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In-House VS Outsource: What to Choose When Looking for Salesforce Devs?

| 10 min read
From this article, you'll get to know key distinctions between in-house and remote Salesforce specialists and be able to make your best choice in 2025.
In-House VS Outsource: What to Choose When Looking for Salesforce Devs?
Vova Babin
By: Vova Babin
Head of Salesforce Delivery at MagicFuse, certified Salesforce Architect with 13+ years of experience.

The global customer relationship management market was valued at USD 65.59 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9% from 2024 to 2030.

Oftentimes, companies need to adjust custom settings on the Salesforce platform and face difficulties working on it. In that case, a Salesforce developer is an irreplaceable wizard for their businesses.

According to the latest SF Ben Salesforce Salary Survey, Salesforce Developers are among the top earners in the ecosystem. The demand for specialists is growing, and discussions about in-house vs. remote Salesforce developers continue to grow.

This article will be a useful guide when you choose Salesforce developers for your business.

You'll get to know key benefits and risks related to in-house and remote Salesforce experts and learn about the pros and cons of these two options.

Why Companies Consider Salesforce Development Options

Salesforce is people's favorite for a reason: it's highly adaptable and has a robust feature set that helps optimize any business process. Salesforce CRM users see 38% faster decision-making, an 18.4% jump in revenue, and a 35% increase in customer satisfaction.

Let's take a closer look at why Salesforce is everyone's go-to platform.

Salesforce Helps Map Buyer Journey and Improve Selling

Customers are the essential assets of your business, and they have been with you throughout your entire journey. Both the converted clients and the potential customers are valuable since they can attract more clients or continue working with you regularly.

As the number of customers grows, so does the business and its needs in a scalable CRM that can withstand the increased demands.

Salesforce allows you to manage the growing number of customer data effectively and map out the entire customer journey from initial contact to conversion.

Both current and potential customers are valuable, so Salesforce helps track interactions, segment customers based on behavior, and deliver personalized marketing. It securely stores all customer data, giving you a comprehensive look at all the sales funnels.

With Salesforce, you can know where your clients are in their buying journey, allowing you to tailor your strategy accordingly and support your business growth.

Salesforce Offers High-Quality Products and Services

Salesforce stands out not only for its CRM but also for its ecosystem of Salesforce products and professional services, from Sales Cloud and Service Cloud to specialized solutions for industries like finance, retail, and healthcare.

These tailored solutions are built to work seamlessly together, allowing businesses to create a cohesive environment for managing customer relationships, sales processes, and service delivery.

The extensive support network and Salesforce's commitment to innovation ensure businesses can rely on this platform as their needs evolve.

Salesforce Offers Data Security

Security is paramount when it comes to business matters. In fact, external attacks on cloud accounts have increased by 630%. Losing invaluable data is detrimental for businesses financially, and if the loss is severe, there's a possibility that a business won't survive.

With Salesforce, you don't have to worry about data loss as it excels in data protection and data integrity. With features like two-factor authentication, IP restrictions, and field-level encryption, Salesforce ensures customer and business data are secure.

Updates are Backward Compatible

Salesforce provides three major updates each year to enhance functionality, improve security, and keep the platform aligned with industry trends. One of Salesforce's unique advantages is its commitment to backward compatibility.

With Salesforce, businesses can access the latest features without risking system disruptions or incompatibilities with existing configurations. This approach allows companies to adopt new features at their own pace, ensuring seamless updates that don't interrupt operations.

Salesforce Pricing Model is Business-Friendly

When the Salesforce environment launched, the pricing paradigms in the market shifted. The competitors used to charge expensive rates for software, hardware, support, upgrades, etc. Salesforce, however, took a different approach and brought a per-user fee billed annually.

Salesforce Offers Comprehensive Reporting Tools

Salesforce's robust reporting and analytics tools empower businesses to track performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. With customizable dashboards and real-time analytics, businesses can monitor key metrics across sales, customer support, and marketing.

Reports can be tailored to track specific KPIs, from lead generation to customer satisfaction scores, providing insights that help teams refine strategies and optimize processes.

Salesforce Integrates Easily with Your ERPs

With Salesforce's high-tech and well-documented API, it can be easily integrated with other platforms, including your ERPs.

Integrating it with your ERPs ensures that information across different departments is unified, reducing redundancies and fostering better collaboration. Whether you're using SAP, Oracle, or a custom ERP, Salesforce's API and integration tools make it easy to synchronize data.

Understanding In-House Salesforce Development Teams

An in-house Salesforce development team is a group of developers employed directly by a company to handle its Salesforce customization, integration, and maintenance needs.

When you have internal Salesforce experts, you can observe the working process at any time. Also, they know all the ins and outs of the business and better understand your business requirements.

Moreover, a Salesforce developer who works in-house can suggest Salesforce improvements and extensions, considering your organizational culture and business goals.

One of the biggest risks to having in-house Salesforce app development staff is the dismissal of team members. After investing resources and time in building a team of Salesforce professionals, any of them can go away at any time, and you will need to hire again.

What are the main pros and cons of working with an in-house Salesforce team? Let’s explore.

In-House Salesforce Development Pros

Deep Involvement

An in-house Salesforce developer knows your business in more detail. The right talent can adjust your Salesforce platform's functionality and improve internal business processes continuously with the help of their Salesforce professional services.

Quick Adaptation to Changes

If you need to engineer minor tech settings in your Salesforce CRM, you can always turn to developers of your Salesforce integration company, and they make appropriate changes in no time.

In-Project Expertise

Internal Salesforce specialists hone their technical skills from the beginning and become narrowly focused experts of the highest level. They both have industry expertise and in-project knowledge that allows you to extend your company opportunities with the Salesforce CRM platform and boost your business.

In-House Salesforce Development Cons

Huge Costs

Hiring in-house Salesforce developers can be expensive. In 2024, the average salary for senior Salesforce developers in the U.S. is around $206,000 annually, while entry-level roles start at $78,000.

A professional in-house Salesforce team requires a regular salary and additional employee costs. Besides, if your developers want to improve their skills and expertise, they have to obtain a paid Salesforce certification.

High Staff Turnover

Salesforce developers are in demand, with a year-over-year growth rate of 24%. Thus, there are a lot of interesting projects for Salesforce developers. This means that your internal Salesforce development company can change at any time, and it will affect some processes in your Salesforce CRM.

Difficulty in Creating a Team

It takes a lot of time to form a professional Salesforce development team. All employees should have particular hard and soft skills and experience. In turn, you need to offer good conditions and a competitive salary, considering the demand for good developers.

Understanding Outsourced Salesforce Development Teams

Outsourced Salesforce development involves a company partnering with an external team or agency specializing in Salesforce services to handle customization, integration, and support tasks.

You can find qualified Salesforce devs from anywhere in the world who have experience in your business sector and deliver excellent professional services according to the deadlines for less pay.

However, working with a remote Salesforce AppExchange development company, you can face transparency and security risks. In this case, you need to settle the way of reporting, meeting schedules, and provide specific access, etc.

Remote Salesforce Developers Pros

Reduced Cost

Hiring a Salesforce development partner can be much cheaper, depending on location rates. For example, in Eastern Europe, annual salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on expertise. In Germany, the average annual salary for a Salesforce developer is approximately €82,448 (about $90,000), while in the United States, it averages around $120,000.

Smart Timeline

Competent remote Salesforce experts work based on detailed technical specifications and deliver results meeting deadlines. Besides, when you hire Salesforce developers, you have to pay upon delivery.

Experienced Team

The remote Salesforce team consists of people who know the Salesforce platform like the back of their hands. They usually specialize in a wide range of Salesforce-managed services and can consult on specific Salesforce issues and customization.

MagicFuse is a team of PDO-certified Salesforce experts, who provide full-cycle Salesforce development services. We deal with the development of custom Lighting components, app customization, and Salesforce admin panel setup.

Remote Certified Salesforce Developers Cons

Matter of Transparency

When you hire Salesforce developers, you can't totally control the development process and be 100% sure everything is going perfectly.

Security Risks

Working with a remote Salesforce development team, you provide them with access to your CRM platform with all the data about your business.

To avoid the risk of becoming a victim of espionage or information drain, you have to sign an NDA with the development team.

Communication Gap

Depending on the location, language, and culture, you can run into a misunderstanding when you hire remote Salesforce developers for professional services. In this case, scheduling meetings and using appropriate tools can save the situation.

In-House vs Outsourcing Comparison Table

Factors

In-House

Outsourcing

Expertise

Focused expertise aligned with company-specific needs

Broad expertise with diverse Salesforce skills from multiple industries

Availability

Available during standard company hours, may require overtime for urgent needs

Flexible availability, can provide extended or round-the-clock support

Cost

Higher initial costs due to hiring, training, and employee benefits

Predictable, project-based or hourly fees with generally lower initial costs

Security

Direct oversight of data and processes within company security protocols

Relies on vendor's security protocols, which require vetting for compliance

Management Style

Hands-on management style with greater control

Requires clear communication protocols and structured oversight

Scalability

Scaling requires hiring or reassigning staff, which can be slower

Easily scalable to meet changing project demands

Control

Direct management with immediate oversight

Less direct control; relies on structured project management

Communication

Internal communication with easier alignment and feedback loops

Requires more deliberate communication and status updates

Adaptability to Company Culture

Highly adaptable to company culture and values

Limited direct influence over adapting to company culture

Making the Right Choice: In-House, Outsource, or Hybrid?

Choosing the perfect development approach for you depends on your unique needs, project goals, and resource availability. Each model offers its advantages and limitations, so let’s learn about them to help you make the right decision.

When to Choose In-House

If you have a long-term project where data sensitivity and close operational control are crucial - go for in-house development. Companies that prioritize data security, confidentiality, and deep alignment with organizational culture often benefit from an in-house Salesforce team.

When to Outsource

For short-term projects that require quick time-to-market, outsourcing is the way to go. When companies need access to rare Salesforce expertise, specific skill sets, or additional resources to accelerate project delivery, outsourcing provides the necessary scalability.

Hybrid Approach

A hybrid model combines the benefits of both in-house and outsourcing, allowing in-house teams to retain control over core and sensitive tasks while outsourcing partners manage less critical aspects.

This approach gives companies the flexibility to adapt to project demands, where in-house developers focus on high-priority goals and external experts handle specialized or supplementary tasks.

Considerations When Choosing a Salesforce Development Company

Finding the right Salesforce partner is the first step to success. Key factors like expertise, a proven portfolio, and security practices can ensure that the partner you select will deliver on your goals effectively and securely.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Skill Alignment

Make sure that your potential partner has relevant expertise tailored to your specific project needs, such as custom app development, complex integrations, or migration.

  • Proven Portfolio

Review the partner’s track record to gain insight into their past successes and experience within your industry.

  • Security Practices

Verify the partner’s security protocols to ensure that data will be handled safely and in line with industry standards and compliance requirements.

At MagicFuse, we are proud of our high level of expertise and reliability as a specialized Salesforce partner. We focus on tailored solutions across industries and prioritize client alignment, delivering dependable expertise and top-notch security measures.

Finding the Right Fit

MagicFuse offers a flexible partnership model, allowing you to select the approach that matches your needs and goals 100%.

If you have a well-defined, short-term project, we offer our fixed project model. For long-term development, you can count on our ongoing support and maintenance.

At MagicFuse, we ensure that clients have a partner they can rely on for initial launches and continued growth.

Wrapping Up: Should You Hire Remote Salesforce Developers?

In 2024, more and more companies focus on optimizing their processes and use the Salesforce CRM platform for their business needs.

Recent data shows that developers constitute 47% of the Salesforce workforce, with a year-over-year growth of 24%. These figures show that developers are essential in enhancing and customizing Salesforce platforms.

Whether you have in-house developers or hire a remote development company is up to you. Considering the pros and cons of both variants, you'll be able to make your best decision. If you need help deciding, contact us, and we'll consult you.

FAQ

  1. How do I decide between in-house and outsourcing for Salesforce development?

    The choice between these two types of development depends on your specific project needs, resources at hand, and security requirements. If you need greater control over your project and increased data security, choose in-house development. Outsourcing, on the other hand, is a great option if you need more flexibility, access to specialized expertise, and seamless integration into your team.

  2. What are the key benefits of outsourcing Salesforce development?

    One of the key benefits of outsourcing Salesforce development to third parties is access to a broader range of expertise. Once you access the global talent pool, you can work with experts with unique skills and experiences, bringing new vision and talent to your project. Another benefit is reduced costs related to in-house hiring and training. Moreover, with outsourcing, you can speed up the project's timeline.

  3. What should I look for in a Salesforce outsourcing partner?

    When choosing an outsourcing partner for building custom solutions, pay attention to their skill alignment with your project, relevant experience, and expertise. Check their track record, completed cases, and client reviews. Moreover, never forget about checking their security practices and the support model they offer.

  4. How can I get started with MagicFuse for my Salesforce project?

    We’re one click away. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and expectations, and we will arrange a consultation. We will assess your needs, provide a proposal tailored to your case, and assemble a dedicated team of experts to launch your future Salesforce project efficiently.

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