How Do You Outsource E-Commerce Development Services?

Starting an online business is exciting. It's like opening the doors to a new store filled with potential and endless possibilities.

Just like setting up a physical shop, getting your e-commerce platform up and running takes time, effort, and specialized skills. From designing your digital storefront to managing logistics, the demands can be overwhelming. That's why many businesses turn to outsourcing.

Outsourcing e-commerce development means hiring external experts to handle key aspects of your online business, such as website development, payment systems, and inventory management.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to outsource e-commerce development the right way. We’ll also go over the functions you can outsource and reasons to hire an external team, as well as how to manage them for success.

7 Main Reasons to Outsource E-Commerce

Since the pandemic, e-commerce has taken off. In the US, e-commerce sales penetration more than doubled to 35% in 2020 compared to the previous year, making it the go-to strategy for businesses wanting to reach the widest possible markets.

To get started, choosing to outsource e-commerce development is a smart move. Here are some compelling reasons why:

Tap into a global talent pool

Outsourcing connects you with skilled professionals worldwide. Global outsourcing gives you access to specialized talent from regions with thriving e-commerce expertise. This approach ensures you work with top-tier developers, designers, and marketers who bring diverse ideas and innovative solutions.

Cost-efficiency

Insourcing and outsourcing have different advantages, but the choice ultimately depends on cost-efficiency and what you prioritize. While insourcing gives you more control and peace of mind about intellectual property protection, outsourcing saves you on overhead costs by giving you the opportunity to work with skilled professionals in regions with lower costs of living.

Better cash flow management

Cash flow mismanagement causes 82% of business failures. Outsourcing helps by delegating important tasks to experts who excel at maintaining and improving cash flow. This keeps your e-commerce business financially healthy and enables better planning and allocation of resources, reducing financial strain in the long term.

Scalability

Outsourcing allows you to scale your business faster. Whether you need to expand your development team or ramp up your customer service, outsourcing ensures flexibility without the delays of traditional hiring. This adaptability makes it easier to respond to seasonal demand or sudden market shifts. 

Focus on core operations

Managing every aspect of e-commerce can stretch you thin. Outsourcing lets you delegate non-core functions, like inventory management and payment processing, to the specialists. This allows your internal team to focus on strategic decisions and growing your business.

Enhanced efficiency and speed

Outsourcing teams bring industry experience and established workflows. They deliver results faster, so you can be sure that your e-commerce platform runs smoothly and adapts quickly to market demands. Their expertise also minimizes errors and reduces downtime, keeping you ahead of competitors.

Access to cutting-edge technology

External teams stay consistently updated on the latest e-commerce tools and technologies. With outsourcing, your business benefits from modern, efficient solutions without the cost of recurring in-house training. They can also recommend and implement innovations that align with your growth strategy. 

Which E-Commerce Functions Can You Outsource?

Knowing which functions to outsource maximizes productivity, as you’ll know exactly what you want to delegate to external experts and what to keep in-house. Here are the most popular e-commerce functions to outsource.

Website development and design

Your website is your digital storefront, and outsourcing web development helps create a professional, user-friendly platform. Offshore developers can build responsive, high-performing websites tailored to your brand. Additionally, they can easily integrate essential features like payment gateway integration.

Inventory management

Outsourced accounting services can improve inventory management by integrating specialized software solutions. These solutions facilitate real-time tracking, accurate forecasting, and reduced overhead. They also help avoid overstocking or stockouts, improving overall efficiency.

Order fulfillment and shipping

Partnering with an expert external team ensures fast, efficient shipping. They handle everything from packing to delivery, making sure that your customers are satisfied while you focus on growing your business. Advanced systems also provide tracking updates to enhance the customer experience.

Customer service and support

Outsourcing customer support allows for 24/7 assistance, improving response times and customer retention. Your external team can manage inquiries via phone, email, and live chat. This way, your business can provide consistent, high-quality interactions that build trust and loyalty.

Digital marketing services

Outsourcing digital marketing can significantly boost your online visibility. With 43% of e-commerce traffic coming from Google's organic search, letting the experts handle search engine optimization (SEO) means you’ll better target the right audience. Digital marketing also covers email marketing and social media strategies, creating a targeted approach that grows your online presence and drives consistent traffic to your online store. 

Content creation

Outsourcing lets you tap into professional copywriters and content creators who craft compelling product descriptions, blogs, and ads. After all, engaging content drives traffic and conversions, and quality content will strengthen your brand's voice and position you as an authority in your niche.

Photography and graphic design

High-quality visuals sell products. Outsourcing these services connects you with professional designers who can create appealing product images and marketing materials. They also make sure your visuals align with your branding and resonate with your target audience.

Payment processing and fraud prevention

Outsourced payment processors manage secure transactions and detect fraudulent activities. Investing in this improves customer trust and reduces risks. An external team's expertise helps protect your business from chargebacks and other financial losses.

Data analytics and reporting

Outsourcing data analytics allows you to track performance metrics with ease. Your outsourced team can provide actionable insights, enabling smarter business decisions. They can also identify trends and opportunities to optimize your operations and develop more effective marketing strategies.

Marketplace management

Managing multiple platforms like Amazon or eBay can quickly become overwhelming. By outsourcing these services, you can maintain optimized product listings, inventory updates, and customer communication that lead to business success. It also enhances your reach and competitiveness in crowded marketplaces.

How to Outsource E-Commerce Development Services

Outsourcing e-commerce development involves careful planning and execution. Follow these key steps to cover all your bases.

1. Define your goals

Identify what you aim to achieve through e-commerce outsourcing. Be specific about your project's scope, timeline, and budget to set clear expectations. Clear goals let you measure success and maintain alignment with your business objectives. This clarity also makes it easier to communicate your vision to potential partners.

2. Research outsourcing providers

Look for outsourcing partners with proven expertise in e-commerce development. Review portfolios, client testimonials, and case studies to understand their capabilities. Ask for references and dig deeper into their approach. Compare multiple agencies to identify the one that best matches your business needs and values. 

3. Request proposals

Share your project details with your shortlisted providers. Evaluate their proposals based on cost, timelines, and the quality of services offered. Take the time to check that the proposals address your unique needs and challenges. This step helps you weigh the value each provider would bring to your project.

4. Conduct interviews

Once you've chosen your provider, interview potential partners to assess their technical skills, communication, and alignment with your business goals. This step will confirm whether they're a good fit. Pay attention to their problem-solving approach and adaptability. A strong cultural fit also enhances collaboration.

5. Start with a pilot project

Before committing to the long term, try running a small pilot project first. This approach tests their ability to deliver and builds trust. It also gives you insight into their workflow and compatibility with your team. With a successful pilot, you’ll feel more confident in your partnership.

6. Sign a detailed contract

Draft a contract outlining deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and confidentiality agreements. Contracts protect both parties and set clear expectations. Regularly review and update the contract as the project evolves, as a well-drafted contract enhances accountability and minimizes risk. 

How to Effectively Manage and Collaborate with an Outsourced E-Commerce Development Team

The way you and your outsourced e-commerce development team collaborate has a significant impact on the success of your business.

Here are ways to work together with your outsourced team effectively:

• Set clear expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and project milestones upfront.
• Use collaboration tools: Tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom keep communication and project management seamless.
• Maintain regular check-ins: Schedule weekly meetings to monitor progress and address concerns.
• Encourage open communication: Foster a culture in which team members feel comfortable sharing feedback and updates.
• Acknowledge and reward milestones: Celebrating successes at work boosts morale and maintains motivation.
• Provide detailed feedback: Offer constructive criticism to help the remote team align with your vision.
• Focus on building relationships: Treat your outsourced team as partners, not just service providers.
• Protect your data: Use secure systems to protect sensitive business information.

With the right approach, outsourcing can facilitate smooth operations. 

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to outsource e-commerce development can transform your business by reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and providing access to specialized expertise. If managed correctly, businesses can unlock the full potential of outsourcing to drive growth and innovation.

At Near, we make outsourcing seamless and effective. We specialize in remote staffing and recruitment services for businesses, connecting them with top talent in Latin America.

With the region's lower costs of living, businesses can benefit from cost savings, cultural alignment, and time zone compatibility, making collaboration easy and efficient.

Read our case study to see how Near helped scale a health and beauty supplement manufacturer five times faster while cutting costs by 60%. Our tailored and comprehensive hiring process can speed up results for a growing company like yours.