The benefits of freelancers in E-Commerce

Interview with Marcus about the use of freelancers at growsome

Marla: Marcus, would you like to tell us what motivated you and your team back then, why you decided to work exclusively with freelancers?

Marcus: Of course. It was important for us to create an efficient and scalable organizational structure without taking a high risk. Many traditional agencies have the problem that they are constantly dependent on having a large order volume in order to utilize their permanent employees. This creates enormous pressure and disadvantages. Developers often specialize in a specific tech stack, which limits their deployment options: There are few who are proficient in all the required disciplines, meaning that they usually have to jump back and forth between different projects, and others who are often assigned to projects even though they don't actually fit in technically, just to ensure their workload.

With freelancers, on the other hand, we can react flexibly to customer needs. We select precisely those talents who fit a particular project both professionally and personally. This flexibility is crucial. In addition, freelancers usually have an entrepreneurial mindset, which means that they are more focused on creating value for the customer instead of primarily creating a pleasant developer experience for themselves.

Main advantages of freelancers

Marla: That sounds like a well thought-out strategy. Could you summarize the main advantages of freelancers over permanent employees?

Marcus: I can help with that: Flexibility, accuracy of fit and entrepreneurial thinking.

Specific project benefits

Marla: Are there specific projects where the use of freelancers has been particularly beneficial?

Marcus: Yes, there is an example from the fashion industry where we had to flexibly adjust our capacities due to seasonal fluctuations. Thanks to our collaboration with freelancers, we were able to implement the requirements easily. In general, we find that the direct communication between the freelancers and our customers works extremely well. They are naturally motivated to create real added value.

Challenges and misconceptions

Marla: And what are the challenges associated with the decision to only work with freelancers?

Marcus: A common misconception is that only permanent employees are really committed. But a freelance contract is basically nothing more than an employment contract, only less complex due to labor law. Freelancers are also motivated for the long term and think from the customer's perspective, which often leads to better results.

Communication and team integration

Marla: How do you ensure communication between freelancers and your internal team?

Marcus: We are a completely remote company, which in these times, especially after Corona, many clients have understood. The challenge is to maintain the personal touch and bond with the freelancers. We achieve this through regular offline events and retreats. The difference between freelancers and permanent employees is hardly noticeable.

Future outlook

Marla: How do you see the future of freelancers in the e-commerce sector?

Marcus: I am sure that many companies, especially in the area of software development, will increasingly work with freelancers. The flexibility, the broader experience gained by working for different customers and the customer-oriented mindset of freelancers are decisive advantages. In a working world that is strongly focused on New Work and the demands of the new generations, companies need to think about whether they want to invest a lot of energy in the long-term development of their permanent employees or focus more on creating value for their customers.

This article was written by Marla Erhardt