Hi Mark.
Thanks for the email, I have seen and used local solo before couple of times and also apply to these jobs too. However I haven’t had any luck yet :) Maybe thats because Im in Jakarta and I only apply for remote work only.
So in response to your options, I think opt #2 for freelancers are quite generous, it does sound like a good offer for freelancer side, and I think employers would take it. However they will see if they can find good talents on your site. But you can show off with “Top Rated” mark for several ones.
And also about taking some percentage of payment to freelancers, to be honest I wouldn’t mind as long as it’s not a big fraction as what Upwork does which they use 20% for the first 500$.
Prsonally 5% is a good amount for freelancer.
Hope it helps :) all the best, keep up the good work. Freelancers need better platform than upwork, we all need to pay the bills and I do think Local Solo is very promising.