Outsourcing is getting services from a third party or an external provider. Both parties, the company and the provider, will have to agree on certain terms like scope of the job to be completed, amount and mode of payment, time frame of the project, and others. The outsourcing company can choose if he will outsource offshore, interstate, or whatever group he deems the project will be completed with satisfaction (including the cost).
Here are some reasons why many companies result to outsourcing, instead of going through regular office setup:
- Cost - In outsourcing and in most cases, the company will post its budget and providers will compete with each other by posting their bids. Of course, it's expected that the providers will give a bid lower than the company's budget so they can be granted the project. Some providers will go as low as the minimum required bid. Outsourcing will also save companies from spending a lot in infrastructures, employee benefits, office supplies, and the like.
- Hire the skills - This is one of the most important benefit of outsourcing. Companies are not just hiring individuals but their skills. Let's say, they need an administrative assistant for a specific task, then they can sort out providers with this skill. Example: Find Virtual Assistants on oDesk
- Quality service - Some providers have a "money-back guarantee" policy, where they return the payment if the company is not satisfied with the result. This is, if the project is prepaid. For some websites hosting this kind of services, they hold the payment in their system, and just release it if the employer is fully satisfied with the outcome of the job.
- Hire professionals - companies can check on the providers' portfolio, resume, actual projects completed, feedback, skills, tests completed and the score, and other information that will help them identify who is qualified for the task.