Outsourcing: Pros and Cons

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing

[Simon_Broad]

Hi Guys,

What are your opinions about outsourcing? Do you think it is beneficial? Please give your wise opinion. I have been searching an inexpensive outsourcing firm to get my data-entry works of my company done. I am just about to start my clothing store business. So, any help regarding this would be much appreciated.

Regards
Simon

[piatkow]

First let's clarify, do you just want to outsource the initial setup or would this be a continuing operational requirement?

I would only consider oursourcing on something that is a simple "lift and drop". As a magazine editor I manage my own distribution but use a third party to frank and mail the packages. You need to think carefully about how difficult it would be to disengage from a relationship with the oursourcer. I wouldn't want a third party keeping the master copy of my customer list.

For the initial load the complexity or otherwise of the operation is a factor. If you have space and hardware it may be better to use an agency typist who you can supervise and who can ask questions.

[theodore007]

It is ok to have a external service provider, as long as you have a confidentiality clause in the contract.

Ofcourse, yo can't do it all, but it is good to learn, in time, how and what. Me, for example, don't want to depend on too many factors or people, but you need to start with the right foot in the business, so choose something good, with a nice portofolio, discuss the medium and long term strategy, not necesarly inexpensive should be the goal here, in my opinion.

Good luck!

[Multimastery]

Outsourcing can be beneficial, but you had better make sure you thoroughly interview the candidates you are thinking about working with.