Outsource

[golfpro]

Hi
I am really keen to launch a website that no one else is doing and has been proven a winner in another field. I have limited funds and therefore would consider outsourcing the web design etc abroad...is this something any one has done and any comments you may have ?
Many Thanks

 

[Andy Harris]

Having seen a few companies go through this pain, I would say that if your website is quite 'simple' then overseas development could be an option. However, if it's going to get into non-simple databases/bespoke stuff etc. then it could be a minefield.

One example seen recently was a UK company that got a site (and back end) developed by a company in India and they in turn had outsourced it to a company that went bust. The end result was that no-one can decipher the intricacies of the back end, which has a negative knock-on effect to business.

Whoever you get to develop it, and even if it costs more, full documentation of everything (especially back end stuff) is critical.

 

[mmajackw]

Hi
I am really keen to launch a website that no one else is doing and has been proven a winner in another field. I have limited funds and therefore would consider outsourcing the web design etc abroad...is this something any one has done and any comments you may have ?
Many Thanks

I own a web company in the UK and we deal with people with limited budgets.
cloud9business .co.uk

Try not to get bogged down with foreign outsourcing if you can help it.

Drop us an email if you need anymore help/advice or PM

 

[andrewflower12]

hey golf

we have taken many project from outsourcing and works best for us .. if you looking for same than you may contact us with viewing on my signature

 

[tnet]

I cannot agree with following:

I would say that if your website is quite 'simple' then overseas development could be an option. However, if it's going to get into non-simple databases/bespoke stuff etc. then it could be a minefield.

You just need to find right company. Some freelances are just looking for opportunities for "easy money" but most of the established companies in eg. east/south-east Europe will provide much better quality for the same price. Simply because of the expenses - for business owners, average developer DAY in my city costs around 25-30 euros. If company charges 20 euros per hour, that developer can spend whole day on 2 hour task and still be efficient.
Therefore, they have more time to focus on details...

For example, all my clients are from DE/AU/CH and they outsource projects to us not only because of the price, but because of the flexibility and quality we can provide.

 

[Andy Harris]

I cannot agree with following:


You just need to find right company. Some freelances are just looking for opportunities for "easy money" but most of the established companies in eg. east/south-east Europe will provide much better quality for the same price. Simply because of the expenses - for business owners, average developer DAY in my city costs around 25-30 euros. If company charges 20 euros per hour, that developer can spend whole day on 2 hour task and still be efficient.
Therefore, they have more time to focus on details...

For example, all my clients are from DE/AU/CH and they outsource projects to us not only because of the price, but because of the flexibility and quality we can provide.

OK, fair point - probably unfair of me to generalise like I did. Was purely basing from personal experience (a few times). Maybe what would help build trust in overseas developers would be more in the way of evidence of work done. For example, if an overseas developer had a huge list of happy clients and I was able to easily contact any of them to discuss how well the projects went, then that would make the buying choice much easier. That, of course, applies to any developer, regardless of location.

So, if I wanted a website that goes beyond simple stuff, and I'm considering a developer, then I want to be talking to clients that have had such sites in place for literally years, and they are still happy.

For any type of service, when fingers have been burnt, it spoils it for those who may provide a great service. It all comes down to reassurance I suppose.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

I've worked on a few development projects using offshore programmers (mostly India) and ensure if you do go down this route you fully document exactly what you want prior to engaging with a firm, otherwise halfway through the development you will find that whats being created isn't what you want and then the costs will spiral.

Offshore firms also tend to turnover staff very quickly, so don't expect the person who actually developed your site to be around for years to come in case there are any issues.

Also only use them for the programming, get someone in the UK to actually write the site content as this is often where issues are found.

 

[7stuioz]

Hello ,
You could post your requirements on freelancing portals or brief me with your requirements. I run my own web development firm.You could check the url on my profile.We are into web development and ECommerce solutions.
Good luck.

 

[FlatRockTechnology]

Generalizing companies because their developers are not based in the UK is actually quite unfair. Our company - Flat Rock Technology - has two offices - in London and in Varna, Bulgaria and this does not stop us from offering mainly complicated bespoke solutions.

Golfpro, if you need any assistance on web design or development, just send me a PM and we may find the right cost-effective solution for you.

 

[threenine]

My advice here regardless of whether you're going to use onshore, nearshore or offshore development companies you need to clearly articulate your requirements, set clear objectives and clearly manage expectations on both sides. Most importantly be realistic about what you want to achieve.

If you're going to use any of the "freelance" boards, then try to post as much detail about your project as possible. Be very careful about going for the cheapest price.

I am personally constantly amazed at the number people you place adverts on freelance board. Like "I need a website, must look good. I'm on a tight budget!"

When I question them further, they tend to say they're open to suggestion! This is no way to start a business.

 

[AvaCristi]

I have encountered plenty of company that have outsourced this tasks and by far most of them have not encountered any problem. One thing to remember when you plan to outsource is to always research about the company/person. Read reviews and ask around or better yet, ask someone for a referral.