Need advice on outsourcing development

Discussion in 'General Business' started by bestoptimized, Sep 2, 2007.

  1. #1
    I am looking for advice on how to get outsourcing work done. I have many great ideas (at least one is brilliant - at least I think so!!). I am busy so I need to outsource and I haven't had good luck with outsourcing. What is the best way to get a project done through outsourcing? How do I find a good programmer that will get the work done on time?
     
    bestoptimized, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  2. linsys

    linsys Peon

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    #2
    I'd use Guru.com make sure you can look at REAL examples of customers work and they provide you with "references" that you can actually call, customers who are associated with the work they show you.

    If they tell you they can't let you call customers or show you customer's work because of privacy policies etc.. then they are full of it.

    I found a wicked flash / 3d designer in south america off guru he is low cost and does AMAZING work.

    Just be careful and do your research.
     
    linsys, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  3. DarrenC

    DarrenC Peon

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    #3
    It's a very good question.

    I run my business single handily, but I'm not an expert about all aspects of running a business, so I know my limits and have a number of freelancers who I use for 1) graphic design, 2) SEO / Marketing and 3) Coding.

    I've wasted alot of money on finding the right people, but eventually you do find someone whose reliable and talented enough to undertake the work you need carrying out.

    I would find someone that comes recommended, who has a website that you can check their work, and read testimonials. I've even contacted there previous clients and asked them for their opinion.
     
    DarrenC, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  4. PHPGator

    PHPGator Banned

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    #4
    They are hard to come by. I have a coder, that when I need one I use all the time. I know he is always looking for more work, hes pretty advanced in PHP. I can give you his contact information if you are interested, just PM me.
     
    PHPGator, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  5. InternetSearchInc

    InternetSearchInc Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Define your requirements properly first and a budget. I have some good developers in India. If you require any web based work, PM me.
     
    InternetSearchInc, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  6. lilylidou

    lilylidou Peon

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    #6
    Try some little porjects in these website.
    Then find the best one.
     
    lilylidou, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  7. digitalphoenix

    digitalphoenix Peon

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    #7
    use RentACoder.com
    Choose a coder with high ratings and also with a good bid amount :)
     
    digitalphoenix, Sep 2, 2007 IP
  8. goforhunt

    goforhunt Banned

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    #8
    Well, we are complete IT solution provider company based in India, have clients in US, UK, Canada and so on. You can check our website more details.

    www.saffronragesolutions.com

    Please PM me if we can be of any help.

    Regards
     
    goforhunt, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  9. Brennan

    Brennan Notable Member

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    #9
    use freelance sites like sitepoint, elance, etc. and digitalpoint :)
     
    Brennan, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  10. bobchrist

    bobchrist Active Member

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    #10
    If you hire programmers from freelancing sites one of the problem you might face for contacting them as most of these sites allow to interact through their sites only. I would suggest to contact few reputed designer firms those offering such service.
     
    bobchrist, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  11. bestoptimized

    bestoptimized Peon

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    #11
    Thanks for the suggestions.

    I asked this question because I have had one project that I haven't been able to get done for over a year. About this time last year I posted the project on Rent a Coder. I got someone from India who had alot of good feedback and was one of the top 500 coders. He dragged it out for 6 months and never finished. So at last I decided to get my money back. One of the problems with this guy is that he couldn't do anything without asking me how to do it (minor things). After I canceled the project I reposted it about two months later and received alot of bids. I accepted a bid from a guy who does php/mysql programming everyday for a major company and has perfect feedback. He even was familiar how the project should work. Well, it has been 3 months and it is now nearing completion (I think! It looks like it.). I think the problem with this guy is that he bid too low and that it is taking more hours than he thought. The problem is that I could have made alot of money of the site if it was done the first time.

    I still think RentaCoder is a good site. At least I can't lose my money. I have looked at Guru. They seam to be high priced on there (of course it would probably be worth it). Digitalpoint is an idea but alot of the people on here would steal my ideas.

    Bobchrist: RentaCoder allows IM, Email, and even phone on projects over $500. Almost all my projects are over that. But I do agree with you. Many of the freelance sites don't allow any communication.

    Again, thanks for the replies.
     
    bestoptimized, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  12. D3n!ss3_gÜrL

    D3n!ss3_gÜrL Banned

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    #12
    Hi there!

    I have sent you a PM. Kindly check and contact me if you are still looking for a programmer. ;)
     
    D3n!ss3_gÜrL, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  13. richrf

    richrf Active Member

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    #13
    Hi,

    I've encountered similar situations as yours. It is difficult getting projects done on time and to specification satisfaction without some face-to-face, which is why I prefer working with local services. I spent several months looking for people on Craigslist and other venues until I found a good local SEO person. It really helped having face to face meetings so he really understood what I was looking for and where I was headed.

    I tried working with other venues, but I could never get the warm fuzzies about who I was working with and what the final product might look like. Code structure, security, and other ongoing issues are major considerations for me, so I like to have ongoing reviews and feedback of everything that is being developed.

    I think a solutions have their pluses and minuses. For now, I am playing it more comfortably with services that are local.

    Rich
     
    richrf, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  14. scuba5794

    scuba5794 Active Member

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    #14
    post threads here in the forums and see if you can find qualified workers overseas i was able to find someone who does great work, however i won't reveal him because they are too valuable to me and i keep him busy, so once you do find a reliable person do not reveal them because you may get outbid and you'll find that your work gets put on the back burner while someone else's work is taking priority
     
    scuba5794, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  15. qsol

    qsol Peon

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    #15

    Do see this LinkedIn question and its "best answer". It should have you started on the right track with the right questions:
    http://www.linkedin.com/answers/technology/e-commerce/TCH_ECM/29272-4806667

    The next step would be to register with an online service like http://www.freelancersatlarge.com to look for an outsourcing partner.

    Even if you intend to hire locally, give this a shot because of the sheer number of capable people you will meet. This may help to arm you with the right kind of questions to ask when you start looking locally.

    All the best!
     
    qsol, Sep 12, 2007 IP
  16. Malthus

    Malthus Peon

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    #16
    As someone who has managed a number of projects in both my primary and secondary business, this is the best advice I can give you:


    Never underestimate the importance of good requirements, in many cases it will make the difference between success and failure.
     
    Malthus, Sep 12, 2007 IP
  17. amf-flt

    amf-flt Active Member

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    #17
    Rich's sentiment is exactly why we started FreelanceLocalTech... so that clients with a need for a freelancer can find one (or more) in their local area that they can meet face-to-face, without the middleman, without someone else taking a piece of the action. I can't imagine why anyone would put up with the hassles of working with someone on the other side of the world to possibly save a few bucks. I guess if you have nothing better to do at 4 a.m. than to talk to your remote programmer via e-mail....
     
    amf-flt, Sep 12, 2007 IP