Avoid Overpaying: Things You Should Know About Cost to Hire a SAP Commerce (Hybris) Developer

SAP Commerce Cloud, formerly SAP Hybris, is a leading e-commerce platform for large enterprises. It's trusted by 3,530 brands worldwide, including industry giants like Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Samsung (Source: Store Leads), helping them create smooth, user-friendly online shopping experiences.

E-commerce is changing fast, and SAP keeps updating their platform to stay ahead of the curve. This means there's a growing need for skilled SAP Commerce Cloud developers.

But here's the catch – finding these Hybris professionals isn't easy because SAP is a niche technology.

Many businesses and IT service providers face difficulty in evaluating the true cost and identifying budget-friendly options, leading to a frustrating start of the development process.

In this blog, we'll walk you through the cost of hiring SAP Commerce Cloud developers, salary baselines in different countries, and tips on choosing SAP talent pools so that you can cut down the hiring cost and increase ROI for your projects.

Before diving into the cost part, let's begin with some basics.

What is a SAP Commerce Cloud (Hybris) developer?

What SAP Hybris developers do

A SAP Hybris developer is a software engineer who specializes in working with the Hybris (SAP Commerce Cloud) platform, which is a leading enterprise-level e-commerce platform.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Implementing Hybris-specific features and functionalities, such as the product catalog, shopping cart, checkout process, customer account management,…

• Customizing e-commerce solutions using SAP Commerce Cloud, based on business unique needs.

• Developing and maintaining custom Hybris extensions, modules, and accelerators to extend the platform's capabilities.

• Integrating the platform with other business systems like payment gateways, inventory management, CRM tools, third-party systems and services.

• Ensuring the platform can handle high traffic volumes and transactions.

• Keeping the system updated with the latest SAP features and security patches.

Key skills and technologies of SAP Commerce Cloud developers

SAP Commerce Cloud developers typically have a strong background in:

• Java programming, as SAP Commerce Cloud is built on Java.
• Spring framework: Spring MVC, Spring Boot, and Spring Data.
• Web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• SQL and relational database concepts.
• RESTful APIs: knowledge of JSON, XML, and API development.

Benefits of hiring SAP Commerce Cloud developers

Bringing an SAP Commerce Cloud developer onto your team can significantly enhance your e-commerce operations. Here are some key advantages:

• Ensure you leverage the SAP Commerce Cloud platform to its full potential.

• Enhance internal UX experience, differentiate from your competitors by developing bespoke features/extensions.

• Ensure your platform scales effectively by integrating SAP Commerce Cloud with multiple systems.

• Help you stay competitive in a fast-paced e-commerce marketplace by implementing new technologies.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore the costs associated with hiring them for your team.

How much does it cost to hire a SAP Commerce Cloud developer?

When it comes to hiring SAP Commerce Cloud developers, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the cost question. Several factors influence the price, making it essential to consider various aspects before making a hiring decision.

Let's break down the main factors that affect the cost!

Developer's location

The geographical location of your developer can significantly impact the hiring cost:

• North America and Western Europe generally have higher rates due to the higher cost of living and strong tech markets.

• Eastern Europe offers a balance of skill and more competitive rates.

• Asia, particularly India and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, often provides the most cost-effective options, though time zone differences may be a consideration.

Here's an overview of average monthly salaries for SAP Commerce Cloud developers in different regions:

Source: Glassdoor, talent.com, salary.com, indeed.com

Developer's expertise level

The developer's experience and skill level play a crucial role in determining cost:

• Junior developers (1-3 years of experience) are more affordable but may require more guidance.

• Mid-level developers (3-5 years) offer a good balance of skills and cost.

• Senior developers (5+ years) command higher rates but bring extensive expertise and efficiency to projects.

The following table shows typical hourly rates based on experience:

Source: Glassdoor, talent.com, salary.com, indeed.com

Pricing model

Different pricing structures can affect the overall cost:

• Hourly rates: Flexible but can vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $200+ per hour.

• Fixed price: Offers cost certainty for specific projects but may be less flexible for changes.

• Retainer: Regular payment for ongoing work, often at a slightly discounted rate.

Here's a comparison of different pricing models:

Hiring model

The way you engage with developers can also influence costs:

Full-time employees: Higher initial investment but potentially more cost-effective for long-term projects.

Freelancers: Offer flexibility but rates can be higher for short-term engagements.

Outsourcing companies: Provide a middle ground, often with competitive rates and managed services.

These figures provide a general range, but it's important to remember that actual costs can vary based on specific project requirements, the developer's unique skill set, and current market conditions.

When considering these costs, it's crucial to evaluate the value that an experienced SAP Commerce Cloud developer brings to your project. Their expertise can lead to more efficient development, fewer errors, and a more robust e-commerce platform, potentially saving money in the long run.

In the next part, we'll explore some tips on hiring them and reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Tips on hiring SAP Commerce Cloud developers

Finding the right SAP Commerce Cloud developer for your project doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some practical tips to help you make a smart hiring decision.

Tip #1: Hire Hybris developers from Asia and Southeast Asia

One of the most effective ways to manage costs without compromising on quality is to look beyond your local market. Countries in Asia and Southeast Asia offer a large talent pool of at competitive rates:

• India: Known for its large pool of 5.8 millions IT professionals, India offers experienced SAP Commerce Cloud developers at significantly lower rates compared to Western countries.

• Vietnam: Emerging as a strong player in the outsourcing market, Vietnam provides skilled developers with a strong work ethic, low turnover rate, and the most competitive pricing in SEA region.

• Japan: While not as cost-effective as other Asian countries, Japan offers highly skilled developers with a reputation for precision and quality.

These regions not only offer cost benefits but also provide access to a diverse talent pool with unique perspectives that can add value to your project.

Tip #2: Embrace remote work arrangements

The shift towards remote work has opened up new possibilities for hiring. By considering remote SAP Commerce Cloud developers, you can:

• Access a global talent pool without geographical constraints.
• Reduce overhead costs associated with office space and equipment.
• Offer flexibility that many developers value, potentially attracting top talent.
• Leverage time zone differences for round-the-clock productivity.

However, ensure you have robust communication tools and processes in place to manage remote teams effectively.

Tip #3: Explore different hiring models

Don't limit yourself to traditional full-time hires. Consider alternative models:

• Freelancers: Ideal for short-term projects or specialized tasks. Platforms like Upwork or Toptal can help you find verified SAP Commerce Cloud talent.

• IT outsourcing companies: Offer a team of developers with diverse skills. This can be cost-effective for larger projects requiring multiple expertise.

• Staff augmentation: A middle ground where you can hire developers through an agency but manage them directly, offering flexibility and reduced administrative burden.

Each model has its pros and cons, so choose based on your project needs and management capacity.

At BiPlus, we provide skilled SAP Commerce Cloud developers at low price

Based in Vietnam, we at BiPlus leverage our country's reputation as an emerging outsourcing destination. With a median IT salary of around 1,108 USD per month, we're able to offer top-tier SAP Commerce Cloud developers at rates that can substantially reduce your project costs compared to many Western and Americas countries.

In a recent project with Samsung Korea, we helped cut Hybris development team costs by up to 50% compared to local Korean team. This significant saving didn't compromise quality - our team delivered excellent results that met Samsung's high standards.

We offer much more than just cost savings:

• Strong English skills: Our developers are proficient in English, ensuring smooth communication with your team. You won't need to worry about language barriers hampering your project.

• Scaled Agile approach: Our teams can quickly join your project teams, mitigate the risk of missed deadlines, ensure efficient collaboration regardless of distance.

• Time zone solutions: We understand the challenges of working across time zones. That's why we offer:

  • Dedicated teams willing to adapt to overlapping work hours.
  • Regular check-ins to keep projects on track.
  • A commitment to join sync-up meetings at times convenient for our clients.

We bring together the technical expertise you need, the communication skills to make collaboration smooth, and a cost structure that respects your budget.

Let's recap the key points

1. SAP Commerce Cloud developers play a vital role in creating robust, scalable e-commerce solutions.

2. The cost of hiring these specialists varies widely based on factors like location, experience, pricing model, and hiring model.

3. Looking beyond traditional markets, particularly to regions like Southeast Asia, can offer big cost savings without sacrifiying quality.

4. Factors like remote work arrangements and alternative hiring models can help optimize your hiring strategy.

At BiPlus, we offer high-quality Hybris developers at competitive prices, it’s demonstrated in our work with global giants like Samsung. We'd love to help you save that cost too.

Book a quick meeting with our SAP teams to discuss your needs.