Outsourcing or Insourcing: Which e-commerce strategy is best?

Starting an e-commerce company is not as easy a process as you might think. Its design requires specialized personnel, optimal management of business processes, and an investment budget, which in most cases is not insignificant. 

One of the first choices to make is between internal or external management. 

Launching an e-commerce business by way of full outsourcing implies that all the management and development of the project is entirely entrusted to an external supplier. 

In the case of insourcing, on the other hand, the activities are managed in-house by the company's internal staff, who must be adequately trained. 

Alternatively, there is a hybrid model, where only part of the business activities are delegated externally, while some activities remain managed internally by the company. 

In order to establish which business model is best suited to your needs, it is necessary to evaluate the requirements of an e-commerce company in terms of the internal organization, where it is critical to assess both management and operational aspects. 

E-commerce and full outsourcing

The outsourcing e-commerce model allows you to implement an online sales project far more quickly. By delegating to the outside, time is saved, as a result of the reliance on specialized personnel with high skills and experience in the relevant sector. This, therefore, brings a considerable advantage in terms of time and costs.

Why does outsourcing save money? 

The savings with outsourcing are chiefly due to the fact that fixed costs, related to personnel and equipment, become variable. Furthermore, outsourcing suppliers are specialized in their specific sectors, having the necessary tools and technical skills to complete tasks effectively, so achieving the best results in the shortest possible time.

We Are Fiber consists of highly specialized staff, which, in turn, permits companies to scale the market in a short period of time.

One of the activities that guarantees greater success, as a result of outsourcing, is the realm of customer service. Customer service and support, of course, is a crucial element for running an e-commerce business. 

At We Are Fiber, customer service is managed through various channels, such as live chat, the contact center, and social media. By entrusting your company's customer care externally, you can ensure that every contact is unforgettable for your users.

Given these advantages, it is easy to understand why outsourcing is an increasingly popular choice for companies. The benefits of outsourced e-commerce, however, don't end here! 

The service level sees vast improvement, thanks to the use of specialized personnel from third-parties. Consequently, the company becomes more competitive in the market. In addition, businesses that outsource can draw on a comprehensive knowledge base, so allowing for faster innovation in the technological field, making such organizations more efficient.

E-commerce and insourcing

The e-commerce insourcing model requires a company to have control of the entire supply chain, while also maintaining contact with the end customer. Certainly, one of the advantages of this system is the control over all processes. But, at the same time, higher costs result, because ad hoc personnel and adequate equipment are required.

Of importance is the fact that internal staff will have to devote time and energy to managing activities that do not constitute the core business, with the risk of becoming less efficient.  

In conclusion

What is the right choice?

There cannot be a single answer to this question, but several variables that change from company to company should be considered. For this reason, a preliminary analysis becomes indispensable, where the intention is to evaluate the critical issues and development prospects. 

During this time, it is essential to make use of specialized professionals who assist the company in making the most appropriate choice for future business success. 

With We Are Fiber, choosing outsourced e-commerce does not necessarily mean delegating all activities to the outside world. There are various intermediate solutions that involve outsourcing only a part of an activity that can distract from the company's core business. This model is one of the most popular and the best choice for growing businesses. 

Thanks to collaboration with We Are Fiber, many online sales companies have managed to scale the market in terms of presence and internationalization.

To find out more, just contact We Are Fiber, so that we can find the right solution for your needs.

Email: info@wearefiber.com

Telephone (It): + 39 02 42 10 11 22

Telephone (UK): + 44 20 38 70 44 08

Get in touch: we are able to assist with all your questions.