Outsourcing Ecommerce Website Development: Key Benefits & Steps

Jan 14, 2025 | Perspectives, Tech & Business News, Tips

Outsourcing ecommerce website development is a cost-effective way to access top talent and speed up your project timeline—compared to relying on in-house teams with limited resources or expertise. 

With the right outsourcing firm and team, you can build a platform that delivers a tailored shopping experience and boosts conversions while driving business growth.

In this article, we’ll explore how outsourcing ecommerce website development works, the benefits it brings, potential challenges you might run into, and steps to outsource your project successfully. 

And stick around — we’ll show you how Distillery can help you build an ecommerce website that sets you apart. 

This Article Contains:

Further Reading:
Discover the benefits of Outsourcing Your Ecommerce Software Development projects and how it can give your business a competitive edge.
Building an app? Dive into the key stages of the Ecommerce App Development process.

What Is Ecommerce Website Development Outsourcing?

Ecommerce web development outsourcing is the process of partnering with external experts or third-party service providers to design, develop, and maintain your online store. By outsourcing website development, you can save time, access specialized expertise, and build high-quality, scalable platforms without the overhead of an in-house team.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between onshore, nearshore, or offshore outsourcing — each offering unique benefits and considerations.

You can outsource the development of various types of ecommerce websites, such as B2C online stores, B2B marketplaces, subscription-based platforms, multi-vendor marketplaces, and niche sites tailored to specific industries or audiences.

What Ecommerce Website Development Functions Can You Outsource?

Get expert support for the following functions when you outsource ecommerce development:

  • Web design
  • UI/UX design
  • Front-end development and back-end development
  • Quality assurance (QA) and testing
  • Digital marketing, SEO optimization, and content creation
  • Payment gateway and third-party API integration
  • Database, cloud hosting, and server management
  • Security and compliance
  • Mobile app integration
  • Analytics setup and reporting
  • Marketing automation setup
  • Order fulfillment and shipping solutions
  • Return and exchange management
  • Customer service and support
  • Custom plugin or module development
  • Migration services (e.g., platform migration)
  • Localization and multi-language support
  • Marketplace management (Amazon, eBay, Instagram, etc.)
  • Website maintenance and support

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into the advantages of outsourcing website development. 

6 Key Benefits of Outsourcing Ecommerce Website Development (Compared to In-House)

For many businesses, outsourcing ecommerce website development proves to be a more practical and value-driven choice than relying solely on in-house resources.

Here’s why:

1. Reduced Costs

Outsourcing website development is a smart way to reduce costs. 

You won’t need to provide infrastructure like servers, office space, or specialized tools to your outsourced team, and you can avoid the overhead costs of full-time salaries, benefits, and training.

The savings get even better when you outsource to nearshore regions like Mexico or Argentina, where a talented web developer charges much lower rates thanks to lower living costs. 

Partnering with a nearshore outsourcing company like Distillery is the easiest way to nearshore your ecommerce web development project. 

2. Faster Time-to-Market

Web development outsourcing lets you launch faster by skipping the lengthy recruitment, training, and onboarding processes required for in-house teams. 

It also eliminates the learning curve for new hires, as outsourced development teams already have the expertise and experience to hit the ground running.

What’s better?
Nearshoring makes the whole process even smoother with real-time collaboration in similar time zones. For example, Mexico City is just two hours behind Washington, making it easier to resolve issues and make decisions quickly. 

3. Access Advanced Expertise

Outsourcing ecommerce web development opens the door to a global pool of highly skilled professionals with expertise that’s often hard to find locally. 

Take Latin America, for example — Brazil was home to 500,000+ software developers in 2023, while Mexico had around 220,000 and Argentina around 115,000.

4. Leverage Advanced Technologies

Outsourced teams stay ahead by investing in the latest tools, technologies, and frameworks, giving your ecommerce solution a competitive edge without requiring significant investments from your end. 

They also follow and implement emerging trends like AI-driven personalization and voice search optimization. So, you can rest assured your website stays modern and meets evolving market demands.

5. Increased Flexibility and Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of web development outsourcing is the ability to scale your outsourced team based on project demands. 

For example, a retailer gearing up for a holiday sales rush can temporarily expand their outsourced team to improve site performance and manage higher traffic. After the season, they can scale back the outsourced team’s hours. This way, they save costs and avoid the hassle of managing a larger in-house team.

6. Bandwidth to Focus on Core Business Competencies

Ecommerce outsourcing also helps businesses stay focused on their primary goals. 

For instance, a skincare ecommerce company can outsource the development of its online store, including features like product filtering by skin type and secure subscription-based payment options. 

This allows the brand’s team to concentrate on creating new formulations and building their marketing strategy, while experts handle the technical aspects of their ecommerce platform.

But like any business strategy, outsourcing also has its downsides. 

5 Potential Drawbacks of Outsourcing Ecommerce Website Development + Solutions

Here are some potential challenges you might encounter with ecommerce outsourcing — and how an outsourcing firm like Distillery helps you overcome them:

1. Time Zone Issues

Offshoring to regions with significant time zone differences, such as from the US to China, can complicate collaboration. 

You’ll likely face delayed responses, difficulty scheduling meetings, and slower decision-making processes. These issues can lead to missed deadlines and hinder progress. 

But fret not — working with a nearshore outsourcing company like Distillery eliminates this challenge. By partnering with teams in Latin America, you’ll enjoy real-time synchronization and work schedules aligned with US business hours, all while benefiting from cost savings compared to onshoring.

2. Cultural and Language Barriers

Language barriers and cultural differences can make communication tricky, especially when you outsource ecommerce development to an offshore team.

Plus, different work styles or problem-solving approaches can sometimes lead to delays or unexpected costs. 

Rest assured, this won’t be an issue when you work with an onshore or nearshore outsourcing partner. For example, Distillery can easily assemble a team based in Mexico to execute your project. Most of Mexico’s engineering graduates are bilingual and English-speaking, minimizing language and cultural challenges.

3. Quality Control Issues

Maintaining consistent quality with outsourced teams can be challenging since you don’t have direct oversight of day-to-day operations. 

Inconsistent coding practices, missed project requirements, and poor testing can result in subpar deliverables. This can lead to misaligned expectations, missed standards, and delays. 

But, a reliable partner like Distillery will guarantee top-notch quality with industry best practices, thorough QA testing, regular check-ins, and strong project oversight. This way, we proactively address quality issues — eliminating the need for your team to step in.

Besides, you can visit the team to oversee operations and confirm quality — something that’s much harder to do with offshore teams. 

4. Intellectual Property (IP) and Security Concerns 

When outsourcing ecommerce development, you will have to share sensitive data with the external team. This can expose your business to risks like data breaches or IP theft if you don’t put proper protections in place. 

These issues could damage your reputation and lead to financial or legal consequences. 

But, Distillery, for instance, puts IP protection and security front and center with strict confidentiality agreements, secure communication channels, and compliance with data regulations to keep your sensitive data safe. Their experienced teams build security-first solutions with regular vulnerability checks and clear ownership agreements, so you stay in control of your IP and assets.

5. Hidden Costs

Hidden costs like scope creep, miscommunication, and unexpected technical issues can sneak into ecommerce website development projects. 

But reputed outsourcing firms can help you avoid these surprises with clear pricing, detailed contracts, smooth workflows, and thorough quality checks.

Now, let’s explore how you can approach ecommerce outsourcing the right way.

12 Steps to Outsource Your Ecommerce Website Development Project Successfully

Follow these steps to outsource ecommerce development properly:

1. Define Your Project Requirements

Outline the specific aspects you want to outsource, such as ecommerce website design, content creation, or handling customer service functions.

Next, assess the expertise needed based on what you plan to outsource and your internal team’s skills and capacity. Determine the number of web developers required based on your project’s complexity.

This clarity helps you choose an outsourcing provider that complements your in-house resources and matches your project goals.

2. Estimate a Budget

Based on the above step, research market rates for similar ecommerce projects to establish cost benchmarks. 

You can also request detailed quotes from every potential outsourcing company to compare pricing. 

Include a contingency fund to account for hidden costs, such as scope changes, technical challenges, or additional testing. This way, your budget remains realistic and adaptable.

3. Choose the Right Outsourcing Models

Before outsourcing ecommerce development, you need to select an outsourcing model that works for your ecommerce project, business goals, and budget:

Here are three common models based on geography, for instance:

  • Nearshore: Partner with outsourcing firms in nearby countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, to benefit from overlapping work hours, improved communication, and cost savings. 
  • Offshore: Outsource to developers in distant countries like India or China for lower costs, though this may come with challenges like cultural and linguistic differences.
  • Onshore: Work with teams in your own country to eliminate cultural or language barriers, but be prepared for significantly higher expenses.

As you can see, nearshore ecommerce outsourcing stands out by striking a balance between cost-effectiveness, better communication, and operational efficiency. 

So, what’s the easiest way to nearshore your ecommerce web dev project?

Nearshore Your Ecommerce Website Development Project through Distillery Today

Distillery specializes in delivering exceptional ecommerce website development services, powered by top-tier development talent in Latin America.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Exceptional Talent: Gain access to highly skilled developers experienced in ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
  • Adaptable Team Structures: We scale our team’s size and expertise to perfectly match the requirements of your ecommerce project.
  • Comprehensive Skill Set: Our expertise spans UX/UI design, payment gateway integration, custom functionality, cloud services, quality assurance, and project management.
  • Collaborative Development Process: We maintain open communication throughout the project to guarantee seamless execution and alignment with your business goals.

Ready to outsource web development?
Contact Distillery now to discuss your ecommerce development project so we can build customized solutions for you.

4. Research Potential Outsourcing Partners

Review the websites and portfolios of potential outsourcing partners to assess their expertise in ecommerce web development and familiarity with platforms like Shopify or Magento. 

Check client testimonials, online reviews, and case studies to gauge their track record and client satisfaction levels. 

5. Verify the Expertise and Reputation of Your Outsourcing Partner

Schedule discovery calls and interviews to test their technical knowledge, problem-solving approach, and understanding of your project requirements. 

Speak with previous clients to confirm their track record, reliability, and ability to deliver successful ecommerce solutions.

6. Have Clear Contracts and Agreements in Place

You should consider the following contracts and safeguards when outsourcing web development:

  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Protects sensitive business and customer data shared during ecommerce web development.
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA): Defines performance expectations, timelines, and quality benchmarks for the development process.
  • Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Ensures ownership of the website, code, and any custom features remains with your business.
  • Data Security Measures: Specifies encryption protocols, access controls, and regular security audits to safeguard customer data.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensures adherence to industry standards like GDPR, PCI-DSS for secure ecommerce transactions.
  • Disaster Recovery Plan: Provides contingency plans for handling data breaches or system failures to minimize downtime and protect your business.

7. Start with a Trial Period (If Possible)

Before committing to a long-term partnership with an outsourcing provider, begin with a short-term trial project to evaluate their skills, communication style, and ability to meet deadlines.

Use this period to assess their compatibility with your development team and their understanding of your ecommerce requirements. 

8. Establish Clear Communication and Collaboration Channels

Set up regular communication channels, such as video calls, project management tools, and status reports, to ensure smooth collaboration. 

Clearly define key points of contact, update frequencies, and preferred platforms to prevent miscommunication, minimize delays, and address emergencies. 

9. Set Performance Metrics

Define clear performance metrics, such as website load times, checkout conversion rates, and uptime/downtime, to measure the outsourcing team’s success. 

Tracking the right KPIs helps you identify areas for improvement and align development outcomes with your business goals. 

10. Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback

Regularly track the team’s progress using project management tools and scheduled updates to confirm adherence to your timeline and objectives. 

Provide constructive feedback on deliverables to every web developer to address issues early and keep your project on track.

11. Invest in Periodic Training Sessions or Workshops

Regular training ensures both in-house and outsourced teams stay aligned on the latest ecommerce development technologies, tools, and company procedures. 

This helps maintain high-quality standards and keeps the development process efficient and current.

12. Conduct On-Site Visits or Audits

Periodic on-site visits or audits provide an opportunity to assess your outsourcing partner’s operations firsthand, confirming they meet your standards and contractual obligations.

These visits can also help you identify potential issues early and strengthen the partnership. 

We’ll cover any remaining questions you may have on outsourcing ecommerce web development next. 

FAQs Related to Outsourcing Ecommerce Website Development Projects

1. Which Software Is Best for Ecommerce Website Development?

The best software depends on your ecommerce business goals, budget, and technical requirements. 


But popular options include:

  • Shopify: Ideal for beginners with easy-to-use features and a wide range of templates.
  • WooCommerce: Great for WordPress users who need a flexible and customizable platform.
  • Adobe Commerce: Perfect for larger businesses requiring complex, scalable solutions.
  • BigCommerce: Offers robust tools for growing businesses with diverse product ranges.
  • PrestaShop: A free, open-source platform suited for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Squarespace: A sleek, all-in-one platform for simple, visually appealing stores.

2. What Is the Typical Timeline for an Outsourced Ecommerce Website Development Project?

An outsourced ecommerce website project typically takes 2–6 months to complete, depending on project complexity, development team expertise, and feedback loops.

Generally, web developers can finish a small store with basic features in 2–3 months, while complex platforms with custom designs and integrations may take 6–12 months or longer. 

3. What Are Some Upcoming Trends in Ecommerce Website Development that Businesses Should Prepare For?

Emerging trends to watch out for include:

  • Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Combine mobile app-like features with browser accessibility, offering fast performance, offline access, and improved user experiences.
  • AI-Driven Personalization: Use AI to tailor product recommendations and shopping experiences based on customer behavior and preferences.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Allow customers to preview products in real-world settings, improving confidence in online purchases.
  • Voice Search Optimization: Adapt websites to accommodate voice commands, making it easier for customers to find products hands-free.
  • Headless eCommerce: Decouple the front-end and back-end, allowing greater flexibility in ecommerce website design and seamless integration with other technologies.
  • Dark Mode Themes: Reduce eye strain and enhance website aesthetics, providing a modern and visually appealing user experience.
  • Smart Video Content: Use high-quality, engaging video content to showcase products, tell brand stories, and drive conversions. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made this trend essential for eCommerce success.
  • Micro Animations: Incorporate small, interactive animations to guide users through your website and enhance the overall user experience. 

To stay on top of these ecommerce trends in 2025 and beyond, you should work with an outsourcing partner like Distillery. 

With our web development services, your website will benefit from innovative features and the latest technologies, enhancing its functionality and user experience. Whether it’s improving engagement, streamlining ecommerce website design, or integrating cutting-edge tools, we’ll make sure your ecommerce business remains relevant and competitive. 

Distillery: Your Trusted Solution for Ecommerce Web Development

Outsourcing web development offers significant advantages, from cost savings and access to expert talent to faster ecommerce solution delivery.

But among the many outsourcing options, nearshoring stands out for its affordability, geographic proximity, and time zone alignment with the US. 

Ready to build an exceptional ecommerce platform?Contact Distillery to nearshore your ecommerce website development project today.