Whether to offshore Retouching work or not sounds like a simple straight forward question. But it isn’t. The answer – whether it is a yes or a no – has wide-ranging consequences affecting everything we do – internal processes, software, technology and of course HR. If we stay, how do we compete with other studio and photographers who offshore?
Here is why we believe in offering a competitive retouching service in Australia
# 1 FORCING INNOVATION
Conducting all work in Australia, rather than offshoring to lower wage countries, has the challenge of higher wage costs, higher rent and other overheads. To ensure fees remain competitive under this higher cost structure, innovation becomes important.
Retouching services tend to look for ways of leveraging smaller, higher costs teams and build more scalable systems that are not primarily dependent on a large pool of low wage workers. Technology enables this innovation incorporating better workflows in people.
# 2 ADDING VALUE
The most common justification for going offshore we hear is that it is “cheap”. Based on our experience, pricing is a hygiene factor only. When you dig deeper it turns out that it is not about being cheap. It’s all about providing value.
Because of the perceived higher cost structure of an entirely Australian based provider, the focus needs to be on providing value rather than a cheaply priced product.
For example, value adds might include:
- Access to high quality technical expertise and solution at no additional cost
- Being able to speak to the vendor who actually does the work to customise for clients
- Ideas/Solutions focused on helping grow your business.
Beauty/Fashion Retouching
# 3 LESS FRICTION FOR CLIENTS
Providing retouching work out of Australia is simply easier. If there are any issues, the retoucher working on the job is only a phone call away. No issues with time zones, language barriers or having your instructions misinterpreted. Conducting the entirety of your retouching work in Australia is simply quicker and easier when it comes to delivery.
Less friction. Better results.
# 4 DATA SECURITY
Beauty Retouching
Many clients prefer all data to remain in Australia with only Australian based team members accessing it.
The power of cloud technology overall is a good thing. The flipside however, is
that it adds security issues. Dealing with breaches regarding data offshore is significantly more complex than having all data in Australia.
# 5 CLIENTS PREFER AUSTRALIA
More and more companies are turning to offshore solutions. Smaller regional and suburban photographers as well. Neither tend to notify their clients or referral partners.
A recent survey of customers across many industries found that the overwhelming majority of them are uncomfortable with their creative IP being processed and stored offshore. Overall 84% of respondents were extremely or very likely to switch providers if they started sending their services offshore. They stated that they’d rather keep their services data in Australia than pay lower fees and go offshore.
Creatives need to decide what is better for them and their clients: Outsource and offshore or stay in Australia and innovate.
HeadHunters offers wedding and real estate retouching services in Australia that wont break your budget.
