source: medium.com
Choosing a contractor is a real headache. You need to weigh everything carefully, avoid mistakes, and make the right call, or the whole project could fall apart. The success of the project depends on how you choose the contractor. So, it’s crucial to approach this decision with the utmost seriousness.
In this post, we’ll explore what hiring model to choose and how to select the right developers.
Outsourcing, Outstaffing, or In-House?
First things first, you should pick the hiring model. This is the core decision you should make before partnering with mobile app development providers.
Outsourcing
Outsourcing involves delegating the entire software development process to an external team. This is the model we use for mobile application development services at Purrweb.
Pros
With this strategy, you are able to access certain skills without employing full time staff. Usually, a company turns to a third-party service provider or an agency that can handle the entire project from beginning to end. Purchasing services externally can lessen the time and effort needed for recruitment and management. Furthermore, outsourcing companies are commonly known to have huge amounts of experience in the management of large projects and meeting deadlines without compromising the quality.
Cons
Outsourcing often has certain risks. You become completely dependent on the external team to deliver services on time and of the quality that is expected. There are bound to be communication problems with an outsourcing partner working from another time zone or different culture. You also lose some degree of control over the development process which can make accessible responsive changes challenging.
Outstaffing
Unlike outsourcing, outstaffing is more flexible and entails more than just shifting the services of a company to another location. It can be defined as hiring external developers for a specific project where they are employees of an outstaffing agency instead of a full-time employee. The business is able to manage the work processes of each developer, resource, or unit. Basically, the external team transforms into your internal team in all aspects except that they are not full-time employees.
Pros
With outstaffing, the most important advantage is control. You can always appreciate the monitoring of the work, adjusting tasks, and even interfacing with the developer resources being used. If your in-house team needs specialized help or resources for certain tasks, collaboration, or your project requires constant collaboration, this model is perfect. Outstaffing can also turn out to be cheaper, especially when working with a global resource market.
Cons
Yet there are challenges with outstaffing. The downside is that although control is retained on the level of tasks completed, the people doing them are from the outstaffing company. This means picking the right agency becomes of utmost importance to the successful execution of work. Managing remote employees who are in different time zones is already difficult and being able to balance coordinating work can be daunting. Project management may be complicated because of differences in communication tools, work practices among team members, and company culture.
source: medium.com
In-house app development services
In-house development gives you the most control over the development because it hires full-time employees that are only interested in your project. Having an internal team allows you to create a group that reflects the organization’s values, culture, and long-term objectives.
Pros
You have full control over the development project. Also, in-house teams also encourage collaboration among employees held across different roles and departments so the project aligns with the larger business strategy.
Cons
However, creating an in-house team comes with a considerable investment in recruitment, onboarding and training. It can also be time-consuming and costly to find the right talent. Besides one-time costs, an in-house team entails ongoing expenses such as salaries, office space, and other perks.
Tips for hiring the right contractor
To navigate this complex process and secure the best fit for your project, pay close attention to these critical guidelines.
Start with their track record
When hiring a contractor, always begin by assessing their past contracts. If a contractor claims to possess relevant experience, ensure they provide proof. They should show positive feedback from clients or a portfolio that includes photos showcasing the work done.
In addition, using social media like Instagram or Facebook helps in discovering creative contractors. Their existence in such platforms indicates their maintenance and value to image and possibility to align with current trends in the industry.
Check their availability
Even the best contractor won’t be effective if they’re overbooked. Understand their current workload and how much time they can realistically dedicate to your project. If they are managing too many commitments and their stuff is small, you can face delays.
Test their problem-solving skills
Challenges are always part of any project. A trustworthy contractor is problem-solving capable. Inquire about previous challenges they encountered and managed to overcome. Whether those challenges were a change in requirements, technical complications, or difficult clients, they should show their ability to adapt and deliver workable solutions. This way, you’ll avoid things going wrong with your project.
Look for flexibility
Projects often evolve. A good contractor should be flexible and willing to accommodate changes in scope, deadlines, or requirements. Ask how they’ve handled changes in the past and ensure they’re open to adjustments. A contractor who is adaptable will prevent setbacks and keep the project on track, even when plans shift unexpectedly.
Consider communication style
Pay close attention to how the contractor communicates during your initial interactions. Are they quick to respond? Do they actively listen and ask thoughtful, relevant questions? Effective communication is crucial for ensuring the smooth progress of your project. If the contractor exhibits any of the following behaviors, it could be a red flag:
Checklist: red flags in communication
- Delayed or inconsistent responses to emails or calls
- Fails to ask clarifying questions or show understanding of your needs
- Struggles to communicate project details clearly
- Doesn’t actively listen or address your concerns
- Avoids providing updates or progress reports
- Seems uninterested or dismissive of your input
If the contractor exhibits any of these behaviors, do not partner with them.
Get clear on cost
Ensure you receive a detailed cost breakdown upfront. Some contractors charge by the hour or based on project milestones, while others offer fixed fees. It’s crucial to clarify all pricing details to avoid any surprises later. Ask what will happen if the project scope expands or shrinks.
By the way, here are the different hiring models and who they suit best:
| Hiring model | Description | Best for |
| Hourly rate | The contractor charges for the actual time worked. | Short-term projects with unclear scope or when flexibility is required. |
| Fixed fee | A set price for the entire project, regardless of time. | Projects with a well-defined scope and clear deliverables. |
| Milestone-based | Payment is made upon the completion of specific project milestones. | Larger projects where different stages can be clearly defined and tracked. |
| Retainer | A fixed fee for ongoing work, typically paid monthly. | Long-term projects or when continuous support and maintenance are required. |
| Time & Materials | A combination of hourly rates for work done and material costs incurred. | Flexible projects where the scope may evolve, or for smaller, quick-turnaround tasks. |
Trust your gut
If something feels off, don’t ignore your intuition. As you will be working closely with this contractor, you need to feel comfortable and confident that you are making the right choice. If you see any warning — go with a different contractor.
Poor communication may be evident, for example, if they take a long time to reply or if they don’t fully address your inquiries. Future problems may arise if businesses appear chaotic or fail to give thorough cost breakdowns. It may indicate a lack of experience or trustworthiness if they are unable to provide references or highlight prior work.
Wrapping up
Selecting the ideal contractor might be difficult, but it’s essential to the project’s success. Choosing the incorrect candidate may result in poor work, delays, or even project failure. Take your time to thoroughly assess each applicant. Your project will go more smoothly from beginning to end if you choose the proper contractor to assist realize your vision.
