How agressive are you with outsource vendors?

Scott,

I have to say that much of the screaming, demanding and yelling - if you're dealing with a professional, will only be tolerated up to a point... and only if justified.

When I say professional, I mean someone who has enough respect in themselves, their work and their clients to care about meeting your requirements and will tell you at the first opportunity if there is more info needed or they need an extension. Furthermore, they should not take on more work than they can handle in the hope that they might make this weeks bills.

I can completely understand the frustration... I've been on both sides of the transaction. However, If you push the line too far you could expect a refund and a "have a nice day" from anyone who is worth their price.

If you're constantly reminding people there could be one of two scenarios:

1) you're dealing with amateurs who don't care (or don't have enough experience to forecast delivery times)

2) you're not communicating your requirements clearly enough (and the outsourcer feels it's their job to guess)

I'm not going to pretend I'm perfect, but I have enough common sense to explain if I'm busy and inform clients if there is likely to be a delay.

Kindest regards,
Karl.

Just kidding... no, sincerely.

I tell them upfront - you have to meet deadlines, that's the first requirement.

Other than that I could feel those who bring in lame excuses from the beginning.

I learned the hard way that folks who are too busy and could work only 1-2 hours/day for you, usually don't meet deadlines.

Select folks who are ready to dedicate a few good hours and meet deadlines.

That's the single best advice I could give you about "outsourcing".

Yelling? Not gonna work...

Hi Scott,
I am both a provider (articles) and an outsourcer, and know that the scream and yell method won't work. I agree that you must be working with the wrong people - could be a case of "pay peanuts, get monkeys".

Agree on milestones with funding like the Elance method and if a milestone is missed repeatedly, pay for what's done and look for another provider. Not sure what you are outsourcing, but if its writing, this is the best way to do it. There are a lot of good, reliable and ethical writers out there.

Best
Kerry