In-House VS Outsourced, Which E-Commerce Solution Is Best For Your Business?

Every business looking to venture into the e-commerce marketplace such as Lazada sooner or later will enter the period where the decision regarding the best expansion direction comes into question: outsource to industry experts like e-commerce enablers or keep it in-house? This is a significant decision which business leaders should not take lightly, as the result will have powerful consequences for either the triumph or disaster of your entire business. While some industries prefer having someone in-house that can quickly and efficiently manage any internet emergencies others favour to leave the responsibilities to an outside source. Let us give you some pointers to help you make your decision.

In-House e-commerce team

Pro – Complete control

One of the main pros of an in-house e-commerce solution is being able to have complete control of all the activities. Some businesses are fortunate enough to have an outstanding workforce that doesn’t need them to pursue outside assistance. Having a dedicated team that concentrates completely on your business’s e-commerce requirements means your platform is made according to your exact requirements. You have complete control over every feature of the build to ensure your in-house team carries out your vision.

Con – Expensive

Assembling a dedicated team to work solely on your business needs full-time is a costly move, especially for a start-up. Developers are high in demand specialists and thus can dictate high salaries. This is because of the value they deliver to your business – without them, you have no e-commerce platform. Having a team of dedicated experts (and additional costs) is a luxury very few businesses have. Due to the high demand for developers in the tech industry, developers require their remuneration needs to be met adequately enough to avoid them from considering other offers.

Outsourced to E-commerce enablers

Pro – Professional help

Typically, outsourcing to an e-commerce enabler provides you access to an extensive variety of experts with massive experience in diverse development fields. You will be dealing with a team of specialists who spend their days working on this platform daily. You are not paying for someone who is learning on the job or managing sensitive data for the first time. Experienced e-commerce enabler knows what it takes to help you get your business to the next level. You can rest assured that their e-commerce development is in the safest hands, eliminating any worries or the necessity for micro-management. If uncommon issues arise, an e-commerce enabler can manage them immediately, as opposed to having to appoint another specialist of your in-house team. You can concentrate on other aspects of your business while having the luxury of knowing your e-commerce solutions are being handled by industry professionals who make a living doing this specific job.

Con – Remote communication

In a pre-COVID-19 world, some business leaders felt that having your team under the same roof means better productivity. As we have all come to realise, this viewpoint doesn’t completely reflect the way people work in today’s competitive marketplace. Some managers feel that if their team is away then they have no control over what is happening due to a lack of transparency. It is best to set up early on clear directions as to each project and set up frequent meetings to obtain clarity and transparency from your e-commerce enabler. Clear and concise reporting submitted frequently will deliver ultimate clarity. Thanks to the emerging technology progression of video calls, emails, and virtual assistants, the world has embraced remote working as an evolution in the way businesses and people function. Business leaders now realise that they can successfully connect with their e-commerce enablers effortlessly and do not have to be on the same roof any longer.

Regardless of whether you choose to do it in-house on appointing an e-commerce enabler, it is not a one-size-fits-all situation, as making the correct decision is entirely relies on how you set up your business, your organization’s culture, and objectives for the future. If you have decided to outsource your e-commerce solution, Arche Group is more than happy to help you. This leading e-commerce enabler in Malaysia can help manage the entire e-commerce activities (front end and back end) on your behalf in various online marketplaces, such as Lazada, Shopee, and more. If you are looking for help with your brand in the digital platform, please connect with one of us today! Let’s work together to elevate your brand!