Designing a Decentralized Freelance Platform with NEAR- BGSs

The Problem: Freelancing Feels Broken

Freelancing platforms today? Bloated with fees, flooded with spam jobs, and run by opaque algorithms. As someone who’s been both a freelancer and a client, I knew there had to be a better way. One that didn’t involve a centralized company acting as a middleman.

That itch turned into an idea: Why not build a platform where freelancers and clients interact directly—no gatekeepers, no bias—just code and contracts? Enter: NEAR Protocol, Vue.js, and a surprisingly capable tablet.

My Offbeat Dev Setup

Yes, I built a blockchain-powered app mostly on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9. Here’s how I pulled it off:

Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (running in DeX mode with keyboard)
Command Line: Termux (for Linux tools and NEAR CLI)
Runtime: Node.js (installed via Termux)
Framework: Vue.js for frontend
Blockchain: NEAR Protocol (smart contracts written in Rust and deployed via CLI)
DevOps: GitHub + Vercel for versioning and deployment
Wallets: NEAR testnet wallets to simulate real transactions

Was it unconventional? Absolutely. But also surprisingly productive.

The Vision: A Trustless Freelance Platform

I wanted to reimagine how freelance platforms should work:

Login with Wallets: No accounts, just NEAR wallet auth.
Smart Contracts for Escrow: Payments are held in contracts until work is accepted.
Transparent Transactions: Everything recorded on-chain—verifiable by anyone.
Simple, Clean Frontend: Built with Vue.js for a smooth and lightweight experience.

And yes—it all worked on a tablet, using just testnet wallets and a bit of patience.

Key Features and Flow

Here’s how the core of the dApp works:

Client Posts a Gig
A job description, price, and timeline are submitted via the frontend, signed with their NEAR wallet.
Freelancer Applies
Candidates submit proposals, which are tied to wallet addresses for traceability.
Smart Contract Handles Funds
On gig acceptance, funds are locked in an escrow contract until the client approves the deliverable.
Disputes? There’s Logic for That Too
Contracts include basic dispute resolution logic based on deadlines, inactivity, etc.
On-Chain History
Every transaction and interaction is stored transparently on NEAR blockchain.

Lessons from Building a Web3 App on a Tablet

Here’s what I wish someone told me before I started:

Start Traditional, Then Go Decentralized
Build a working version of your marketplace before throwing blockchain into the mix.
Keep Frontend Lightweight
Tablets don’t like heavy build tools. Keep your Vue app optimized and minimal.
NEAR CLI Is a Blessing
It’s powerful and easy to use, especially from Termux. NEAR’s developer docs? Surprisingly solid.
Testnet Is Your Best Friend
Always test smart contracts on NEAR testnet before going anywhere near mainnet.
GitHub Is Your Lifeline
Tablets crash. Often. Version control isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why This Matters (and What’s Next)

I didn’t just build a dApp. I proved that you don’t need a MacBook Pro or a five-person team to ship Web3 products. Just:

A tablet
A solid idea
The right stack (NEAR + Vue)
A bit of stubbornness

This project was about reclaiming control—for freelancers, for clients, for indie devs. In a world where platforms take 20–30% of your earnings, decentralization isn’t just innovation—it’s resistance.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt squeezed by centralized freelancing platforms, now’s the time to start building something better. Whether you’re a solo dev, a crypto nerd, or someone with a weekend to spare—Web3 is no longer theoretical.

I built this project off-grid, on a tablet, using tools anyone can access. And that means you can too.

Next steps for me? Maybe integrate DAO-based dispute handling. Or launch a mobile-first beta. Or just… debug under a tree again.

In 2025, decentralization is not a trend. It’s the future of work.

How I Built a Decentralized Freelance Marketplace Using NEAR Protocol and Vue.js