Hire a freelancer, or order the file.
Upwork is a place to hire a person. VectorWiz is a place to order a finished vector. Which one fits depends on the work, not just the price.
Upwork is a marketplace: you post a job, compare proposals, hire a freelancer and pay through Upwork. On the Basic plan you pay a 5% marketplace fee on top, plus a contract fee of $0.99 to $14.99 per contract. VectorWiz is a vector service: upload the file, see the price ($19 / $57 / $114 / $190 by complexity) and get it back in 24 hours, drawn by hand. Hire on Upwork if you want an ongoing relationship with one designer across a range of work. Order from VectorWiz if you need vector files to a fixed standard and deadline, without hiring anyone.
What actually differs.
| For a production shop | VectorWiz | Upwork · freelancers |
|---|---|---|
| What you're buying | A finished vector file | A freelancer's time or a fixed-price contract |
| Getting started | Upload a file | Post a job, review proposals, hire |
| Price | $19 / $57 / $114 / $190 by complexity, shown at upload | Set by each freelancer |
| Platform fees for the client | None on top of the price | 5% marketplace fee (3% for eligible US clients paying by checking account) + $0.99–$14.99 per contract; Business Plus 10% |
| How the file is made | Drawn by hand, checked by a second designer | Up to the freelancer; Upwork describes vector tracing as automated tracing first, then manual refinement |
| Turnaround | 24h standard · 12h rush · Flex 3 days | Agreed with each freelancer |
| If it fails at the machine | 100% remake guarantee, unlimited revisions | Depends on the contract; Upwork offers payment protection and dispute support |
| Consistency across jobs | Same standard on every file | Depends on keeping the same freelancer |
| Work beyond vectors | Vector conversion only | Logos, layouts, illustration and more |
Sources
Upwork figures are from Upwork's own client pricing page and its vector tracing hiring page, checked on 24 October 2026. Fees change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we'll correct it.
Honest take.
Upwork is the better pick when…
You want one designer for a range of work, not just conversions; you want to agree an hourly rate and manage the work yourself; or you already have a freelancer you trust.
VectorWiz is the better pick when…
You need a production file tomorrow without a hiring process, the file feeds a cutter, laser, press or embroidery digitizer, and you want the same result every time with a guarantee and unbranded files.
The real cost
Add the platform fees to the freelancer's price, then the time spent posting the job and reading proposals, and any back-and-forth if the file fails at the machine.
Honest answers, including when not to use us.
How much does Upwork charge clients?
On the Basic plan, a 5% marketplace fee on payments to freelancers, or 3% for eligible US clients paying from a checking account, plus a one-time contract initiation fee of $0.99 to $14.99 per contract. On Business Plus the fee is 10%. These figures are from Upwork's client pricing page, checked on 24 October 2026.
Do Upwork vector freelancers trace by hand?
Some do and say so in their profiles. Upwork's own description of vector tracing work starts with automated tracing tools and follows with manual refinement. Ask any freelancer how they make the file before you hire.
Is Upwork cheaper than VectorWiz?
It can be. Each freelancer sets their own rate, and some charge less than $19 per file before Upwork's fees. Compare the cost of a file that works first time, including the fees and your own time.
Can I use both?
Yes. Some shops keep a freelancer for design work and send production conversions to a vector service.
Where this links.
Across · head-to-heads
Down · proof
Upload a file. See the price now.
No job post, no proposals. Drawn by hand, delivered in 24 hours.