Problems hiring someone on elance or similar sites [closed]

Question

I am assigned to hire some developers/designers in these kind of sites, and I'm looking for war stories about problems with this strategy. All I found so far are tips about getting more jobs as a freelancer, but nothing about being in the other side.

We need a web designer and maybe a web programer for a internal and small site, but really important with a very short deadline.

Any thoughts about? Does it worth to hire someone? Or we should work extra hour and get this done by ourselves?

Answer 1

I have used RentAcoder with some success (and some failure) I think the Keys to success are to do the following

1) Have a solid Spec (With Screen Mockups)

2) Ask them to read the spec before bidding

3) Question them on the their proposed design, ask them how they will implement certain features , then ask them Why that design (This is particularly easy because you are developers as well)

4) Understand that you will need to do the QA, and compensate them for change control

5) Reputation matters a lot.

You will know right away who knows what they are doing, and who you can work with. Dismiss any answers of “1 great system coming up! No problems at all!”

The bids will be insanely low, so you may want to hedge your bet and hire multiple teams just in case one fails.

Also know that once the engagement is over, there is a good chance you will never be abul to contact them again. So you now own the code.

Lastly no matter what you do, there is a high chance of Failure... Just accept this a fact of hiring cheap labor.

Answer 2

First of all, getting a good matching freelancer is really hard task to accomplish. I would definitely allocated enough time to set my criteria before posting the job and starting to interview the potential candidates. This would save me tons of time, right from the beginning.

The proof of experience and some real trusted references should be something important for verification that potential candidate should provide. In addition, getting a local candidate on-board would have very positive advantages, i would try that as a first choice to go with.

However, if you found a good freelancer candidate, there are a number of mistakes to avoid: There is a famous article - 7 mistakes while hiring a freelancer web developer that you would definitely benefit.

All in all, it is a big trade-off, and you have to be careful in your selection.

Answer 3

Unless you have substantial experience with this kind of subcontracting, you will be massively disappointed with the results. Until you learn how to cook them right, but that can take months to years.

Answer 4

• most of the staffs/employees cannot finish their project they will interest in only company shifting for salary alone.
• Do not prefer local companies give chances to new other companies, small companies also can do that work.
• DO not give software projects to single man, students and small company for low cost, because they will not give full service support for a long time & they will go jobs for a higher salary, moreover they do not able to follow quality standards also. give orders to a company at-least stand for last 3 years.