Living in the Netherlands and running an online store sounds like the dream, right? You’ve got stable internet, good logistics, and a bike-friendly culture that even your postman appreciates. But when it comes to scaling your e-commerce business, one thing quickly becomes clear — you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything yourself.
That’s where outsourcing comes in.
Whether you’re a solopreneur selling handmade goods or running a fast-growing Shopify or WooCommerce store, building the right support team around you is key. And no, that doesn’t mean hiring a full-time staff in Amsterdam. Today, remote talent makes it easier than ever to grow your business smartly — and sustainably.
Why Outsourcing Makes Sense for E-commerce Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands
Let’s face it — hiring locally in the Netherlands is expensive. Between taxes, salaries, insurance, and HR obligations, you’ll burn through your budget faster than a stroopwafel on market day.
But outsourcing gives you flexibility. Instead of committing to full-time contracts, you can:
- Hire part-time or project-based professionals
- Work with specialists from around the world
- Scale your team up or down as needed
And the best part? You still get top-level skills — just without the red tape.
Many e-commerce founders in the Netherlands are already taking this route, outsourcing everything from development and SEO to customer support and product content. Services like Move Marketing make it easy to connect with pre-vetted experts in these roles.
1. Shopify or WooCommerce Developer
If your shop runs on Shopify or WooCommerce, you already know how powerful these platforms can be — but also how technical things get, fast.
Instead of spending hours trying to tweak your theme or fix bugs, outsource this role to someone who knows the platform inside out. A dedicated developer can help with:
- Custom features or app integrations
- Checkout optimization
- Mobile responsiveness
- Speed improvements
- Theme design or edits
With the right support, your shop can run smoother, convert better, and give your customers a seamless experience.
2. SEO Specialist
Launching a store is one thing — getting people to actually find it is another. That’s where a good SEO specialist comes in.
From keyword research and meta tags to product page optimization and link building, an experienced SEO can help you:
- Get higher Google rankings
- Drive free, targeted traffic
- Improve your content strategy
- Track and measure search performance
And since SEO is often ongoing, outsourcing it to someone who stays updated with algorithm changes can save you a lot of headaches long-term.
3. Product Content Writer
Want your products to actually sell? Then your descriptions can’t sound like they were written by a robot. Good product copy connects, convinces, and converts.
An outsourced e-commerce content writer can:
- Write SEO-friendly product descriptions
- Create blog content to drive organic traffic
- Craft email campaigns or newsletters
- Keep your tone and voice consistent
Many expats in the Netherlands hire freelance writers from abroad who deliver high-quality English content for a fraction of local rates.
4. Marketing Manager
If you’re serious about scaling, a remote marketing manager can help turn your store into a brand.
They can oversee:
- Ad campaigns (Google, Meta, TikTok)
- Email marketing automation
- Influencer partnerships
- Analytics and reporting
- Campaign planning and strategy
Hiring someone full-time in the Netherlands could easily cost over €4,000/month. Outsourcing this role to someone who works remotely — perhaps in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe — could save you 50–70% in monthly costs.
5. Customer Support Agent
As your store grows, customer support becomes one of the most time-consuming parts of your day. But it’s also one of the easiest to delegate.
Outsourced customer support agents can:
- Answer emails and chats
- Handle returns and shipping inquiries
- Respond to reviews or comments
- Use templates and CRM tools you already have
You can even set up shifts to cover different time zones — great for stores with global customers.
6. App or Software Developer (for Custom Solutions)
Sometimes, off-the-shelf apps just don’t cut it. If you need something built specifically for your store or workflow, you might need an app or software developer.
For example:
- A custom plugin for WooCommerce
- A private Shopify app
- A backend tool to automate tasks
- API integrations for logistics or suppliers
This is where having access to a skilled fullstack or software developer can really push your business forward — without breaking the bank.
Is It Safe to Work with Remote Freelancers?
Yes — as long as you do it right.
- Start with a test project
- Use platforms or agencies that vet their talent
- Communicate expectations clearly
- Set up weekly check-ins
Many e-commerce founders in the Netherlands work with teams based in countries like the Philippines, India, Thailand, and Ukraine. These professionals are often highly skilled, reliable, and familiar with international ecommerce standards.
How Much Does It Cost?
It depends on the role and the country, but here’s a rough idea:
- Product Writer: from €200–€600/month for part-time
- SEO Specialist: from €400–€1000/month
- Shopify Developer: from €600–€1500/month
- Full-time support agent: from €500–€900/month
Compare that with Dutch salary levels, and the value becomes obvious.
Final Thoughts
Living in the Netherlands gives you access to a great lifestyle, but it doesn’t mean you have to build your e-commerce business the traditional Dutch way.
By outsourcing smartly, you can:
- Save money
- Get expert help
- Focus on growth instead of day-to-day tasks
Whether you use a service like Move Marketing or find freelancers on your own, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and build your dream team globally — while enjoying your coffee along a canal in Utrecht or Leiden.
You don’t need a local office to succeed. Just the right people — wherever they are.