Outsourcing your development work can feel like the perfect solution – particularly when you have a killer app idea or need to upgrade a particular part of your operations. But is it right for your company to outsource development for all development projects – or just particularly challenging ones? And once you’ve made the decision to outsource, how do you know if you’ve made the best choice?

The pros of outsourcing development

Outsourcing doesn’t have to be a mysterious and uncertain decision. In fact, there are plenty of high-quality development agencies that specialize in helping companies knock out specific projects. One of the primary reasons organizations opt to outsource their development is to gain access to global talent with expertise in different areas. Need a bubble no code developer? Want to work with an AI app builder? You can find specific developers for unique projects when you outsource to the right team.

Let's face it – hiring in-house developers to build specific products or solutions can be expensive. Not only are you hiring for a full-time role, but you’ll also have to consider benefits and other associated costs. With outsourcing, you can find the best app builder out there and hire as needed.

You know your business inside and out. But when it comes to specific coding needs, you may not have the expertise to handle the project yourself. Even your developers may not have experience in using no-code platform tools. But when you outsource, you can vet particular teams for those specific needs and find the right fit – letting you do what you do best. Perhaps the best reason to outsource your development is to go to market – be that an in-house project or an application for consumers. When you can plug a fractional developer into your existing process, you can move through the lifecycle with less friction. 

The cons of outsourcing development

Naturally, not all development agencies or contractors are the same. While many are passionate about their craft and look to provide outstanding quality service, some are just out to make a quick buck (which means cutting corners and delivering subpar work). Working with an agency halfway around the world? Brace yourself for some potential communication hiccups. Different time zones, languages, and even work cultures can sometimes make things... interesting.

If you like to be in control of everything, outsourcing might make you a bit uncomfortable. You'll need to trust your agency to make some decisions without you looking over their shoulder. Sharing your big ideas and sensitive info with an outside team can be nerve-wracking. Make sure you've got a solid contract that covers confidentiality and who owns what. While outsourcing can save you money, watch out for sneaky extra costs. Project delays, misunderstandings, or sudden "we need to add this feature" moments can all add up.

Questions to ask before you outsource your development

So, how do you make sure you always end up with the “pros” on the list above? It starts with knowing who you are partnering with, and whether they have the experience, expertise, and collaborative skills to make it happen. Here are some questions to ask as you consider working with an outsourced development partner:

1. "Have you worked on anything like this before?" You want to make sure they know their stuff, whether you're using a no-code platform or building from scratch.
2. "How will we stay in touch?" Good communication is key. Make sure they have a solid plan for keeping you in the loop.
3. "What's your process like?" Understanding how they work will help you know what to expect. Do they need extra guidance, or do they have systems in place to complete your project?
4. "Can I see some of your past work?" Don't be shy about asking for references or case studies. Quality developers will have examples ready to share.
5. "What's this going to cost me, really?" Get clear on the price tag, including any potential extra fees. If you feel that a developer isn’t being transparent, it may be time to move on.

We live in a global world – and when you need a skilled developer in a pinch, being able to turn to a trusted partner is gold. But you have to do your due diligence to choose the best one for your specific project and team – or risk wasting time and resources.

Be sure to also consider AI app builders if you’re looking to outsource your development work. Solutions like Sutro’s LLM-powered AI app builder can help you build your idea and get it to market quickly.

Let’s level the playing field.