Outsourcing eLearning content can be one of the smartest moves you make but only if you choose a partner who gets your goals, your learners, and your brand. Make sure your next vendor is a partner, not just a contractor.
Before you commit to a development quote or sign off on a storyboard, here are the key questions to ask. These will help you avoid generic solutions, protect your investment, and ensure the final course is something you’re proud to share.
Want to explore the different ways to outsource eLearning? Check out our complete guide to eLearning content development.
1. What’s included in the scope and what’s not?
Every vendor has a slightly different approach. Some may only build what you provide. Others offer full instructional design, scripting, voiceover, animation, accessibility tagging, LMS upload support, and more.
Ask upfront:
- Do you include instructional design and graphic design?
- Can you storyboard the content or provide a live design concept?
- Does the scope include feedback rounds?
- What format will the final files be delivered in – SCORM, source files, or both?
- What if I take a long time to get feedback to you?
2. What’s your development process like?
A transparent, collaborative process is a good sign of a strong working relationship. You want to know what’s coming, when, and how feedback will be handled.
Look for:
- Clear timelines and stages: scripting, design concept, development, review, delivery
- Tools used for reviews (e.g. Review 360) and file delivery
- Flexibility for changes and input from your subject matter experts
3. Can I get a fixed quote?
Fixed-scope quoting ensures everyone is on the same page and helps you stay within budget. Avoid open-ended hourly quotes unless the scope is truly unpredictable.
Ask:
- Is this a fixed quote for the agreed scope?
- What are all the inclusions?
- What happens if we need to change or add something mid-project?
- How many reviews are there in scope?
- What are your terms and conditions?
4. Can I see examples of your work?
Seeing recent, real-world examples (especially ones aligned with your industry or content type) gives you a good sense of the vendor’s style and capability.
Ask to see:
- Samples in both Articulate Rise and Storyline
- Similar topics to what you require
- Animation if that’s part of your scope
5. Who owns the final content?
This is a big one. You should always retain full ownership of your eLearning content and the editable source files. That includes:
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Articulate Storyline (.story) files – the Storyline project file can now be uploaded directly to Articulate Review.
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Articulate Rise modules shared to your team’s Articulate Rise 360 account
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Any custom graphics, animations, voiceover, or video files created for your course
Be aware: a SCORM zip file is not the same as a source file. SCORM is the final published output for upload to your LMS and it’s not editable. If a vendor only provides the SCORM file, you won’t be able to make future changes without going back to them (and paying for updates).
At B Online Learning, we pioneered providing both the SCORM package and the full source files because it’s your content, and you should control how it’s used and updated.
6. How do you ensure collaboration and creative input?
The best results come from a partnership — not just a transaction. Look for a team that wants to enhance your content, not just rebuild it slide-for-slide.
Ask:
- Will you provide design or learning recommendations?
- Do you take the lead in shaping the learning experience or simply execute?
- How do you incorporate our feedback into the design?
7. What experience does your team bring?
Experience matters – not just in building courses, but in working across industries, deadlines, and stakeholder dynamics.
Ask:
- How many years have you been developing eLearning?
- What industries or content types have you worked with most?
- Can you handle complex compliance, blended learning, or large-scale rollouts?
8. How well do you know the tools?
A vendor might deliver a flashy result but if it’s overbuilt or clunky, your team could struggle to maintain it later.
Look for:
- Deep experience in Articulate Storyline and Rise 360
- Efficient use of triggers, variables, and interactivity
- Clean builds that are easy to update and accessible
- Training or handover support if you want to replicate content in-house.
9. Do you offer flexibility for future projects?
Maybe you need one module now, but plan to build a full library. Or maybe you want help now and maintain things later. A great vendor will offer flexible models to match your roadmap.
Ask:
- Can we start small, then scale?
- Do you support hybrid models where we do some of the work in-house?
- Are you open to a long-term partnership or preferred supplier model?
10. What services do you actually provide?
Not every eLearning provider offers a complete end-to-end service. Some just build in an authoring tool and leave you to figure out the rest. Others can support you with everything from concept to delivery with:
- Scriptwriting, instructional design, and storyboarding
- Professional voiceover, audio editing, and translation
- Animated explainer videos and custom graphics
- Accessibility compliance
- LMS integration and platform support
- Training for your team to maintain or update content
Final Tip: Look for a team that feels like a natural extension of yours.
That means clear communication, shared values, and mutual respect for the outcome.
If you’re unsure, start with a smaller project. A good vendor will be confident in letting their work speak for itself.
Want to outsource smarter?
At B Online Learning, we bring 20+ years of experience, a talented in-house team, and the kind of collaboration that makes your content feel like your own. Let’s chat about how our team can support yours and whether you need full design and development or just expert help bringing your content to life. Get in touch today.
Still weighing up whether to outsource or keep development in-house? This comparison post breaks it down.
