The time has come. You’ve decided to outsource your 2D, 3D or SketchUp design work for your landscaping, pool or residential design business. Congratulations! The next step is to find the perfect 2D and 3D outsourcing provider for your business to use. This article shares six practical tips to help you decide which outsourcing provider will give you the best possible results in return for your investment. By making informed decisions, you can reduce some of the risk or fear of doing something new.
1. Pricing: important but not the only factor to consider
The potential to save money is a major driver for businesses to use outsourcing services in the first place. It makes sense that pricing should be the first factor considered when choosing a provider. Despite its importance, keep in mind that pricing is just one factor you should take into account.
Generally after you’ve approached your shortlisted providers, you’ll find several that will offer very competitive pricing to secure your business. Upon seeing the potential financial savings, you may have an initial instinct to go with the cheapest offer. We suggest you pause this initial reaction.
2D and 3D outsourcing providers that have a transparent pricing structure, with no hidden fees are a safer bet. Some providers will offer a cheaper rate for long term commitment. This is fine if you know you’ll always have a steady stream of work. However, if you are only a small operator, you might be better off going with an on-demand provider. They generally have no lock in contracts. So you only pay for the service when you need it.
It’s worth considering the price in balance with all the other factors raised in the rest of this article. You may find that when you look at the small print, it doesn’t seem such a good deal after all. If you want to ensure the best possible result for the money you invest, pricing should never be the sole deciding factor.
2. Expertise in 2D and 3D and quality assurance
Can you ensure you’ll consistently receive work finished to a high, professional standard?
As a business, it’s important the work you receive is high quality and of a professional standard. Any initial money saved by using the cheapest provider will immediately be cancelled out if you have to spend time redoing substandard work to bring it up to standard.
As an architect/designer, the additional following factors should also be considered when you’re considering an outsource provider’s competency to deliver your 2D and 3D design work:
- Is the person/team completing your project trained at a high level to be able to accurately interpret your plans? For example are they university qualified?
- Does the company have extensive experience working with unique plants and materials, finishes and looks specific to Australia? Or is their experience predominantly focused on clients operating in the northern hemisphere? If you aren’t sure of the answer, it’s worth asking for evidence of their expertise.
3. Quality resources and reliable technology
Resources and technology are factors you should investigate as part of your provider evaluation process. Attempt to find out what programs and technologies your shortlisted providers are using to create and deliver your project. Sometimes this information can be found by reviewing the projects delivered on their website.
It’s also important to confirm that the provider has large enough storage capacity. Generally they should securely keep your project information for at least 1 year before destroying content. Many designers will have had the experience of revisions required months later. For example, a client deciding months after a initial concept was scoped out, wanting to make changes to the design.
This isn’t a big deal if the outsourcing company you work with can make a quick revision for you. It’s an entirely different matter if you discover they delete all your project files after a few months. Then you could be forced to start from scratch again to incorporate your new revisions.
4. Speed and capacity: the ability to meet deadlines
Double check the 2D and 3D outsourcing provider is reliable with a guaranteed, efficient delivery timeframe.
Speed of delivery
Landscape, pool and home designers/builders frequently manage multiple projects, all with differing levels of completion. One factor that separates successful business owners from those that are struggling, is their ability to effectively manage their time and resources. It will be detrimental to your business if a project’s turnaround time is so slow that it results in projects grinding to a halt because you have to wait for your outsourcing provider.
Before you sign the dotted line, it’s worth confirming turnaround time frames for delivery of your 2D or 3D projects with your shortlisted outsource providers. As part of this process, double check whether turnaround time frames are guaranteed. It’s worthwhile ensuring the outsourced company you work with will be reliable – each and every time you use them. There’s nothing worse than sending off your side of the information only to receive nothing in return at the promised time.
Also take a moment to confirm whether the outsource operator is clear on how often they meet their delivery timeframes. For example, are their “on time delivery statistics” something they’re open about and happy to disclose to you, or do they avoid answering the question? If they do deliver your project later than the promised due date, is any form of compensation offered to you?
Capacity in busy periods
As part of your checks, it’s also worth reviewing capacity. Does the provider have enough team members to deliver projects on time during the industry busy periods? Or are they a “one man band” where you’re at the mercy of their own personal systems for managing their time and workflows? What happens when they go on holidays, or get sick?
It may be cheaper to consider employing a less experienced and/or solo operator to complete your 2D or 3D designs. However, it does bring with it greater risk if something were to happen, like they fall ill or encounter technology failures. It’s worth noting, as a general rule, established organisations have carefully streamlined workflows and processes to ensure that all work is completed to a high standard. Your clients will benefit from the predictability, reliability and your confidence to explain exactly what they can expect from you and when to expect it. On time, every time.
5. Confirm the outsource provider is trustworthy
How can you be sure you’ll receive what was promised – on time and to a high standard? Can they ensure your project documentation and intellectual property will be kept secure at all times? What happens if things go wrong?
One way to find a reliable 2D and 3D outsourcing provider is to use your own industry contacts. Ask them who they use or could recommend.
Another way to help confirm the reliability is to see how long the business has been in operation. Is it established with a track record over a number of years? Or is it a new company/business that no-one has ever heard of? Does the owner or manager have any long term industry experience? If the company is established, it’s likely that they’ll have a number of satisfied customers regularly using their services. They will also want to ensure their good reputation stands.
As part of your trustworthy checks, it’s worth taking a moment to see whether the outsourcing company has a professional website. Confirm the following:
- Does the website showcase examples of completed 2D, SketchUp and 3D design projects?
- Do they feature recent, reputable testimonials from satisfied customers?
- Does the person/company also have an established social media presence where you can view recent examples of their work?
While each of these indicators on their own may not be a significant factor as part of your decision making process. When combined they paint a picture regarding the trustworthiness of the company you’re potentially seeking to use in the future.
6. Communication and quality customer service
Communication is of great importance whether you’re working onshore or with an offshore team. Your chosen provider should be able to handle your queries and promptly reply without making you wait indefinitely. It’s worth considering whether conflicting time zones could slow down the flow of communication. A quality outsource provider will have staff available to answer any questions you may have. They can follow up any missing information, or just check up on projects for you to give you peace of mind.
Summary
Being informed and asking the right questions can help you make a carefully considered, strategic decision. So you can confidently select the right 2D and 3D outsourcing provider for your needs. Ultimately ensuring your business remains efficient and profitable in an increasingly competitive market.
About Pitch Box
Pitch box is a low cost, fast solution that delivers leading 2D plans & 3D visuals of your designs on-demand.
Providing 2D Plans, 3D images, fly-throughs and SketchUp Base Models, to residential architects, pool and landscape designers so you can provide that high end service or improve capacity without the need to hire in-house staff. Ultimately allowing you to be more productive and more profitable.
The company prides itself on exceptional customer service, with a dedicated customer support team based in Brisbane, Australia. Delivering high quality products with a guaranteed project completion turnaround time of only 5 – 10 business days. Unlike many 3D external service providers, Pitch Box’s pricing is transparent and competitive. Our customers know exactly what they are getting, each and every time they place an order. Discover more about how Pitch Box can support your business and place your order by visiting our website today!
