Hiring a web designer should be simple. You hire a professional, they design your site, and you get a finished product that works for your business. But these days, it’s not uncommon to run into so-called “web designers” who outsource all the work. Worse, some of them never even touch your project themselves.
So how can you protect your business? In this post, we’ll show you how to spot web designers who outsource their work, why it matters, and what you can do to make sure you hire a professional who actually does the job.

What’s the Problem with Outsourcing?

To be clear, outsourcing can be fine when handled transparently and professionally. Agencies sometimes work with contractors, and that’s normal. But when a web designer claims they’ll build your site personally—then secretly outsources it to someone else without your knowledge—that’s a problem.
Here’s why:

• You don’t know who’s working on your project
• Quality becomes inconsistent
• Communication gets delayed or lost
• There’s often no accountability when things go wrong
• You end up paying premium prices for someone who’s not doing the work
  At Chandler Web Design, we believe in transparency. Our team does the work, and you’ll always know who you’re working with.

How to Spot a Web Designer Who Outsources Everything

If you’re shopping for a web designer, watch for these warning signs. They can help you avoid hiring someone who’s just a middleman, not a real designer.

1. They’re Vague About Their Process

If a web designer can’t clearly explain how they work or who is doing the work, that’s a red flag. A professional will walk you through the process step-by-step, from design to development to launch.
Ask questions like:

• Who builds the site?
• Who handles revisions and changes?
• How often will I hear from you?
  If the answers are unclear, chances are they’re outsourcing.

2. They Have No Real Portfolio

A legit web designer should be able to show you examples of websites they’ve built. If they only have mockups, screenshots, or vague descriptions of their work, be careful.
Even worse, if they show you sites they didn’t actually work on—that’s a huge warning sign.

3. Communication Is Slow or Inconsistent

If your designer often says things like “I’ll have to check with my team” or takes a long time to answer simple questions, they may be outsourcing. When someone else is doing the work, there’s often a delay in getting clear answers.
At Chandler Web Design, you work directly with our team. No delays. No middlemen.

4. They Won’t Give You Direct Access

If your designer refuses to give you access to your website dashboard, hosting, or files, it could be because they’re hiding something. You should always have ownership and access to your own website.
A professional designer will set everything up in your name and give you full control.

5. They Charge Too Little (or Way Too Much)

Outsourcers often lure clients in with dirt-cheap prices. On the flip side, some charge top-dollar rates while paying freelancers a fraction of the cost—keeping the difference.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’re paying premium rates, make sure you’re getting direct service, not someone who farms out your work and keeps the markup.

Why You Should Care About Who Does the Work

When you hire someone to build your website, you’re trusting them with your business’s online presence.
If they’re not actually doing the work:

• You don’t know if they’ll deliver on time
• You don’t know if your site is secure
• You don’t know who has access to your site’s files and data
  And if something goes wrong? Good luck getting support.

At Chandler Web Design, we build every site ourselves. We’re local, reliable, and hands-on from start to finish.

How Chandler Web Design Works (Full Transparency)

When you hire us, you’re hiring a small, professional team that does the work directly.
Here’s what you get:

• Clear Communication – You’ll speak directly with the person designing your site.
• No Outsourcing – Our work is done in-house, and you’ll always know who’s handling your project.
• Ownership and Access – We give you full control of your website files, hosting, and domain.
• Affordable Pricing – Websites starting under $1,000 without cutting corners or handing your project to strangers.

Ready to Work with a Designer You Can Trust?

If you’re tired of wondering who’s really working on your website, Chandler Web Design makes it simple. We do the work. We answer your calls. We deliver results.
No outsourcing. No runaround. Just affordable, professional web design that works for your business.

👉 Contact Chandler Web Design today for a free consultation!