| Here is a Checklist for the Service Buyer. This | | | | to review the days applicants. Do not make a |
| should give any one looking to outsource a | | | | choice until the last day in order to avoid leaving |
| project a good reference point not only for | | | | out any potential providers. |
| starting a project, but for seeing it through to its | | | | Once a service provider has been selected, send |
| completion as well. Outsourcing can, and should | | | | them the complete package from step one. They |
| increase your productivity and the profitability of | | | | should receive a complete outline of the project |
| your project. A poorly run outsourcing job | | | | at hand. If this was provided in the |
| however, can be just as costly as one run | | | | advertisement, all the better, but still make sure |
| in-house. | | | | that you send them a copy. In that way, if they |
| Define the job completely, including any specifics | | | | do not complete the job as you requested, you |
| about programming, compatibility, writing styles, | | | | are covered. Go over the package with them in |
| timelines, deadlines, or anything else which may | | | | detail. Make sure that every question is answered |
| leave any room for doubt. Include styles, | | | | completely. |
| preferences, colors, layouts and any other | | | | Make sure to maintain open lines of |
| specifics, which may be applicable to this job. | | | | communications during the project. Lack of |
| Save the description and include it in the | | | | communication is the number one cause of |
| advertisement for the Service Provider if possible. | | | | problems in the outsourcing industry. |
| Decide whether it is more beneficial to find a | | | | Be Certain to allow time for checking your |
| service provider online or from a local source. If | | | | products and making certain that they are up to |
| choosing online (Which is frequently the cheapest | | | | your exact standards before the final payment is |
| option, though it does not detract from quality as | | | | released. This is one of the most important |
| a rule) decide which site has the candidates who | | | | reasons for using escrow services for payment. |
| best suit your needs for this job. | | | | If there is a dispute that arises, you at least will |
| If online, a budget must be made before the | | | | not have to invest money into something that |
| project can be posted. If you are seeking out a | | | | you cannot use. |
| service provider online, decide how much you are | | | | Be certain to retain copies of all communications |
| willing to pay to have the project completed. If | | | | including phone calls. Anything that can be verified |
| using a local area service provider, this information | | | | such as email or instant messages are certainly |
| should be discussed during the interview process. | | | | preferable, however this is not always an option. |
| Review all of the applicants for the job. This | | | | If you must discuss business on the telephone, |
| should be done as time allows, for each service | | | | record the date, time and content of the phone |
| provider as they bid. If you are seeking people | | | | call and keep this with your records. |
| online, set aside a small amount of time each day | | | | |