Agency or Freelancers? What do you choose?

Where can I find the best developer?

If you've ever asked this question, you might know how challenging it is to find a worthwhile answer 🙄

In short, you can consider 3 options:
1️⃣ to hire an in-house developer
2️⃣ work with an independent freelancer
3️⃣ hire a remote specialist from an agency

As pandemic said "hello" to the remote-work reality, I won't waste time explaining the advantages of hiring remote specialists (2nd and 3rd variants). Instead, I'll compare the key differences between agencies and freelancers.

⭐️ Scalability
Today you need only 1 developer. In a month your business gets funding and you need 5 developers at once. To quickly find 5 able freelancers sounds almost impossible, doesn't it? So, for growing teams, an agency is the best variant. Freelancers are a good fit for small-sized businesses.

⭐️ Management
You don’t need to keep abreast of the whole process when working with an agency, as they provide management on theirs. With freelancers, you manage the whole process as a rule. Choose what works for you here.

⭐️ Extra value
Many agencies include additional services in the package: consulting, design, testing, to name a few. You get several skills in one place. If an agency provides partnership programs, you can also find more opportunities for business growth. Freelancers aren't so flexible.

⭐️ Price
Price still remains a decisive factor while choosing a service provider. Yes, freelancers won at this point, but try to focus on the common value instead.

Do you have experience working with agencies/freelancers? Interesting to hear your thoughts.