Hemendra Singh
Before starting with a new project most of us have to undergo the make or buy decision. Even when you decide to proceed with the latter option, you are presented with the choices of handing over the project to a freelancer or an agency. While a freelancer can serve as an economical option, an agency serves as a fool proof solution to your project requirements. Today we are going to conduct a comparative analysis in between both so that you can take a well-informed decision before your hire mobile app developer.
Professional agencies usually come up with more polished outcomes in comparison to the freelancers. They usually have a dedicated team who are working in coalition for reaching desired results. The scenario is an exact opposite while dealing with freelancers who run a one-man army. However, if you hire mobile app developer on a freelance basis and make him undertake your regular projects, then you can be guaranteed with the quality of work delivered.
Professional agencies are faster in dealing with projects depending on its level of complexity. Coupled with a robust team, each having expertise in a particular domain, they can help you with catering to your deadlines while maintaining work quality at the same time. An agency is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of its subordinates. This makes it easier for them to compile a team which can guarantee optimum utilization of resources. Their pre-established workflow can usher in higher efficiency to your app development projects. Freelancers also tend to work tirelessly to deliver their assignments with top-notch accuracy. However, they have a tendency of juggling with various projects simultaneously which can cause their efficiency level to diminish.
Freelancers exercise a greater level of flexibility in comparison to agencies. The main reason behind the same is that they do not have any specific work timing and can even slog till late night to cover client demands. Freelancers belonging to a completely different time zone also does not face any difficulty in adjusting their schedule in accordance with your specific requirements. Their biggest priority remains to deliver the work on time and with optimum accuracy. However, this doesn’t imply a lack of flexibility amongst professional agencies. Their primary aim also remains to satisfy the requirement of clients.
Hiring a professional agency can get the ball rolling in your court if you wish to outsource the adjoining fields of analytics, marketing, branding and many more. Most of the professional agencies employ highly professional workers who have requisite skillset to manage your work needs. A freelancer can also help you in this regard. But it is next to impossible to come across someone who is expert in all the different fields at once.
In spite of being equipped with a pool of talented experts, agencies might not always be able to mitigate specific project requirements. For example, if you wish to hire mobile app developer having an additional degree in calligraphy, then an agency is not the place for finding such a person. The freelance market can cater to your specific requirements in such a scenario.
One of the biggest drawbacks of working with a professional agency is the hefty rates charged by them. They offer expensive services in comparison to freelancers. Agencies include expenses pertaining to their marketing, accounting, HR, admin and similar departments in the rates levied. This is why it is advisable to opt for freelancers if you have a small project in hand. Freelancers are paid for the finished project and nothing apart from that. With luck, you can even negotiate on a more economical price with the freelancers who mostly charge variable rates to clients.
Modern-day freelancers operate with a high level of professionalism. Unforeseen circumstances like illness or a family emergency can hinder their normal workflow and halt your project. Thus, if your project has a specific deadline, it is advisable to opt for an agency. They work in a team and can provide you with greater assurance of project completion. This doesn't falter even when an important team member takes a day off.
Freelancers deal with multiple projects simultaneously. Thus, it might be difficult for them to squeeze time out for you. Alternatively, a professional agency will always have someone or the other who can take up your work and submit the same within the deadline.
Most of us are wary of the increased expenses related to hiring an agency in stark contrast to freelancers. Agencies also include overhead expenses in the rate charged by them which hikes up their overall cost. Freelancers, on the other hand, lack the degree of professionalism which can be expected out of an agency. The top mobile app developers believe that both these variants bring along their own set of pros and cons. You need to decide on the project complexity, your end goals and budget of the project before determining on your choice.
My name is Hemendra Singh. I am Managing Director and co-founder of The NineHertz, a Mobile App and Web Development Company. My ideology is that a clear vision and hard...
