Freelancer or Agency: Who to Entrust with Creating an Online Store?

Creating an online store is a crucial step for any business looking to enter the online market. However, choosing between a freelancer and an agency is a common and challenging question. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to technical issues, financial losses, and missed opportunities. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision.

Why is Choosing the Right Developer Important?

Creating an online store is more than just building a website. It is a comprehensive process that includes:

• Designing the store’s structure;

• Integrating payment systems, delivery services, and CRM;

• Ensuring stable performance;

• Preparing the platform for future scaling.

If the project is not implemented correctly, it can lead to:

• An inability to develop the store without significant redesigns;

• Hidden issues that become apparent only after launch;

• Increased costs for additional fixes.

This is particularly relevant for complex systems like PrestaShop CMS, which require a deep understanding of its architecture. Therefore, choosing an experienced professional is key to success.

Freelancers: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Lower Costs. Freelancer services are usually cheaper than agency work, as they do not incur administrative expenses.

2. Flexibility. Freelancers often respond quickly to project changes.

3. Direct Communication. You work directly with the contractor, simplifying task discussions.

Cons:

1. Lack of Specialization. Many freelancers take on projects across various CMS without deep knowledge of a specific platform. For example, they may lack expertise in PrestaShop, resulting in poor-quality work.

2. Reliability Risks. Freelancers may disappear mid-project or fail to meet deadlines.

3. No Long-Term Support. After completing the project, freelancers might not offer maintenance services.

4. Hidden Errors. Clients, lacking technical knowledge, may not notice issues until they face real-world problems with the store.

When to Choose a Freelancer?

If you have a small budget and a project with minimal requirements, working with a freelancer may be a viable option. However, choose someone with proven experience in your CMS and positive reviews.

Agencies: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Teamwork. Your project benefits from a team of specialists: developers, designers, and testers.

2. Guarantees. Agencies provide contracts that protect your interests.

3. Long-Term Collaboration. Agencies offer support and can further develop the project after its completion.

4. Quality Assurance. Most agencies have established processes and internal standards, reducing the likelihood of errors.

Cons:

1. Higher Costs. Agencies include administrative expenses, taxes, and employee salaries in their pricing.

2. Template Solutions. Some agencies use free CMS platforms like PrestaShop and stick to standard functionality or templates instead of creating custom solutions tailored to the client.

3. Less Flexibility. Processes in agencies can be too formalized, slowing down the implementation of changes.

When to Choose an Agency?

If you plan a large project, expect long-term collaboration, and want to ensure quality, an agency is your choice. However, be sure to clarify which platform they work on, what solutions they offer, and how they align with your business goals.

Our Approach: Professional Development on PrestaShop

For over 12 years, our team has been creating online stores on PrestaShop CMS. We focus exclusively on this platform, allowing us to:

• Build robust projects ready for scaling;

• Develop custom modules and designs tailored to client needs;

• Provide long-term support and project development.

PrestaShop is a free, open-source CMS, but its configuration and optimization require deep knowledge and expertise. We understand how crucial it is to build a solid foundation for your business so that you won’t have to redo your store in the future.

How to Make the Right Choice?

1. Define Your Goals and Budget. If you want a quality product with growth potential, choose professionals who understand your objectives.

2. Check Portfolios. Study the contractor’s previous projects and ensure they meet your expectations.

3. Ask About Technology. Find out which CMS will be used to create your store and how this solution will benefit your business.

4. Request Support. Ensure the contractor is ready to maintain the project after launch.

Choosing between a freelancer and an agency depends on your needs and resources. The key is to entrust development to a professional with experience on your platform, especially if it is a complex CMS like PrestaShop. This ensures you receive an online store that serves as a reliable foundation for your business and can grow with it.

If you want to discuss your project or learn more about PrestaShop’s capabilities, leave a comment or contact us. We’ll help create an online store that works for you and delivers results!