How LanceNest is paid for.
Freelancers get the friendly rates. Buyers pay like they would for any staffing or recruiting service — still well below a traditional GovCon staffing agency.
For freelancers
Standard — 15% per project
Every veteran freelancer starts here, no subscription required. LanceNest takes 15% from your side of each completed job. No listing fee, no fee to create a profile.
Pro — 10% per project + $19/month
Lowers the platform fee to 10%, adds priority placement and a Pro badge.
Federal Pro — 8% per project + $29/month
Built for freelancers regularly taking on higher-value federal contract work, where a flat 15% adds up fast.
Founding 20: the first 20 verified freelancers pay just 5% for six months. See if spots are still open →
For companies hiring
Standard hiring — 5% service fee
Added on top of the invoice when you hire and pay a freelancer through LanceNest.
Retained shortlist — $500
A guaranteed shortlist of three verified candidates within 72 hours. Fully credited against your first engagement.
Federal Employer — $249/month
Unlimited bench search, direct contact with any freelancer, and the ability to post requirements. Built for companies hiring veteran talent repeatedly.
Trade & booking deposits
For trade work (HVAC, electrical, and similar), a 20% deposit confirms the booking and unlocks direct contact. The platform fee is collected from the deposit; the balance is paid directly to your pro.
Payments
All payments are processed through Stripe. Freelancers connect a Stripe account to receive payouts directly to their bank. LanceNest never holds client or freelancer funds directly.