Businesses today are looking at flexible options and seek experts in the form of freelancers. But then they face a major question – Should they hire a freelancer directly or go to an agency to get freelancers?
The classification is pretty plain and simple – Freelancers are self-employed individuals who offer their services to clients. A freelancer agency will have multiple freelancers that will be managed by a manager.
Advantages of hiring a freelancer
Cost: A freelancer will be less costly as they are individuals and do not have any overhead costs
Specialization: Usually freelancers are specialized in a particular area and will be good at their work.
Flexibility: Freelancers are flexible and can adapt to the client’s working schedules like working outside normal hours.
Downsides of hiring a freelancer are that they may not be reliable and may be away on other assignments which could impact work. One will need to check the work samples before hiring to be sure of their expertise many times.
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Advantages of going through a freelancer agency
Talent availability: An agency will have multiple talented specialists under them and can easily put together a team to assist any assignments.
Time Saving: An agency can get a team ready much faster than a business that tries to get a freelancer directly.
Replacement: In case of emergency or changing skillsets mid-project, the agency can provide rapid ramp-up of needed skill resources.
Long term association: An agency can help in the long run with flexible resources rather than direct freelancers.
However, an agency may be costlier than hiring a freelancer directly, but it provides multiple benefits as above. Businesses need to assess their requirements and take a wise decision based on their requirements and projects.