Outsourcing your IT can be one of the smartest moves you make for your business, when done right. But when done wrong, it leads to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and headaches that slow your team down.
The truth is, IT outsourcing strategies only work when you know what to avoid. Let’s walk through 5 common outsourcing mistakes that cost businesses time, money, and trust and show you how to do it smarter.
Table of Contents
- Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Vendor
- Mistake #2: Not Defining Clear Goals and Expectations
- Mistake #3: Ignoring Time Zones and Communication Gaps
- Mistake #4: Skipping Due Diligence on Security and Compliance
- Mistake #5: No Plan for Long-Term Partnership
- Final Thoughts
❌ Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Vendor
Cost matters, but so does quality. Choosing a vendor just because they’re cheap is a common trap. Low prices often mean less experience, poor communication, or weak processes.
You don’t want to sacrifice your data, deadlines, or customer experience just to save a few dollars.
✅ How to avoid it:
Look for vendors with proven track records. Ask for case studies. Don’t be afraid to pay for quality, it’ll save you money in the long run.
🎯 Mistake #2: Not Defining Clear Goals and Expectations
If you’re vague, you’ll get vague results.
Without a clear scope, deadlines, and deliverables, your project will spiral. Misunderstandings happen, priorities shift, and nobody knows what success looks like.
✅ How to avoid it:
Before you sign any contract, define exactly what you expect. Use outcome-based goals. Set measurable KPIs. Everyone should be aligned from day one.
🌍 Mistake #3: Ignoring Time Zones and Communication Gaps
Working across borders can be powerful, but only if you communicate well.
One of the biggest IT outsourcing strategy failures is assuming everyone’s always available. Time zone differences and language barriers can lead to frustrating delays.
✅ How to avoid it:
Pick vendors with strong communication practices. Use overlapping work hours. Set response time expectations. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and project trackers help too.
🔐 Mistake #4: Skipping Due Diligence on Security and Compliance
Outsourcing doesn’t mean outsourcing responsibility.
If your vendor isn’t secure, your entire system is at risk. Data leaks, compliance issues, and legal penalties can hit hard, especially in healthcare, finance, or global markets.
✅ How to avoid it:
Ask about encryption, backups, and compliance certifications (like ISO or SOC 2). Don’t be shy. Protect your business and your users.
🤝 Mistake #5: No Plan for Long-Term Partnership
Many businesses treat outsourcing like a quick fix. But IT needs are ongoing and strong vendor relationships pay off.
If you switch providers too often, you’ll lose time, knowledge, and momentum.
✅ How to avoid it:
Think long-term from the start. Choose a partner who can scale with you. Invest in trust and collaboration. A reliable partner becomes an extension of your team.
Final Thoughts
IT outsourcing isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy. And like any strategy, it only works if you avoid the common traps.
Focus on clarity, quality, and communication. Pick partners who care about your results as much as you do. And always think beyond the contract.
Want to outsource IT the smart way?
Let Hathaway Worldwide help you avoid the pitfalls and build lasting success. Talk to our global outsourcing team today.
