A post I put on another forum. A guy there blasted voice123 for a number of reasons, including the backgrounds of the two partners:
Today, I auditioned for a $5000-$10,000 job on voice123.
Yes, I hate their new smartcast system (not the new interface, just the exclusivity of smartcast and how it's really just a "who gets there first" now, and the ratingsystem--although I seem to be doing well there. I object to people who've never worked with me having an impact on how many leads I get.)
Yes, there are a fair number of bottom feeder leads out there. But to address a couple of your concerns specifically:
1) Writing proposals: In a perfect world, voice123 would do what voices.com does... allow us to save templates. Pull down menu, click on template we previously wrote, add client name... send. Takes about 5 seconds. But from the beginning, I created a word doc with everythning I wanted to say. It was a full page. Started with greeting, then went on to more detailed info that they didn't have to read but was there if they wanted top (description of studio, etc.)
2) If Juan and Alex's backgrounds are what you say... WOW! They have done an amazing job in creating a major enterprise without the qualifications to do that. ! I say hats off to them for their ingenuity and biz savvy! Granted, I think they're screwing it all up now. I do hope they start listening to their customers, because I'd hate to see them go under. Their new system is amazing, and I can't imagine what it cost, but it's based on flawed premeses, which I don't want to go into right now. I'd love to see SmartCast and the rating system bite the dust, but some of the changes are good. (below)
3) I wish whoever did voice123's
SEO or marketing to find leads were working for me!
4) They have bottom feeders, yes. And they allow people to post jobs at below $100 which I don't like. But I have no problem workin for "End users!" Some of the "end users" who have hired me have paid a LOT more than the $100-$250 level. I've voiced software programs... and yes, voicemail greetings... but they only take 5 minutes to do and I charge $125. That really adds up.
Meantime, admist so much negativity (even from me) I feel compelled to add what i DO LIKE about voice123.
*I like that we can upload BOTH a demo and custom audition. I woke up hoarse today... I can do my read, but won't sound as good as normal. I didn't have to choose between custom or demo... I uploaded both.
*I like their new interface
*I like that we can see if our audition has been opened.
*I like that when we're invited personally by a voice seeker, that we can email them without having it delete our one opportunity to audition, and that we can upload a file in that email.
*I like that we can see the ratings they put on our auditions (although I hate the rating system)
*I like that we can check a box to see if our audition has been opened yet.
*I really like the reminder the system send us if we havn't auditioned for a job we've been personally invited to.
**I really like that lately I've received so many personal invitations to audition. I have no idea how I'm found by so many people... amidst thousands of talent. But the personal invitation rate is higher than ever. Ironically, I suspect it might be that rating system I hate so much!
* I like the sheer number of leads that come in.
That said, I may not stay with voice123. I have a few months to decide. It's definitely worth the money.
I'm not sure it's worth the stress! (I do literally receive leads AFTER they're closed at times!
But I will remain on
voices.com, for sure. These two services have garnered more leads for me than any of my several agents all over the country.