I'm finding that hiring employees outside the US is way more complicated than I expected. Dealing with customs, VAT, and different keyboard layouts makes each new hire feel like a mini project. Should I stick to one vendor or buy locally? Also, how can I keep track of everything without turning my IT department into a shipping hub? Has anyone figured out a good system for all this?
5 Answers
Managing multiple vendors can get messy! Each one has different portals and invoice formats. I’ve found solutions like Workwize or Asset Panda that consolidate everything into one dashboard for easier tracking and approvals. It saves so much time when you don’t have to log into multiple sites. Plus, considering whether to buy or lease locally can simplify the entire process, especially with tricky import taxes.
It's best to avoid shipping laptops between regions. Ideally, buy them in the country where your new hires are based—preferably from the same global supplier, like Dell. This way, you won't have to deal with keyboard, warranty, or customs issues. Once the laptops are set up, using tools like AutoPilot or Intune can help manage everything smoothly. There's no need for IT to become a shipping department!
You should also implement conditional access policies to prevent people from logging in with non-compliant devices. Trust me, you don’t want your employees using some sketchy laptops!
Having worked on international rollouts, I've seen the benefits of local purchasing. Local teams can deal with any specific requirements like keyboard layouts or local customs, which can save a lot of headaches down the line. Just make sure to prepare for any unique software needs or profile migrations beforehand!
We use a global supplier—like CDW—to handle our machines for employees outside the home office. They manage everything from customs to MDM registration, making it easier for us to integrate new devices into our network without hassle. The setup for Mac and Windows is streamlined, which saves a lot of time!
Just keep in mind that CDW's international setup can be a bit of a headache. Every region may require new accounts and setups, which can complicate things.
If your new hires won't be traveling much, consider just shipping them desktops. They're more standardized and eliminate a lot of the issues with laptops, like battery shipping concerns. You could even reimburse a bit for their home office setup—might simplify things a lot!
Exactly, that's how it should be done!