Support for online store and marketplace - Cart-Power

IT Outsourcing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Nataly Komonova — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:52:38 +0000

Outsourcing involves bringing in external professionals to address your needs, either in part or fully. The outsourcing services sector is expanding and gaining popularity. A key factor behind this trend is the cost efficiency it offers compared to recruiting and employing in-house specialists.

Several driving factors for the growth of IT outsourcing include:

Shortage of qualified specialists within the company.
Enhanced security and accessibility in the outsourcing process.
Cost-effectiveness of hiring experienced specialists to streamline business processes.
Ability to concentrate on strategic business objectives by outsourcing specific tasks.

Do you need a dedicated team?

We will assign specialists to handle only your tasks

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Previously, IT outsourcing was mostly associated with technical support, but its scope has now expanded. The rise of e-commerce, new services, and cloud technologies necessitates greater automation of business operations.

What Services Can Be Outsourced?

Software development: platforms and systems for business processes.
Web development: ecommerce platforms, websites, marketplaces, their server and client parts.
Database management: automation of exchange processes between accounting systems and the website.
Website promotion: search engine optimization and marketing services.
Development and support of infrastructure: provision of hosting services.
Creation and maintenance of virtual assistants: chat bots, online consultants.

How Does Outsourcing Work?

Based on the level of collaboration with the company, there are different outsourcing options:

Project model. Engage with a project manager to connect specialized experts for specific tasks. For example, introducing non-standard payment methods may require a UX designer for a clear checkout, and backend/frontend developers for implementation on the site.

Dedicated team or specialist. Hire a specific developer or an entire team exclusively for your project. This option suits larger projects or startups.

Both the project model and the dedicated team can, depending on the payment method, be based on the principle:

Fixed Price. The price for services is clearly stated in the contract, so you know what to expect in this and subsequent months. But for this it is necessary to clearly understand the scope of services and formulate technical specifications. So, for example, SEO promotion services can be scheduled monthly for the whole year and the amount indicated. But for the task of transferring an online store from one CMS to another, it is not advisable to use Fixed Price; Time and Material is better suited for this.

Time and Material. The price will depend on how many hours the specialists spent on the task. At the same time, tasks from month to month may vary in complexity and volume. From the example above, transferring a store to another CMS may be accompanied by difficulties with non-standard export/import of data from orders or with rendering the store design, because the current template is not suitable.

Where is Outsourcing of IT Services Used?

In 2022, the global IT services market, including in-house and third-party services, was estimated to be valued at approximately $1250 billion, as reported by GrandViewResearch.
The pandemic led to a surge in demand for virtual workplaces, collaborative document services, and data exchange, especially with geographically dispersed employees. Across various industries, nearly 60% of organizations engage in outsourcing app development. In the financial services sector, this figure increases to 72%, with retail and wholesale companies following closely at 60%. Companies in the healthcare sector, on the other hand, exhibit a comparatively modest engagement at 31%.

In Eastern Europe, there is a growing preference for outsourcing, primarily due to the availability of highly skilled IT professionals at more affordable rates. On average, the hourly rate for a developer in Eastern Europe falls in the range of $35 to $60.

Benefits of Outsourcing for Ecommerce

Cost savings play a key role in outsourcing, with 59% of companies citing it as the primary reason according to a Deloitte study. Outsourcing enables 57% of companies to focus more on core business processes. It eliminates the need to retain full-time employees and consider workload post-project completion. Hiring external specialists for short periods suffices for product development and implementation.

The global pool of specialists is a significant advantage. IT companies offer remote services, allowing businesses to select a suitable company based on budget and location, and facilitate remote development.

The number of specialists and companies is increasing. According to Statistica’s projections, the sector is expected to employ 62 million people globally by 2023. The expanding array of products and services is driving the demand for specialized skills, making it more feasible to outsource a specialist.

Quick launch of projects. When it comes to launching projects quickly, the time-consuming process of searching, adapting, and training employees can be impractical at the startup stage. It’s more effective to opt for an external team when there’s a need to implement a project within a short timeframe, rather than undergoing a lengthy search for the right specialists.

Increased profits. Boosted profits can be achieved without starting projects from the ground up. Frequently, companies require minor adjustments and enhancements to expedite operations, automate processes, and enhance the throughput of applications and projects, ultimately leading to increased profits. Maintaining an entire staff of programmers for periodic improvements becomes unnecessary.

Safety and guarantees. In addition, development companies typically offer guarantees for completed tasks and free bug fixes. When working with a development team under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), concerns about the security of confidential information are alleviated.

Disadvantages of Developer Outsourcing Services

Limited project management. Limited project management can arise when the development company operates in a different time zone, following its own 8-hour schedule. This time difference can lead to delays in issue resolution. Additionally, when working under the project model, the company allocates limited time to customer tasks due to other ongoing projects.

Problems with mutual understanding with developers. Challenges related to mutual understanding with developers often stem from language barriers. Difficulties commonly arise in aligning goals and describing the logic of work. Customers may struggle to articulate their requirements using industry-specific terminology. In such cases, providing official documentation, examples, and screenshots of the desired functionality can facilitate better communication.

Dishonesty of developers. The issue of developers’ dishonesty is a potential concern when seeking cost savings on their services. It can result in a low-quality product that may initially appear functional but conceals underlying issues that only professionals can detect. In our experience, we’ve encountered instances where a major marketplace project was entirely put together by freelance developers, and with only a week left before its launch, it became evident that the site was incapable of handling customer traffic and would likely fail.

How to Choose Outsourced Developers?

When selecting a company for outsourcing services, making the right decision is paramount. Otherwise, valuable time and resources will be squandered in search of a new developer, potentially delaying the realization of your business idea indefinitely.

What you can check before starting to work with a development company:

Expertise in your industry. Prior experience with similar projects accumulates unique insight. This facilitates faster project integration and reduces the need for extensive explanations of work logic and features. Shared understanding and collaboration with like-minded individuals are likely to enrich your experience.

Portfolio and recent projects. Evaluate the latest work; if the company’s portfolio primarily consists of projects from a year ago, it warrants consideration. Request a showcase of designs for thorough evaluation.

Adaptability in operations. Can the development team modify and update the project scope if the workload expands or in scenarios where the project vision is not fully crystallized? Are they open to providing various options for interaction and pricing?

Quality assurance and guarantees. Gain clarity on the testing procedures, the involvement of QA specialists during the process, and the company’s approach to error resolution and post-project support timelines.

Reviews and ratings. Customer reviews and ratings play a crucial role. While favorable reviews are typically featured on the company’s website, it’s essential to verify their authenticity. If verification isn’t feasible, referring to platforms such as G2.com and GoodFirms can provide valuable insights, as these are reputable sources for evaluating IT agencies.

Partnership. Consideration of strategic partnerships and industry affiliations is also vital. Such alliances foster the exchange of tools and expertise, ultimately enhancing the quality of development. Additionally, an extensive affiliate network portrays a company’s proactive stance towards business development strategies.

The IT outsourcing market is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of companies looking to outsource at least one business process. According to Clutch research, around 80% of small enterprises are currently using or planning to outsource part of their IT processes. However, finding skilled developers who can deliver high-quality solutions is a challenging task, and when such developers are found, companies often prefer long-term business partnerships.

Do you need a dedicated team?

We will assign specialists to handle only your tasks

Get in touch

Furthermore, companies worldwide are prioritizing integrated solutions, with cohesive teams that work seamlessly together. This integrated approach fosters a faster and more efficient development process.

The post IT Outsourcing: Advantages and Disadvantages first appeared on Cart-Power.

Setting Up a Store

Cart-Power Team — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:46:12 +0000

Setting Up a Store

We’ll help to acquire CS-Cart functionality quickly.

We’ll set up store workflows for fast launch.

When Help With Settings Required?

Your online store is developed, now it’s time for settings. CS-Cart features a wide range of functions and capabilities and has a lot of add-ons and themes.

Despite the availability of guides it may take a lot of time to set up all workflows.

Professional store set up can help you:

Quickly launch the store and save time
Master functionality and get personal tips
Connect and configure the necessary add-ons and themes

What Will We Do

Set up standard functionality

We’ll prepare workflows in the store, starting from payment methods, delivery and ending with storefront.

Install and configure add-ons according to your requirements

We offer more than 140 ready-made add-ons. We’ll set up turnkey solutions so that you use all the options.

Explain and make instructions

We’ll prepare instructions for further easy use in any format convenient for you.

Store Setup Stages

Setting up an online store is carried out as part of technical support.

Describe the difficulties you had with setting up. Leave a request. You can make a request by 2 ways:

Log in or register in the customer support system and leave a request
Send a message to sales@cart-power.com

Customer support specialists will consider the request and rate it in credits

Credits are internal unit of time taken to help a client.
You can buy credit packs from the Cart-Power Store.

A customer support specialist will give a full, detailed answer

If necessary, we will record a video instruction or take step-by-step screenshots.
The service does not include filling the site with content.

Your Trusted Partner in any situation!

Share your idea and we’ll offer an optimal solution

The post Setting Up a Store first appeared on Cart-Power.

Technical Support for Online Stores

Cart-Power Team — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:15:00 +0000

Technical Support for Online Stores

We’ll answer any question, help you with and set up all CS-Cart features.

We fix bugs fast to minimize the downtime of your project.

1-2 hours

Average response time

2-3 business days

Average resolve time

2600+

Issues successfully fixed

10 years

CS-Cart project support

When Required?

CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR ERRORS

It is important not only to fix the bugs at the right time, but to prevent them from occurring in the future.

SETTINGS UP ADD-ONS AND LAYOUTS

We will help by setting up new add-ons so you don’t waste time on reviewing the documents.

EXPLAINING THE PRODUCT FEATURES

If CS-Cart documentation is not enough, we’ll provide assistance for any product queries.

FIXING BUGS

We’ll correct hiccups and shortcomings for the best site usability.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ECOMMERCE

Answers on questions about ecommerce or CS-Cart are more accurate because they are answered by experts.

Technical Support Workflow

You can make a request by 2 ways:

Log in or register in the customer support system and leave a request
Send a message to sales@cart-power.com

Customer support specialists will estimate answers with credits

Credits are internal unit of time taken to help a client

After researching a problem, the support specialist gives a comprehensive answer

You get credits buying the Cart-Power products
Read more about Technical Support Policy

Buy a credits package in the

Turnkey Service Packages

Be assured of the every solution quality with Cart-Power

When there’s an emergency

We’ll carry out analysis and logging to investigate the problem.
We’ll examine and resolve addons conflicts.
We’ll adapt the addon with external services.
We’ll tell you how the addon works and help with setup.

When the cause of the problem is unknown

We’ll investigate problems with the operation of third-party addons.
We’ll study problems in the operation of a store or marketplace.
We’ll find and eliminate errors.

When you need comprehensive care

We’ll install and configure addons.
We’ll investigate and resolve conflicts with other addons.
We’ll log and debug the operation of the addons.
We’ll adapt addons to your website.
We’ll answer any questions.
Up to 4 hours of add-on custom development for each month of a paid subscription (can only be used during the subscription period).
50% discount on Cart-Power addons (compatible with version 4.10+).
Upgrade subscription prolongation for all add-ons assigned to the specified domain for the duration of the Premium subscription.

1 month

$ 260

Get it now

3 month

$ 750

Get it now

6 month

$ 1400

Get it now

1 year

$ 2500

Get it now

Reviews About Us

Your Trusted Partner in any situation!

Share your idea and we’ll offer an optimal solution

The post Technical Support for Online Stores first appeared on Cart-Power.

Dedicated Development Team

Cart-Power Team — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:50:55 +0000

Dedicated Development Team

Connect developers that focus only on your project.
Get assistance with launching a project in the shortest possible time.

When You Need Dedicated Developers

Growing number of companies prefer to partner with external development teams. The immersion into customers’ ideas and trusting relationships help to build the best solutions.

Get technical expertise, launch projects faster, decrease your staff spendings.

Reinforce your team
Fill the gaps in competencies of your team. Complement technical knowledge with dedicated members.
Save time while running your project
Transparent workflow allows making changes promptly. Timely communication handles all challenges.
Save resources
Hire a single developer or a full-stack team when it’s needed. Don’t pay full-time if it’s not necessary. Release your own staff for more important tasks.

Ways of Working

Time&Materials

How it works

The cost of work and deadline will be estimated roughly in the technical specification.
After each sprint you get an advanced report about what has been done and for how much time.

Payment

By hours spent on each sprint

When it fits

The project is large-scale or startup
For quick start and without wasting time for tech specification
Requirements are not fully known
For flexibility of adding new features and tasks

Pros

The most important thing is flexibility. You can adjust progress for the most suitable solution. Even if you don’t know what the final result should be.

fixed price

How it works

The cost of the work and deadline are assessed and fixed in the technical specification first.
If the work is done step-by-step, after each iteration you get a report about what has been done.

Payment

Advance payment 50% or 100%

When it fits

A very limited budget
Clear requirements at each stage
The project or issue is small and nothing will change

Pros

You can precisely plan the budget and costs of the project. You’re not involved in every iteration thanks to an accurate plan.

Get a Package of Development Hours and Save Your Budget

Fixed per hour cost no matter who does the job.
All necessary staff join the project at the right time.
Suitable for Time&Materials and Fixed Price

Basic

20 hours

1 200 $

60$ per hour

Get it now

Standart

40 hours

2 200 $

55$ per hour

Get it now

Plus

80 hours and more

4 000 $

50$ per hour

Get it now

Our Experience

EventTop, marketplace to manage events

27,000+ items stocked

254 vendors engaged

1,685 hours spent

1 PM,
3 Back-end,
2 Front-end,
1 QA,
1 Mobile developer,
1 UX/UI Designer

Development started in 2021 and continued with the development of the mobile version.

Stomdevice, online store equipments for dentist

20,000+ items stocked

2,800+ hours spent

1PM,
3 Back-end,
1 Front-end,
1 QA,
1 UX/UI Designer

Development started in 2020 and continued with the modifying functionality.

Medical marketplace with wide geography

68 000 items stocked

120 vendors engaged

1142 hours spent

1 PM
1 Front-end
2 Back-end
1 Analytic
1 QA

Marketplace has developed at 2020 and continuous improved and modifying

Advantages of Working with Cart-Power

Our team takes part of the work or creates the entire project.
Available experts: Project Manager, Back-end, Front-end, QA-specialist, DevOps, UX/UI Designer.

Powerful team

Certified specialists with vast ecommerce experience help to create tech specifications and offer suitable solutions for each task.

Full control

You get control over the project in the task tracker and plan the cost of the work with max profit for you.

Security

Each iteration takes previous experience into account. The result is well-conceived, and the project is protected from knowledge lack.

Total immersion

The team works only with one customer and doesn't work with different projects.

If You Still Have Questions

Can I change the type of work if I have started working on Time&Materials?

We offer flexible cooperation conditions. You can choose and change a suitable way of work at any time. In this case, if you fully aware what should be on each stage, Fixed Price is perfect.

Can I buy development hours and start the work later?

Yes, after payment you have 1 year to start.

Can I get a refund if I didn't use services?

If we haven’t started the project for whatever reason we will contact you and offer conditions for partnership or refund in an individual case.

How does the process of communication take place?

The benefit of dedicated development is the team that works only with your project. We use Helpdesk to keep and save all tasks and agreements. For your convenience you can use Zoom, Google Meets, Skype or any messenger.

Let’s discuss your idea

Share your idea and we estimate your project

Our experience

маркетплейс по организации мероприятий

размещено: Более 27 000 товаров

привлечено: 254 вендора

отработано на проекте: 1685 человеко-часов

1 Менеджер проектов
2 Frontend разработчика
3 Backend разработчика
1 UX/UI дизайнер
1 QA-специалист
1 Mobile разработчик

С 2021 года началась разработка маркетплейса, продолжаются работы по созданию мобильной версии

Интернет-магазин стоматологического оборудования

размещено: 20 000 товаров

отработано на проекте: 2500 человеко-часов

1 Менеджер проектов
1 Frontend разработчик
3 Backend разработчика
1 UX/UI дизайнер
1 QA-специалист

С 2020 года начаты работы, продолжаются работы по модификации функционала

медицинский маркетплейс с широкой географией присутствия

размещено:68 000 товаров

привлечено:120 мерчантов

отработано на проекте:1142 человеко-часов

1 Менеджер проектов
1 Frontend разработчик
2 Backend разработчика
1 Аналитик
1 QA-специалист

В 2020 году разработан маркетплейс, продолжаются работы по автоматизации. В планах открыть еще одно направление b2b

The post Dedicated Development Team first appeared on Cart-Power.