The Foolproof Guide for Hiring eCommerce Website Development Services

Finding the right eCommerce website development services for your project may seem like a needle-in-a-haystack endeavor. Especially considering the different options you have out there – from agencies to freelancers.  

If you’re stuck debating which eCommerce website development service is for you, this guide is here to set you straight.

DIY vs. Professional eCommerce Website Development Services

You may be tempted to simply subscribe to an eCommerce app builder to get the job done quickly and for less. However, this approach will rob you from many advantages, mainly –

Better User Experience

Freelancers and providers of eCommerce website development services offer a higher level of user experience. Unlike DIY platforms, they can tailor your store’s user experience according to shoppers’ user journey.

Unique Website Designs

Choosing the right eCommerce website development framework isn’t enough to wow shoppers.

Your store needs to flaunt great designs to make an impact, something a website builder won’t do. Especially since you get limited design templates which may have already been used by your competitors.

More Capabilities and Features

You’ll have access to limited features unless you pay extra. This means your eCommerce site will miss out on many integrations and valuable features such as search engine optimization (SEO).

Added Scalability

A DIY eCommerce builder can limit your growth. For starters, as your business prospers, you’ll face difficulty migrating this site to another platform. So, either you stick to that platform or go through the development process from scratch again.

Hiring eCommerce Web Development Companies vs. Freelancers

If you’re sold on hiring professional eCommerce website development services, your next choice is between agencies and freelancers.

Upon a quick scan, it’s apparent that freelancers are a more pocket-friendly option for custom eCommerce development. However, judging solely by the price tag can make you lose on many benefits.

To help you make a more informed choice, here’s a quick comparison between hiring freelancers and web development agencies.

Value for Money

Rather than judging based on pricing, consider what value you get with your chosen eCommerce website development services.

Freelancers may not share your company’s overhead costs, but their expertise can still come at steep charge. Considering the freelance market is highly saturated though, many will offer competitive prices.

However, you may not always get your money’s worth. Their contracts aren’t binding, so you may not be able to retain them for additional work such as site maintenance. They may also be hard to track down one the assignment is done, preventing you from scaling your website later.

eCommerce website development companies, on the other hand, offer more value. Their contracts cover more than just the development, which means you get a comprehensive solution. So, even if they charge more than freelancers, you’re getting your money’s worth.

Available Resources

A developer’s tech, tools, and infrastructure have a big impact on the quality and timeliness of their output.

Agencies offering eCommerce website development services have access to a wide range of software. Not only that, but they also bring a team of unique specialists to the table.

A freelancer’s tools, on the other hand, are dependent on personal income. Freelancers may also need to outsource tasks they aren’t specialized in, bumping up cost and potentially causing delays.

Level of Risk

As a client, you need as much legal protection as possible when investing in a project.

To protect their reputation for dependability, companies that provide eCommerce website development services tend to draft airtight contracts that favor you. Tried-and-true QA processes will also minimize the number of bugs haunting your website in the future.

Unfortunately, freelancers are at the mercy of the “feast or famine” gig market. If their priorities change, so might your project timeline and the final quality of your website. Worst case scenario: freelancers can also disappear much more easily in the event of a dispute.

Communication

Reputable IT companies offering eCommerce website development services typically have more streamlined communication channels. With a dedicated team working on your site, you’ll also get their undivided attention regardless of the difference in time zones.

As for freelancers, their communication skills vary on a case-by-case basis. Though you’re interacting with just one person, that person may not have the time for prompt responses.

How to Hire the Right eCommerce Web Development Company

Knowing where to start can be the most difficult part of the process. Luckily, all you need are the following four steps to get the best eCommerce website development service for your project.

1) Lay the Groundwork

Firstly, develop a clear idea of your project and each step you’ll need to take –

• Clarify your customer service and business goals. With over 27 million eCommerce stores out there, consider what will set yours apart.
• Outline the development phases of your website. These include planning, design, front- and backend development, SEO optimization, and marketing. Make sure to set a realistic timeline and budget.
• Plan the user experience beforehand. You should be able to demonstrate how users navigate the website.

2) Find eCommerce Website Development Services

Now that you’ve got your objectives mapped out, it’s time to find your development team.

It’s easier to start off with advice you trust, so first reach out to your immediate network for recommendations. But if you want to broaden your horizons, try combing search engines and company-ranking websites like Clutch.

For every good match, go through this checklist –

1. Check Portfolios – Look for an active, prolific company with years of experience in your industry. You especially want to know how many eCommerce and online marketplace projects they’ve worked on. If they’re not familiar with the latest eCommerce trends, keep looking.
2. Read Client Testimonials – A track record of happy customers is a good sign. Contact past clients yourself to ask them about their experience with the company.
3. Make Contact with Your Potential Developer – You can send some initial questions over email, but it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough interview as well. This will give you foresight into how your working relationship would look like.
4. Assess Expertise and Process – Your conversations should leave you with a good idea of the team’s technical knowledge and development methodology. In the end, you’ll want a team that is specialized, adaptive, and responsive to your needs.

3) Compare Quotes

Once you have some options lined up and all the information you need, you can finally begin a comparison.

In addition to keeping your priorities in focus, don’t forget to read between the lines. Check that the quote you received mentions an estimated timeline and post-launch support. If the quote doesn’t specify the cost of each individual phase, ask for an itemized copy.

4) Review and Sign

You’re one step away from getting development underway! All that’s left is signing the dotted line.

But first, read the contract thoroughly. Double-check the scope to make sure it meets your needs.

If you run into anything that seems strange or difficult to understand, ask about it. If possible, bring in a lawyer or legal team to confirm that the contract protects your rights.

Need Help Building an eCommerce Website?

You’ll need a team that can make your eCommerce website stand out in the crowd. With DPL’s expertise in eCommerce web app development, your site is on its way to becoming one of the greats.

Ready to take your project from an idea to the next best eCommerce venture? Fill out the form below to learn more about our eCommerce website development services.