates, one of the first things they do is create one or more service listings. A service listing is like a digital storefront for a specific skill or offering. For example, a web developer might create a service called "Custom WordPress Website Development," while a copywriter might list "SEO Blog Post Writing."

Each service listing includes:

• Title — A clear, descriptive name for the service
• Description — A detailed explanation of what the freelancer will deliver, their process, and what the client can expect
• Category and tags — So clients can find the service when browsing or searching
• Pricing tiers — Three levels of service at different price points
• Delivery time — How long the freelancer needs to complete the work
• Portfolio samples — Examples of previous work related to this service

Three-Tier Pricing: Basic, Standard, and Premium

Every service on Opengates uses a three-tier pricing structure. This gives clients flexibility to choose the option that best fits their budget and needs:

• Basic — The entry-level package. It typically includes the core deliverable with minimal extras. For example, a logo designer's Basic package might include one logo concept with two revisions.
• Standard — The mid-range package. It usually includes everything in Basic plus additional deliverables or features. The same logo designer might offer three logo concepts with five revisions and a brand color palette.
• Premium — The most comprehensive package. It includes the full scope of what the freelancer can offer. Our logo designer might provide five concepts, unlimited revisions, a complete brand identity kit, and source files.

Clients can compare these tiers side by side before placing an order, making it easy to understand exactly what they will get at each price point.

How Clients Find Services

Clients can discover freelancer services in several ways:

• Browsing categories — Services are organized into categories (design, development, writing, marketing, etc.) so clients can explore what is available
• Searching — Clients can search for specific skills, keywords, or service types
• Filtering — Results can be filtered by price range, delivery time, freelancer rating, and more
• Recommendations — The platform may suggest services based on the client's activity and preferences

The Task Board

While the services marketplace lets clients come to freelancers, the task board works the other way around — clients post what they need, and freelancers come to them.

How Tasks Work

A task is a job posting created by a client. It describes a specific piece of work that needs to be done. Tasks include:

• Title and description — What the work involves
• Budget — How much the client is willing to pay (this can be a fixed price or a range)
• Deadline — When the work needs to be completed
• Required skills — What expertise is needed
• Attachments — Any files, images, or documents that help explain the project

Once a task is posted, it appears on the task board where freelancers can browse and discover it.

Gate Keys: Applying to Tasks

Here is where gate keys come into play. Gate keys are tokens that freelancers use to apply to tasks. Every time a freelancer wants to submit an application (also called a proposal) for a task, they must spend one or more gate keys.

Why does this system exist? Gate keys serve an important purpose:

• For clients: They ensure that applications are serious and thoughtful. Because freelancers must spend a gate key to apply, they are more likely to only apply to tasks they are genuinely qualified for and interested in. This means clients receive higher-quality applications rather than hundreds of generic, copy-paste proposals.
• For freelancers: They encourage you to be strategic about which tasks you pursue. Instead of applying to everything and hoping for the best, gate keys push you to carefully read task descriptions and only apply where you are a strong fit.

Freelancers receive a certain number of gate keys and can acquire more through the platform. Managing your gate keys wisely is an important part of succeeding on Opengates.

From Application to Contract

When a freelancer applies to a task, the client can review all the applications they receive. They can look at each freelancer's profile, portfolio, ratings, and the proposal they submitted. When the client finds the right freelancer, they accept the application, and a contract is created between them.

Escrow Payments: How Money Flows

One of the most important features of Opengates is the escrow payment system. Escrow protects both freelancers and clients by holding payment securely until the work is completed and approved.

Step-by-Step Payment Flow

Here is exactly how money moves through the platform:

1. Client places an order or accepts a proposal. Whether the client orders a service directly or accepts a freelancer's task application, the first step is the same — the client agrees to pay a specific amount for specific work.

2. Client funds the escrow. The client's payment is processed through Paystack, Opengates' payment gateway. The money does not go directly to the freelancer. Instead, it is held in escrow — a secure holding account managed by Opengates.

3. Freelancer completes the work. With the payment secured in escrow, the freelancer can work with confidence knowing the funds are already committed. They complete the work according to the contract terms.

4. Freelancer delivers the work. The freelancer submits their deliverables through the platform. The client is notified that the work is ready for review.

5. Client reviews and approves. The client examines the deliverables. If everything meets the agreed-upon requirements, they approve the delivery.

6. Payment is released instantly. Once the client approves, the escrowed funds are released — the platform fee is deducted and the remaining amount is instantly sent to the freelancer's payout method of choice.

What If There Is a Dispute?

If a client is not satisfied with the delivered work, they can request revisions (if included in the contract) or raise a dispute. Opengates provides a dispute resolution process to help both parties reach a fair outcome.

Currency: USD Display, KES Payouts

Prices across the Opengates platform are displayed in USD (United States Dollars). This provides a consistent, internationally recognized reference point for all users regardless of where they are located.

When freelancers receive their payouts, the amount is converted to KES (Kenyan Shillings) at the current exchange rate and sent instantly to their payout method.

Fee Structure

Opengates charges a service fee on each transaction. This fee is what keeps the platform running, pays for infrastructure, and funds ongoing development.

Standard Fee: 12%

By default, Opengates takes a 12% fee on each transaction. For example, if a client pays $100 for a service, the freelancer receives $88 (after the 12% fee is deducted).

Premium Subscription Fee: 7%

Users who subscribe to Opengates Premium enjoy a reduced fee of only 7% on each transaction. Using the same example, a premium subscriber freelancer would receive $93 from a $100 payment.

The premium subscription offers additional benefits beyond the reduced fee, making it a valuable option for active users who process a high volume of transactions.

Messaging and Communication

Clear communication is essential for successful freelancing projects. Opengates provides built-in communication tools so freelancers and clients never need to leave the platform to discuss their work.

Chat Messaging

Opengates includes a real-time messaging system powered by Azure Communication Services. You can:

• Send text messages to clients or freelancers you are working with
• Share files, images, and documents directly in the chat
• Keep a complete record of all project-related communication
• Receive notifications when you get new messages

Voice and Video Calling

Beyond text chat, Opengates also supports voice and video calling through Azure Communication Services. This is especially useful for:

• Discussing complex project requirements
• Conducting interviews before hiring a freelancer
• Presenting deliverables and getting real-time feedback
• Building stronger working relationships

All communication stays within the platform, which means there is a record of everything discussed. This is important for dispute resolution and for keeping your personal contact information private.

OLA AI Assistant

Opengates includes OLA, an AI-powered assistant built on Google's Gemini technology. OLA can help you with:

• Navigating the platform and finding features
• Drafting proposals and service descriptions
• Answering questions about how Opengates works
• Getting suggestions and tips for improving your profile or listings

Think of OLA as a helpful guide that is always available when you need assistance.

Security Features

Opengates takes security seriously and offers multiple layers of protection for your account:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. When 2FA is enabled, logging in requires not only your password but also a second verification step (such as a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app). This means that even if someone discovers your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.

Passkeys and WebAuthn

Opengates supports passkeys, a modern authentication technology based on the WebAuthn standard. Passkeys let you log in using your device's built-in security features — such as a fingerprint sensor, face recognition, or a hardware security key — instead of a traditional password. Passkeys are more secure than passwords because they cannot be phished or stolen in a data breach.

Mobile App and Web Access

Opengates is available on multiple platforms so you can work from anywhere:

• Mobile App — Available for iOS and Android, built with Expo and React Native for a smooth, native experience. You can manage your services, respond to messages, track contracts, and handle payments all from your phone.
• Web Version — Access Opengates through any modern web browser on your computer. The web version provides the full platform experience with all features available.

Both platforms stay in sync, so you can start a conversation on your phone and continue it on your computer without missing anything.

Multilingual Support

Opengates is designed for a global audience and supports multiple languages:

• English (EN)
• French (FR)
• Swahili (SW)
• Arabic (AR)

You can switch your preferred language in your account settings, and the platform interface will update accordingly. This is powered by the i18next internationalization framework, ensuring accurate and consistent translations throughout the platform.

Analytics and Insights

Opengates provides analytics tools to help you understand your performance and activity on the platform. Powered by Firebase Analytics, these insights can include:

• Profile views and service impressions
• Order and task completion rates
• Earnings summaries and trends
• Client or freelancer engagement metrics

Understanding your analytics helps you make informed decisions about how to grow your presence and income on the platform.

Putting It All Together

To summarize how Opengates works as a complete system:

1. Freelancers create profiles and list services with three pricing tiers
2. Clients browse services or post tasks on the task board
3. Freelancers apply to tasks using gate keys, or clients order services directly
4. Contracts are created when both parties agree on terms
5. Clients fund escrow through Paystack, securing the payment
6. Freelancers complete and deliver the work
7. Clients review, approve, and release payment
8. Freelancers receive their earnings (in KES) minus the platform fee (12% standard or 7% premium)
9. Throughout the process, both sides communicate via built-in messaging and calling

All of this is backed by robust security (2FA, passkeys), AI assistance (OLA), multilingual support, and analytics — available on both mobile and web.

Still need help? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.