To begin delivering services on Zalow, you must complete a structured onboarding process designed to ensure trust, transparency, and verified expertise. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Accept Your Invite - You’ll receive a unique invitation email from Zalow or an existing member. This allows you to create your Freelancer account.
2. Complete Identity Verification via Stripe - This includes validating your email, mobile number, a government-issued ID, and a live facial check using your camera.
3. Submit Personal and Professional Information - Public-facing identity and location; Resume and LinkedIn profile; Project preferences across cyber categories (GRC, Offensive, Defensive, Security Ops)
4. Undergo Peer Review by a Zalow Advisory Council Member - A domain expert will evaluate your experience through a resume review and live interactive discussion
5. Final Approval by Zalow - Zalow completes a compliance check and notifies you by email of your membership approval.
6. Finish Profile Setup and Connect Accounts - Upload your avatar, set fee preferences, link your bank account, and request 3 peer recommendations to activate your Trust Score.
Once approved, you can begin submitting proposals, accepting work, and transacting securely through Zalow.

By signing up, you agree to Zalow’s User Agreement, Terms of Use, and Freelancer Membership Agreement, which define your role as an independent contractor—not an employee. You also agree to transact exclusively through Zalow and use Stripe for all payments and escrow management.

Zalow recommends setting your hourly rate 20%–33% above your equivalent full-time employee (FTE) rate to reflect the flexibility, independence, and expertise you bring as a Freelancer. Here’s a simple example: If your FTE salary is $150,000/year, your base hourly rate is approximately $72/hour (based on a 2,080-hour work year). Adding a 25% premium brings you to $90/hour. In this case, a recommended rate range might be $75–$100/hour.

This structure ensures you earn a healthy premium for your experience and independence. Clients still receive great value, often at a lower total cost than hiring a full-time employee. It’s a balanced approach that supports a win-win engagement on the platform.

Zalow charges a 10% service fee on all payments you receive through the platform. Optional membership plans may have separate recurring fees if you choose to upgrade.

Once the Client approves a milestone or hourly invoice—or after a dormancy threshold (5 business days for hourly, 14 days for fixed fee)—Zalow initiates the release of funds from the Stripe escrow account. Stripe typically processes the payout within 1 to 3 business days. Factors that may affect processing time include: Freelancer bank processing time, Freelancer Stripe account status, day of week/holiday, and time of day.

Fixed-Fee Projects: Clients must fund 25% of the total project budget before you begin.
Hourly Projects: Clients must fund 50% of the weekly target fees (based on hourly rate × max weekly hours).
This model ensures partial funds are always secured in escrow as you work.

You may be protected by Hourly Payment Protection if you track your time, stay within agreed hours and deliver the agreed upon services.
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If issues arise, Zalow offers Dispute Assistance and, if necessary, you can pursue binding arbitration.

Clients gain ownership of your work product and intellectual property only after full payment is made. You retain ownership of your pre-existing materials unless otherwise licensed.

Zalow provides a default services contract, but you and the Client may agree to custom terms. However, you must still adhere to Zalow’s overall platform terms and cannot bypass escrow or Stripe.

Yes. As an independent contractor, you are responsible for reporting income and paying any applicable federal, state, or international taxes. Stripe will issue tax forms (e.g., 1099-K) if thresholds are met, but it’s your responsibility to comply with tax laws in your jurisdiction.

Yes—but only if you pay a conversion fee or wait 2 years after your initial contact through Zalow. Circumventing Zalow’s platform without paying this fee violates the Terms of Service and may result in account suspension.

Absolutely. Zalow is designed to support side gigs, part-time freelancing, or full-time contract work. You’re free to engage other Clients or platforms—just not ones you were introduced to through Zalow unless you comply with conversion terms.

Yes. It is strongly recommended to obtain Professional Liability insurance (often referred to as Error and Omission) before starting a project. There are several insurance (e.g. Insureon, Hiscox, Next Insurance) providers that offer Freelancers coverage on a monthly basis. The cost is generally under $100/month.

Starting your own freelance business is an exciting way to take control of your career, income, and impact. The process can be simple.

Here are the basic steps to get started: 1. Choose a business name; 2. Choose a business structure (LLC, S-corp, or C-corp); 3. Register your business in your state; 4. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS; 5. Open a business bank account; 6. Obtain basic professional liability insurance; 7. Create your online presence to reflect your new business (update LinkedIn profile and add a company website).