A lot of freelancers understand that there is a phase where they simply cannot entertain any more clients. It happens when they are completely drained out of both energy and time, and also because they cannot bear all the pressure alone. Then, looking for buying subcontractors is the one option they must pick up to not only sustain their income but also to expand their business. However, there are some things you must consider as a freelancer before taking this step.
How can you maintain the same quality?
It can be challenging to keep the quality high when you are allowing someone else to do the work for you, for which you are responsible. To avoid mistakes, you must prepare an operations manual before subcontracting your work. The manual should include all the details and processes you follow for your business. Be it project management, on boarding, or invoicing, the operations manual should mention how exactly to uphold quality and efficiency. By doing this, your hired subcontractors will understand how to keep things running smoothly.
Also, being the main contractor, you need to have an overview and review setup. Before hiring buying freelancers, it is of utmost importance to carefully inspect them. Later, you need to routinely review all the work that your hired helpers submit before you send those to the client.
Do not keep your clients blinded
When you subcontract regularly, you are creating your own firm. You are the primary contractor who will outsource the work to the freelancers, which makes you the manager of the helpers, as well as the person responsible for client relationships.
Although it remains your own choice, it is better to inform your client if you are outsourcing your work to others. Let them know that you will still be reviewing all the work and ensuring the best quality as always. Afterwards, if you engage with new clients, it is wise to mention that you have a team of your own.
Pricing your services and paying the subcontractors
The initial step of hiring buying subcontractors will make a dent in your profit-wallet. Here is an example: You are earning $500 for one blog post, outsourcing the same to someone else means you will pay them. So, it might be that you are paying them $200 while keeping $300 for yourself. So, what amount do you need to charge your clients to make you capable of paying your subcontractor and not missing out on your own profit? When it comes to companies, the margin is higher than you. Reputable firms pay a huge sum to their employees, which might be completely different from your decided amount.
However, in this case, you now know that it is important to let your client know if you are working with a team or solo. Then, there can be negotiations.
Now that you know the essentials to follow before hiring buying freelancers, you will find it easier to keep everything on track and let your business increase at a sustainable pace.