eCommerce Freelancer vs Software House: How to Choose

Managing an eCommerce store can be a daunting task for businesses due to the high volume of tasks involved. Additionally, some businesses may not have the necessary resources or expertise to create and operate an eCommerce store effectively. In such cases, outsourcing the management of their eCommerce store is a viable option.

When it comes to handling digital activities, businesses have the option to either hire freelancers or outsource to a software house. Outsourcing digital activities can help businesses to focus on their crucial operational activities with ecommerce website developers company.

Let’s discuss these factors to determine which option is the most suitable for outsourcing eCommerce store operations.

eCommerce Freelancer

eCommerce Freelancers are individuals or groups who take responsibility for managing eCommerce stores. These freelancers undertake various roles in executing eCommerce stores. These include creating and maintaining websites, order fulfillment, product listings, and inventory management. Usually, eCommerce freelancers provide their services virtually. 

Pros of Outsourcing eCommerce Store Management to Freelancers 

Hiring eCommerce freelancers has many advantages. Let’s take a look at these. 

• Affordability is one of the factors why hiring freelancers is a viable option. eCommerce freelancers often charge less than other options like software houses. Businesses that are new or have budget restrictions should consider hiring eCommerce freelancers. 

• Services of eCommerce freelancers are virtually available. This means businesses don’t have to bear expenses such as premises costs. They can avoid expenditures like heating, lighting, and rental costs. Such service provision creates a win-win situation for both businesses and eCommerce freelancers. 

• When hiring eCommerce freelancers, businesses have access to a vast talent pool. This wider availability of options helps business choose the most suitable talent. Businesses can compare service offerings, pricing options, and more. 

• A significant advantage of hiring eCommerce freelancers is that they deliver their services quickly. As the freelancers are paid on project completion, they try to accomplish tasks on time. 

• eCommerce freelancers are also subject to ratings and reviews. Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr have a system of rating and reviews. Also, ratings and reviews are openly showcased. This enables freelancers to strive to provide their best work, ensuring better service quality.  

Cons of Outsourcing eCommerce Store Management to Freelancers 

Apart from the advantages of hiring freelancers, there are some disadvantages. These cons include: 

• Firms often need help in building or hiring a network of freelancers. This is because only a few freelancers have expertise in all areas of service provision. Setting up teams and communication with virtually connected individuals can be a challenge. 

• Hiring E-Commerce Services freelancers at cheaper rates may compromise the quality-of-service provision. As freelancers may lack expertise in certain areas, it can result in poor service quality. 

Software House 

Software houses are agencies hired to manage eCommerce store operations. These software houses often have excellent technical aptitude in eCommerce management. Now, let’s discuss the advantages of acquiring the services of software houses for eCommerce operations.

Pros of Outsourcing eCommerce Store Management to Software House

Software houses can manage eCommerce stores effectively due to their well-connected teams.

• Strong communication within the teams of software houses leads to better performance. Also, effective communication leads to better execution of the operations and store management. 

• Software houses employ experienced professionals with brilliant skill sets. They have experts like ecommerce website, web designers, and product listing experts. Businesses can benefit from this expertise in the creation and operations of eCommerce stores.

• Software houses provide the pricing package for their service provision. This means that the prices are pre-determined. There would be no extra expenditure that would be borne by the business.

• The service provision of software houses is available 24/7. Any escalation in store operation can be easily dealt with.

• The software houses often have superior tools for eCommerce store management. These tools can be effective in store management. Besides this these tools are often expensive for businesses to acquire.

Cons of Outsourcing eCommerce Store Management to Software Houses

• Hiring a software house for eCommerce store management can be expensive. These software houses often charge top dollars for their services. These factors can increase expenses for small and medium-sized businesses. 

• Outsourcing may result in a lack of control over the eCommerce store as an external party manages it. As the eCommerce store management is outsourced to an external part, the confidential data of the business is exposed. 

• Businesses may not have full command over important decisions such as pricing decisions. 

• Oftentimes software houses manage different eCommerce stores. This increase could result in a lack of focus on one of their client’s projects. 

• If a business outsources its eCommerce store management to software houses, then it could create a factor of dependency. This is one of the drawbacks of outsourcing Ecommerce Development Agency In Pakistan store management to software houses. 

• If a software house discontinues its service, then this is a challenge for a business. Finding another software house for service provision can be time consuming. The transition period can also be painful for a business. 

Conclusion

When deciding between a freelancer or a software house, there are several factors to consider, such as cost and available services. It is recommended to hire resources that fit within the budget and possess the necessary expertise for a business. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option can help businesses make better decisions when it comes to outsourcing. The outsourcing process should be easy to ensure that businesses can fully benefit from it.