What is an Invite-Only project, and what are the advantages of inviting service providers to bid?

Sometimes a buyer may be familiar with a service provider's work, or see a profile they like, and want to limit their project's proposals to these parties. This is called an 'Invite-Only' project.

Only invited service providers may submit proposals on this type of project. At any time, the buyer can change the project status and open it to proposals from all service providers.

Below are some advantages of inviting service providers to place bid proposals on your project.

* Shop for services. Use Elance's directory of service providers — browse detailed descriptions of the specific services available. When you find a provider you like, invite them to send you a proposal by clicking on the red ‘Contact Me’ button on their provider profile page.

* Be selective. Use Elance profiles, portfolio and feedback ratings to pick the best provider for the service you need.

* Streamlined bidding. Posting an open project can mean sorting through many bid proposals. Inviting specific service providers to bid lets you go straight to providers you have pre-approved and ask them to bid.