Outsourcing is the delegation of a company's tasks or processes to external contractors on subcontracting terms. The key advantage of outsourcing is the potential cost reduction. The subcontractor (outsourcer) can be an individual (freelancer) or a company (agency). In our article, we will discuss when and for which projects it is advisable to choose an agency, and when it might be more beneficial to opt for a freelancer.

An agency is a company that assembles a team of specialists from various fields. One of the main advantages of agencies is their structured organization and efficient management. Agencies usually have a specific protocol for client communication and service.

Agencies also appoint a project manager for each client, ensuring structured communication and control over the progress of work. This organizational approach allows the client to spend less time communicating with experts and overseeing the project, as they provide regular reports within defined timelines. By asking the right questions, agencies ensure a thorough understanding of all requirements, control, and effective team management, ultimately achieving project goals within the agreed-upon timeframe.

Thanks to a team of specialists with diverse expertise, agencies are better equipped to handle large and complex projects that require various skills and knowledge. Additionally, a backup team is available for projects, allowing agencies to involve another specialist in case of unforeseen circumstances with the necessary skills, ensuring seamless project continuation.

A freelancer is an independent professional who offers their services on the market. One of the main advantages of working with a freelancer is flexibility. They can adapt more easily to your schedule and needs, which is particularly important when projects need to be completed within tight deadlines.

Furthermore, freelancers often offer lower prices due to the absence of extensive infrastructure, as seen with agencies. This cost-saving aspect can be especially valuable for small projects or tasks with limited budgets.

However, it's worth noting that collaborating with freelancers has its drawbacks. To successfully execute a project, you, as the client, need to understand the technical aspects of the project, possess managerial skills, and establish effective communication among freelancers, if there are multiple. Unmanaged freelancers could lead to delays and budget overruns.

Issues might also arise with freelancers disappearing or unexpected changes in their personal circumstances, which could negatively impact project execution.

So, let's define what constitutes a "simple" and "complex" project and compare agencies and freelancers accordingly.

Simple project: 

Examples of "Simple projects":

Complex project: 

Examples of "Complex projects":

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