7 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY WHEN OUTSOURCING

Outsourcing saves you time and money. It is the best investment you can make and the most effective way to grow your business. However, if you are not careful or don’t know the best way to handle the process of hiring the right people, you may spend more money than you should.

Nonetheless, if you do it right, you can spend less, ensure profits, and reach your business goals.

If you are looking for ways to save money when outsourcing, you’ve come to the right place.

We will cover 7 ways to get discounts from outsourcers so you can save money and achieve your goals.

1. Identify special promos

The most effective way to spend less is to identify the outsourcer’s promotions or discounts. So, ask the freelancer if he or she is currently running any special discounts. Make sure you understand the terms to avoid misunderstandings. For example, who qualifies to get the discount? And Are you entitled to the discount if you want to work with the outsourcer on another project?

Another way to find special promotions is to follow the freelancer on social media, sign up for their newsletter, and check out their blog.

Regularly check the sites, pages, and your inbox for any special discounts.

You can also Google search and discover the available offers. For example, search for the name of the freelancer + ‘discount’ or ‘special promotions.’

2. Target outsourcers with unique needs

Getting discounts can be difficult if you’ve never worked with the freelancer you’re targetting. So, to make the whole process easy, search for outsourcers with unique needs or circumstances. This is because there are many freelancers with low rates. You can use that to your advantage. However, you have to be careful because half the time, you get what you pay for. Meaning the quality of work is equal to the money you are willing to pay.

So, what you should do is research the freelancer or ask for proof of work or samples.

Following are the outsourcers with unique needs you can take advantage of:

• Freelancers who are only starting and trying to build their portfolio
• Freelancers that need fast cash
• Freelancers that don’t know their worth
• Freelancers testing a new service or product
• Freelancers in a country with a low cost of living

If you work with these types of outsourcers, you can get massive discounts. However, you should be prepared to pay higher rates in the future.

3.Leverage introductory discounts

Most freelancers have introductory discounts. So, if you are working with them for the first time, you are entitled to a discount. Search for freelancers or vendors offering introductory discounts and work with them.

Remember that it’s a one-time discount and the outsourcer is offering the discount hoping you will work with him in the future.

So, only seek this type of discount if you are willing to continue in business with the freelancer. Know the normal rates before seeking services and only take advantage of the introductory discount if you are going to seek more work in the future.

4. Join referral programs

Most freelancers have referral programs and affiliate programs. So, ask about either of the programs and get credit for joining them. For example, you can join the outsourcer’s referral program and get a discount for bringing new clients.

5. Work with trainees

Identify at least 5 outsourcers that offer the services you want and ask them if they are currently training apprentices. If they do, ask if you can get a discount for working with them.

Some freelancers will be willing to give you a discount because the work gets done by someone with less experience.

Another way to find apprentices is to search for them on Google, business forums, and ask your friends or colleagues.

6. Order in bulk

Get a discount based on volume. For example, the number of products you buy.

Ask if there are any bulk discounts available. For example, do you get a discount for buying in bulk?

Most freelancers and vendors offer discounts when you order in bulk. So, take advantage of that.

Find these types of discounts on the freelancer’s website, social media pages, and newsletter.

You can also email the freelancer and inquire about bulk discounts. Ask about the outsourcer’s rates for a set amount of work and find out if you can get a discount for ordering more work.

7. Understand outsourcing expenses

Understand outsourcing expenses to ensure you benefit from the whole process.

Consider outsourcing fees, payment processing fees, and your budget when choosing a freelancer.

Write a contract. Make sure you and the freelancer sign it before starting a project. The contract should explain everything in detail to avoid misunderstandings down the line.

Final words

We covered 7 ways to save money when outsourcing. You don’t have to worry about incurring losses or failing to see profits from outsourcing. Simply use the methods mentioned above and start seeing a return on investment.

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