Outsourcing is becoming very popular even to small businesses as they do not need to spend thousands of dollars to have their projected completed. Before you even start looking to outsource your work make sure that you know which functions of your business can be outsourced and which must not. Initial programming work or design services are usual functions that are outsourced by most of business owners.
The easiest and safest way to get started is to post your projects to one of the most popular marketplaces and have many service providers bid on your project. All you need to do is get an account and describe in details what you are looking for.
However, there are some guidelines you need to keep in mind:
- Be very specific on what you are looking for and write down all details of your project. It is fine to repeat yourself if you have to as it will make easier for the provider to give an accurate quote and avoid misunderstandings.
- Use escrow payments for your projects. Once you agree to move with a provider you deposit the amount of the project on a safe account where it is released only when the provider has delivered the final product or service to you. Escrow is provided by all marketplaces.
- Select the providers wisely. Look carefully the provider’s reviews and past projects to see if it fits to your project post. Do not try to get the lowest bidder as you always get what you pay for.
All the marketplaces make money by charging a commission on the project amount as well as a fee on withdrawing or depositing money to your account. Some of them require credit card verification to activate your account.
Here is a list of the most popular marketplaces to outsource your projects. Elance.com is by far the most popular marketplace to outsource your work. You can find extremely talented professionals at slightly higher rates than other marketplaces but do remember that you get what you pay. There are some providers who made over $2 million in revenues. I have personally used both Elance.com and Scriptlance.com and was very satisfied.
1. Elance
http://www.elance.com/
2. Guru
http://www.guru.com/
3. RentACoder
http://www.rentacoder.com/
4. GetAFreelancer
http://www.getafreelancer.com/
5. ScriptLance
http://www.scriptlance.com/
6. oDesk
http://www.odesk.com/
7. GetACoder
http://www.getacoder.com/
8. iFreelance
http://www.ifreelance.com/
9. SoloGig
http://www.sologig.com/
10. ContractedWork
http://www.contractedwork.com/
