Choosing the right hiring model for app development is crucial for the success of your project. Each approach comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges.
At Chop Dawg, we understand the importance of matching the right development team with your specific needs. This guide will explore three common hiring models—partial offshore, onshore US-based, and entirely offshore—helping you make an informed decision.
Partial Offshore: Balancing Quality and Cost
The partial offshore model combines the best of both worlds: cost-efficiency and quality assurance. At Chop Dawg, this model typically includes:
– US-based Project Manager to oversee your project.
– US-based Designer and Senior Engineer for critical oversight and quality control.
– Offshore Developers who report to the US-based engineering team.
– US-based Quality Assurance specialists to ensure the product meets high standards.
“To every disadvantage there, is a corresponding advantage.”
Pros and Cons for Partial Offshore App Development
To many new app ventures, cost is king.
The lower cost of entry for app development associated with offshore app development can often be a deciding factor when selecting the right model.
At the same time, the presence of US-based team members can often fill any communication gaps and ensure any market nuances are understood by the development team accordingly.
This, combined with senior oversight from experienced US-based engineers and QA specialists ensures the integrity and quality of the development are maintained for your app.
Managing collaborative teams across different time zones is not easy, however.
Onshore US-Based: Premium Quality at a Higher Cost
This model employs only US-based talent, ensuring that every stage of the project is handled by locally based professionals. This is often necessary for projects requiring high security or that are subject to governmental regulations.
– US-based Project Manager to oversee your project.
– US-based Designer
– US-based Developers
– US-based Quality Assurance specialists to ensure the product meets high standards.
“Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.”
Pros and Cons for Onshore US-Based App Development
For many stateside entrepreneurs and companies, the benefits to partnering with a US-based firm on a business endeavor are a given.
While communication during any collaborative endeavor can have its challenges, partnering with a fully US-based team can provide full alignment with cultural and business norms, helping to facilitate smoother project management and communication.
Typically, an onshore developer can provide more immediate availability within US operating hours, allowing for real-time collaboration.
Any reputable US-based app development company will also adhere to strict high compliance and security protocols, which is ideal for projects with regulatory requirements, such as government contracts (who might even require US citizenship for work engagement), public universities or medical institutions working under HIPAA compliance.
However, the higher cost of services can often be prohibitive to startups and growing companies, mainly due to the higher salaries and operational costs associated with an entirely US-based team.
There’s simply less flexibility in pricing without compromising on the team’s locale.
At the same time, we’d be remiss not to mention there is a strong camp out there that feels this is the best route to the highest quality product.
All of the above reasons is why this is an option we’re able to offer our potential partners at Chop Dawg as well.
Entirely Offshore: Cost-Effective, but with Risks
Opting for an entirely offshore team can be the most cost-effective model, but comes with increased risks that can impact the outcome of your project. Please also note that not all agencies include QA in their services as well.
– Offshore Project Manager to oversee your project.
– Offshore Designer
– Offshore Developers
– Offshore Quality Assurance specialists to ensure the product meets high standards.
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
Pros and Cons to Entirely Offshore App Development
The most significant driver behind offshoring project needs is typically cost. Doing so can significantly reduce labor costs, potentially allowing for a larger team or enabling a longer development timeframe within the same budget.
This can also increase scalability, making it easier to scale the team quickly in response to urgent project needs that may arise.
That being said, quality control can be a major factor when it comes to project dissatisfaction in an entirely offshore project. Without onshore oversight, it can be difficult to ensure the quality of work output and help navigate potential project roadblocks.
In addition, language differences and a lack of cultural familiarity can lead to misunderstandings and discrepancies in project goals. Depending on where the offshore team is based, there may also be a considerable time difference to contend with as well, further complicating collaboration.
We feel simply having a US-based project manager implemented in a project can make a huge difference in the overall experience and ensuring everyone is on the same page, but this is not the case under an entirely offshore app development model.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for a business venture, but there can be legal and contractual risks associated with this route. Offshore teams may not be bound by the same legal and contractual obligations as a US-based entity, posing a potential risk to overall app compliance and the security of the business.
At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to every type of business model in all industries, so it’s simply important to do your research.
Vetting each app developer you come across is the next crucial step.
Before you approach them, just ask yourself these questions.
Figure out what’s most important to your venture’s success and day to day needs, and go from there!
We do not employ the entirely offshore model here at Chop Dawg. We recommend the partial-offshore approach for ease of communication and project oversight.
Why Chop Dawg Chooses Partial Offshore and Onshore US-Based Only
At Chop Dawg, we offer both partial offshore and entirely onshore US-based models because we believe these provide the best balance of quality, cost, and risk management for our clients. Our commitment to delivering exceptional service includes:
– Onshore Project Manager to oversee your project.
– Onshore Designers.
– Offshore or Onshore Developers depending on your project needs.
– Onshore Quality Assurance specialists to ensure the product meets high standards.
“Why sacrifice when you can have the best of both worlds.”
At Chop Dawg, we’re committed to guiding you through this process, ensuring that your app development journey is successful, secure, and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts on App Development Hiring Models
Choosing the right development team is a decision that affects not just the immediate outcome of your project, but its long-term success.
By understanding the pros and cons of different hiring models, you can select a path that best suits your project’s needs and your company’s values.
Since 2009, we have helped create 400+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.
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