Using Outsourcing Provider Websites

Job websites such as eLance.com, Freelancer.com and Guru.com make it easy for website owners to find people to outsource their work to. There are both benefits and drawbacks to using these websites to find your outsourcees. Here’s an outline of both to help you decide if you should use them:

Benefits

One of the benefits of using outsourcing websites is the volume of providers listed. Unlike finding people one on one on internet forums, you can instantly gain access to a whole list of providers who will typically be of satisfactory to very good quality, as opposed to some providers you might find on internet forums, as it does take a bit of skill to get started on a freelancing website.

Another benefit is escrow payments. These websites will hold payment for both sides to ensure that both sides are happy before releasing payment. Many of these websites also have a conflict resolution process built into the system.

Finally, you’ll typically pay less on eLance than if you hired a U.S. or European Union-based freelancer, as many freelancers come from the Philippines, India or other countries where the cost of living is much lower.

Drawbacks

The main drawback to using outsourcing websites is that there are few superstar outsourcees listed at these websites, the reason being that because there’s so much supply that it is difficult for top-level outsourcees to get paid a good rate. Therefore, you’ll have a very easy time finding decent outsourcers, but a hard time finding all-stars.

Often times you will run into issues with companies based in developing countries, as English is often not their first language. Therefore, you should stick to more experienced outsourcees with high reviews as that usually means they have a good grasp of English even if they are based in another country.

Another drawback of using a site such as eLance is that you’re often paying extra for membership for posting and for assigning jobs. That is money that could be going to outsourcing that is instead going to an intermediary website.

Therefore, whether you should you use a freelancing website really depends on the services you require.

If you’re looking for an all-star writer to write for a print magazine, then probably not. You’re better off hiring someone through personal referrals and spending time personally recruiting the best person you can find.

On the other hand, if you need someone to work for $2 an hour building links back to your website, then freelance websites may be the perfect place to look. They will often already have the skills and will cost a fraction of what it would cost to have someone you know do the same tasks.

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Author: jm

Joan Mullally has been doing business online for more than 20 years and is a pioneer in the fields of online publishing, marketing, and ecommerce. She is the author of more than 200 guides and courses designed to help beginner and intermediate marketers make the most of the opportunities the Internet offers for running a successful business. A student and later teacher trainee of Frank McCourt’s, she has always appreciated the power of the word, and has used her knowledge for successful SEO and PPC campaigns, and powerful marketing copy. One computer science class at NYU was enough to spark her fascination with all things digital. In her spare time, she works with adult literacy, animal fostering and rescue, and teaching computer skills to women.