My Startup Blog

Sitepoint.com has a few good tips regarding outsourcing. Credit goes to Alyssa Gregory. I just copy few tips here for quick reference.

Here are 26 tips to make your outsourcing experiences as smooth as possible.

Come to an Agreement

1. Use a contract
2. Make sure you agree on payment terms up front
3. Don’t pay in full until the job is complete
4. Be clear on how and when you plan to pay the subcontractor
5. Agree on a timeline for the work
6. Include a non-disclosure/non-competition provision in your contract
7. Determine how you will receive project updates
8. Clarify confidentiality expectations
9. Build in a “de-bugging” provision that identifies a specific period of time the subcontractor will be on call to fix potential problems that arise
10. Clarify the ownership of the project in writing

Protect Your Business

When you outsource, you are giving up some of your control over the project. Consider these tips to help you protect your business, interests and reputation:

11. Check references
12. Review the subcontractor’s portfolio
13. Verify skills
14. Consider a small test project first
15. Be prepared to review all work before turning it over to the client
16. Be very clear about expectations
17. Don’t leave any details out when relaying the project request to the subcontractor
18. Send all work requests in writing
19. Schedule an initial call and regular check-ins, if necessary
20. Be available throughout the duration of the project
21. Track all payments for your books

Aside from the Work

Remember the importance of the personal side of your subcontractor relationship. Here are some ways to do that:

22. Don’t overlook the importance of complementary personalities
23. Respect the subcontractor’s time
24. Make sure there are no communication gaps
25. Give praise and appreciation for a job well done
26. Ask the subcontractor how it went at the end of the project and provide feedback