Think Local: Why “Cheaper” Foreign Talent Isn’t Always Better
This must be the 243rd time I’m having this debate with yet another prospective client. Hire a local developer (Singaporean), or a foreign one? Sometimes I wish I can be rude and just say “Ok, go. Go and find this out the hard way yourself.” But my professional ethics stop me.
I find myself explaining yet again on the possible pitfalls of such an option.
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Every business owner wants to get the best value for their money. When it comes to web development, mobile apps, or software, the allure of hiring a foreign developer at a fraction of the price can seem irresistible. You might be thinking, “Why should I hire a Singapore-based developer when I can get the same thing done for less by someone in India, the Philippines, or Vietnam?”
But what if I told you that the “cheap” option isn’t always the best deal? In fact, it could end up costing you more — in money, time, and peace of mind. Let me share why choosing local talent is the smarter choice for your business.
The Magic of “Cheap” Developers: Too Good to Be True?
We’ve all heard the stories. A friend proudly boasts, “I got my website done for just $500!” It sounds like a steal, doesn’t it? But behind the scenes, things often aren’t so rosy.
Real-Life Horror Stories
Take Sarah, for example. She’s a small business owner who hired a developer from overseas to build an e-commerce platform. Everything seemed great at first. But as the project progressed, communication became a nightmare. Time zone differences meant delays in responses, and misunderstandings due to language barriers led to repeated revisions. The final product was buggy and barely functional.
Or consider Jason, who outsourced his mobile app project. Midway through development, the developer vanished — no explanations, no refunds, no app. Jason had to start over with a local developer, costing him double the time and money.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re common scenarios many businesses face when chasing the illusion of “cheap”.
No, I am NOT exaggerating when I say I get about 2 calls a week with similar stories. And some even try to mask the true facts of what actually happened and say things like, “oh, my current developer is now busy with something else.” (mmhh, like what else does a developer do?). But I just entertain their versions and just move on to ask the details of the project.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring Overseas
When you factor in the true costs, those low initial prices quickly lose their appeal.
- Communication Breakdowns
Clear communication is vital for any project. However, when you’re working with a foreign developer:
- Time zone differences can lead to frustrating delays.
Eg: you might be thinking that you will pose your question early in the morning so that he has a full day to reply you. But your expected reply might come when you are sleeping at night. Well, at least he replied, you might think. But if you add up all these delays, at the rate of 1 email per day, you will realise the value of a local developer who responds via your Whatsapp, and within an hour. - Language barriers can cause misunderstandings, leading to errors and rework.
Eg: one client told me that he had a difficult time trying to make a foreign developer understand that he wants to accept online payment using Nets (a popular term in Singapore for payment matters). But the developer was thinking along the line of nets (like fishing nets) and being confused on how nets come into web development. - Cultural differences might affect how feedback and suggestions are interpreted.
Eg: only a local will understand local holidays. Why that matters? A developer do not want to call a client up on a public holiday, especially when it’s his religious holy day as well.
- Lack of Accountability
Many foreign freelancers operate independently or through agencies with minimal oversight. If things go wrong, there’s little recourse. Termination of the contract may leave you without recourse or recourse that’s hard to enforce across borders.
- Quality and Expertise
While there are talented developers worldwide, “you get what you pay for” often holds true. This is where I should probably mention the popular saying: You pay peanuts, you get monkeys. (Fellow developers, do not take this literally)
Lower costs can mean:
- Cutting corners on quality.
- Inadequate testing, resulting in buggy software.
- Generic solutions that don’t cater to your business’s unique needs.
- Stress and Headaches
The stress of chasing deadlines, fixing errors, and dealing with disappearing developers isn’t something any business owner needs. These hidden “costs” can outweigh any upfront savings.
Why Hiring Local Developers Is a Smart Investment
Now let’s flip the script. Here’s why choosing a local developer — like me — is worth every dollar.
- Seamless Communication
As a Singapore-based developer, I understand the local business landscape and culture. We’re in the same time zone, making collaboration easy and efficient. You can pick up the phone or meet face-to-face to discuss your project, if such a need arises.
- Accountability and Trust
Hiring a local developer means you’re working with someone who values their reputation within the community. You’ll get:
- Clear contracts with enforceable terms.
- Ongoing support and maintenance.
- A commitment to delivering quality work, because my success depends on your satisfaction.
- As for me, operating in Singapore, they can easily verify my Business UEN number and Business name with the Singapore Business Registry, which is ACRA and Bizfiles.
- Tailored Solutions
I don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Each project is custom-built to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your software works seamlessly for your business and customers.
- Long-Term Relationship
A local developer isn’t just a one-time contractor. We can build a lasting partnership, helping you scale and adapt your digital solutions as your business grows.
I have many such relationships, some lasting 20 years. These are long-time clients, who are coming back to me for their subsequent phase development of the original project. Or to discuss new project ideas.
Practical Tips for Hiring Developers
If you’re still on the fence, here’s how to ensure you’re making the right choice:
- Check Portfolios:Look at the developer’s past projects. Do they align with your vision?
- Ask for References:Talk to previous clients to get a sense of their experience.
- Prioritize Communication:Choose someone who’s easy to communicate with and understands your goals.
- Think Long-Term:Don’t just focus on the initial cost. Consider the value of ongoing support and quality.
- Value Local Expertise:A local developer understands your market and can provide insights that an overseas freelancer might miss.
My Personal Experience
As someone who’s been in the industry since the 1990s, I’ve seen it all. I’ve fixed botched projects outsourced overseas. I’ve helped businesses recover from costly mistakes. And I’ve built software solutions that have stood the test of time.
One of my clients, a restaurant owner in Singapore, initially went with a cheaper overseas developer for a table booking system. The result? A system that crashed during peak hours, losing customers and revenue. I stepped in, rebuilt the system locally, and provided ongoing support. Today, their business runs smoothly, and their bookings have soared.
Conclusion: The Real Cost of “Cheap”
When it comes to web development, mobile apps, or software, the cheapest option often turns out to be the most expensive. By hiring a local developer, you’re investing in quality, reliability, and peace of mind.
So, the next time you’re tempted to outsource overseas, ask yourself: Is it worth the risk?
What has your experience been like with hiring developers? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s start a conversation!
