Scratch my back vs Fiverr
Fiverr is a paid freelance marketplace. Scratch my back is a place to trade help instead of money. Here’s when each one makes sense.
The short answer
Use Fiverr when you have budget and want a specific job done by a freelancer. Use Scratch my back when you’d rather pay with your own skills, or want introductions and help that aren’t sold as a gig.
How they differ
- Cost: Fiverr charges money for each gig, plus a service fee. On Scratch my back you trade help, and no money changes hands between members.
- Who you work with: Fiverr connects buyers and freelancers. Scratch my back connects founders, freelancers and small businesses who help each other.
- What you get: Fiverr is best for defined tasks. Scratch my back also covers things money can’t easily buy, like introductions, honest feedback and audience mentions.
- Trust: both use ratings. On Scratch my back, ratings come from both sides of a trade.
When to use both
Many people pay for the specialist work they can’t do and trade for everything else. Scratch my back is free to join, so you can try a trade before you spend.
Trade help, not money
Post what you can do for someone and what you’d like back, or find someone offering exactly what you need.
Updated September 2026