Hi T Simpson, I'm sorry for the late response this system is not my favorite for user engagement. To answer your questions, first I think I have miscommunicated the business model, Plantr is both the marketplace and directory. It is also a portfolio and network service that designers can use to accumulate and store designs and their experience and be able to promote any service they might provide.
As for how Plantr makes money, we will charge a minor startup fee of $20 to host your portfolio to promote and charge a $5/mo. fee to continue hosting. this is just for our beginning version of the app we will later use a commission system that charges the customer extra while you the designer still retain all the funds that were agreed on.
I would love to talk to you about potential work with us however I and some volunteers are who is making it and I have no budget for further expenses. And yes my marketing is constantly evolving to better fit the market.