The developer we found was an expert in the field who had implemented systems and blogged significantly about software exactly like the element we needed.
He implemented the code in less than a week, when we had estimated more than 6 weeks. In testing, the code was efficient, bug free and understandable (Even with a language barrier). Also, the overall cost of the code was significantly less than it would have been to implement in the US, due to both it being developed in a cheaper country and also the fact that the person was an expert in the specific element we needed, so the number of hours necessary was significantly fewer.
One of the big challenges in outsourcing is in guaranteeing you get what you paid for and don't get ripped off. With Elance's escrow, we gave the money to Elance and then we only released each milestone when we received code that met the quality we expected and when we had completed all of our testing.
The flip-side is that we did have a different developer who we signed up who actually never delivered one line of code. The up-side: we didn't pay a dime. The down-side: it is more difficult to identify a lack of engagement from a 5000 miles away so it cost us a week or two of development time. Luckily, we factored this in to our estimates and just had to hire a second one who completed it on time.
When elancing, expect to:
- Have a challenge understanding the person's english. You may only be able to communicate through writing.
- Over hire. You may need to hire 2 people to do the job, but it will still be significantly cheaper than hiring someone in the US.
- Give a very detailed spec. They are implementing exactly what you say. If you forget something, you should expect to pay more for them to implement it.
- Save significant amounts of money if you do it right.
