Has any one done work with elance or other out source websites

[nesrinamb]

I have been aware of this web sites for a while but have never used them simply because when it came to something like web design I outsourced the work to a local shop basically i said "yes we do web design" and went around and had the local business do the actual programming. Also they themselves said "yes we do repair work but specialize in web design" and the work actually comes to me.

I want to use elance since some costumers have wanted amazingly advanced php and even c++ and Linux programs created. So has any one used them and are they any good?

 

[morr]

As with any service there can be both good and bad.

Experience #1 - rating -1
I contracted with a guy in the US to do some PHP work about a year back using elance and it was a terrible experience, the guy simply did not deliver, offered lots of excuses but in the end I managed to get a full refund from elance.

Experience #2 - rating +1
Then about 3 months back I decided to give it another try, this time I was a lot more careful about the project (php again). I made sure to describe the work required in great detail (still managed to overlook a few small elements) and scrutinised the submitted tenders paying particular attention to how well their responses tallied with the objectives I had laid out, and reading all reviews associated with the prospective contractors.
I chose a guy (gal?) in India, in the lower 30% of the price quotes but certainly not the cheapest he seemed to grasp most clearly what I needed. This time I ended up with exactly what I required and it was money well spent.

So on average I'm neutral with one good and one bad experience, but I'll certainly consider elance again when the need arises. Just try to make sure you allow ample time for the project, take your time to describe fully your requirements, take your time choosing the best applicant, assume the projected delivery time will run over etc, time and more time just to be sure.

 

[myPCTechs]

I have had more negative experience than positive, and that's when selecting providers with high ratings. I think for simple things like logo design or basic site creation you'd fare better than with something like advanced programming. For that, you get what you pay for and it may be better for you in the long run to find an expert who can help out.

 

[nesrinamb]

Thank you for your reply's i have been very uneasy about sending out work advanced programming and i already have a website guy so i wont be using elance or any online outsourcing.