Ask HN: What are some challenges when you try to hire a dev freelancer?

Make sure you own (and have a copy) of all code and assets created. A link into their github (or similar) code repository or a login into their servers is not enough. I had a client who's previous agency flat out refused to hand over anything. All invoices were paid and the website was running launched and running since months. All functionality had to be recreated from (almost) scratch.

I'd be curious to the best practices for hiring a freelancer. For example, what you should bring to the table to make the engagement easier for both parties. I would think a wire frame, but not sure what else to give the freelancer the ability to start coding from the get go.

As a freelancer, a problem for me is that some of my colleagues give all freelancers a bad reputation. I take pride in my work but not everyone does.

The best method is to secretly hire multiple freelancers for the same task until it becomes clear which one(s) are better than the others.

This can also be done with agencies and even business units in an existing company. Many successful companies do this.

However, most companies hiring an unproven freelancer are looking to save money and time, so they are unwilling to expend effort to effectively mitigate risk.