What's the difference?
Offshore means outsourcing to distant countries, often with a big time difference, such as the Philippines or India. Nearshore means outsourcing to nearby countries with little or no time difference, such as North Africa or Southern and Eastern Europe. In-house means your own team in your own office.
Cost
Offshore is usually cheapest per hour. Nearshore sits in between and is typically below the full cost of an in-house employee in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany. Watch for the hidden costs of offshore: extra management, longer ramp-up and more corrections.
Time zone and availability
With nearshore your team works the same day and almost the same hours as you. Meetings, escalations and quick changes become easier. Offshore is strong for night shifts but harder to align during the day.
Language and quality
Native Dutch, German or French speakers are scarce offshore. Nearshore it is easier to find people who truly know your customer's language and culture, especially when the partner recruits in the diaspora and among people who have lived in Europe.
When to choose what
- Offshore: large English volumes, lots of night work, simple questions
- Nearshore: European languages, quality and brand voice matter, short lines wanted
- In-house: work closely tied to other departments
OutsourcePartner works nearshore from Alexandria, one hour from Central European Time, with native speakers from around the world. Book a call to see what fits you.