Freelancers trade flexibility for unpredictability. We trade flexibility for reliability. Here's how the two approaches actually compare.
Scoped upfront with fixed delivery windows — most projects ship in 1-3 weeks
Depends on their availability and other clients. Could be fast, could slip for weeks
Fixed price per product. You know the cost before you commit
Hourly or project-based, but scope creep often inflates the final bill
Production-grade Next.js with TypeScript, proper SEO, and performance baked in from day one
Varies wildly. Some freelancers write excellent code, others leave you with unmaintainable spaghetti
Structured async updates. No chasing, no guessing where things stand
Direct relationship which can be great — or a single point of failure if they go quiet
Come back for more products anytime. Consistent stack, consistent quality across projects
Tied to one person's capacity. If they're booked, you're stuck
Maintenance plans from €99/mo for ongoing updates, monitoring, and priority fixes
Usually ends at delivery. Post-launch support is a new negotiation
Registered business with a public portfolio and reputation to protect
Individual accountability. Great freelancers deliver, but there's no safety net if they don't
Opinionated stack (Next.js, Tailwind, TypeScript) — proven, modern, and maintainable
You can pick any stack, but you're also responsible for vetting that choice
Freelancers work when you need ongoing embedded help or want someone to slot into your existing team. Refitted works when you need a specific thing built well and shipped fast — with a clear price, a defined timeline, and code you actually own.
Get started with Refitted