Remote Reviews – Pricing, Pros/Cons, and User Feedback

Remote is a leading EOR provider offering competitive pricing, global payroll, and compliance through its self-service platform. Known for strong IP protections and owning entities in 70 countries, Remote is ideal for companies expanding globally. Discover its strengths, challenges, and suitability here.

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
September 30, 2024
user looking at computer with Remote logo

Remote is a rising player in the EOR market, offering businesses the ability to manage global payroll, compliance, and benefits through a fully self-service platform. Remote differentiates itself from competitors by operating solely in countries where it fully owns its entities, providing competitive pricing and robust intellectual property (IP) protections. In this review, we’ll explore Remote’s key strengths, challenges, and suitability for businesses expanding their global workforce.

Overview of Remote

Founded by GitLab leaders, Remote has quickly established itself as a leader in the EOR space. It is known for its low-pricing model and quick implementation process. The platform is designed for companies looking to scale globally, providing services like payroll, onboarding, expenses, benefits, and time-off management through a self-service tech platform.

Remote also strongly emphasizes IP and invention rights protections, making it a compelling option for businesses concerned about safeguarding their intellectual property while expanding internationally. With a vertically integrated network of CPAs, payroll experts, and lawyers in each country where it operates, Remote offers comprehensive compliance solutions, though it only operates in 70 countries.

The Strengths of Remote

1. Most Competitive Pricing Model in the EOR Market

Remote offers some of the most competitive pricing in the employer-of-record market, charging a flat rate of $300 per employee. For contractor management, the price is approximately $30 per worker, making Remote an attractive option for businesses looking to manage both employees and contractors at scale.

2. Quick Implementation and Self-Service Platform

One of Remote’s standout features is its quick implementation process, designed to be fully self-service. This allows businesses to get up and running quickly without needing lengthy onboarding processes or external support, making it ideal for companies looking to expand their global workforce rapidly.

3. Fully-Owned Entities in All Operating Countries

Unlike many EOR providers, Remote operates solely in countries where they fully own their entities. This means they do not rely on partner entities, giving businesses more assurance about the integrity of their operations. This is particularly important for companies concerned about compliance and control in foreign markets.

4. Vertically Integrated Network of Experts

Remote has built a vertically integrated network of CPAs, payroll experts, and lawyers in each country they operate in, ensuring that businesses receive comprehensive support. This structure allows for seamless compliance management, tax handling, and legal advice in each jurisdiction.

5. Focus on IP and Invention Rights Protections

A key differentiator for Remote is its focus on IP protection. Businesses using Remote’s platform can have peace of mind knowing that their intellectual property and invention rights are safeguarded, which is particularly critical for tech companies and other IP-driven industries looking to expand globally.

6. Global Benefits and Equity Management Services

Remote has recently added global benefits and equity management services to its platform. This allows businesses to offer comprehensive benefits packages and equity options to employees across multiple countries, further solidifying Remote’s position as a full-service EOR provider.

Learn More: Compare Remote and other leading HRIS platforms on OutSail's marketplace

Points to Consider with Remote

1. Limited Country Coverage

Remote only operates in countries where they can establish an entity, which may be limiting for businesses with more extensive global ambitions. While Remote’s fully-owned entity approach is a strength, it restricts the number of countries they can currently serve.

2. Profitability Concerns

Despite raising $300M in funding, Remote faced layoffs in 2022, which has raised concerns about their long-term profitability given their low price point. Businesses considering Remote should evaluate whether the company’s pricing structure is sustainable in the long run.

3. 10% Deposit Requirement

Despite their flat-rate pricing, Remote requires businesses to pay a 10% deposit, which may affect cash flow, particularly for smaller businesses. This is something to keep in mind when planning your budget for using Remote’s services.

4. Outsourced In-Country Advisory Services

While Remote owns its entities in the countries it operates in, its in-country advisory services (like legal and compliance advice) are provided by partner networks rather than Remote’s own employees. This reliance on external partners may result in delays in answering time-sensitive compliance questions.

Pricing Structure

Remote’s pricing is highly competitive in the EOR market. They charge a flat rate of $300 per employee and approximately $30 per contractor. While these rates are attractive, businesses should also consider the 10% deposit requirement and potential additional fees for specific services.

Deciding if Remote is Right for Your Business

When evaluating Remote, it’s important to balance its strengths in pricing, quick implementation, and IP protections against its limitations in global reach and reliance on external partners for in-country advisory services.

Leveraging Strengths:

  • Competitive Pricing: Remote’s flat-rate pricing model makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to manage employees and contractors across multiple countries at a low cost.
  • Quick and Self-Service Implementation: The platform’s self-service model allows businesses to get started quickly without lengthy onboarding, which is ideal for fast-growing companies.
  • Full Ownership of Entities: Remote’s commitment to operating only in countries where it owns its entities provides added assurance over compliance and control.
  • Strong IP Protections: Remote offers comprehensive IP and invention rights protections for businesses that focus on protecting intellectual property.

Addressing Challenges:

  • Limited Global Coverage: Remote’s service is currently limited to 70 countries, which may not be sufficient for businesses with larger global expansion goals.
  • Reliance on External Partners: Although Remote owns its entities, its in-country advisory services are provided by external partners, which could lead to delays in receiving timely legal or compliance advice.
  • Profitability Concerns: Given Remote’s pricing model and recent layoffs, businesses should consider whether the company’s long-term financial sustainability aligns with their needs.

Conclusion

Remote is an attractive choice for businesses looking for cost-effective EOR services with a focus on self-service, IP protections, and competitive pricing. With a quick implementation process and ownership of entities in the countries they operate in, Remote provides a strong sense of control and compliance for businesses expanding globally.

However, Remote’s limited geographic reach and reliance on external partners for advisory services may be a concern for businesses seeking broader global coverage and in-house expertise. Additionally, Remote’s profitability and sustainability should be evaluated by businesses considering long-term partnerships.

For companies focused on scalability and IP protections with a manageable global footprint, Remote offers a compelling EOR solution. However, for businesses with larger global ambitions or those seeking more in-house expertise for compliance, other providers may offer more extensive services.

FAQs

  1. What are the core strengths of Remote?
    Remote excels in providing cost-effective, self-service EOR services, offering competitive pricing, strong IP protections, and quick implementation in 70 countries.
  2. What are the challenges of Remote?
    Remote’s limited global reach, reliance on external partners for advisory services, and recent layoffs may raise concerns about profitability and coverage for larger global operations.
  3. What is the pricing structure for Remote?
    Remote charges a flat rate of $300 per employee and around $30 per contractor, with an additional 10% deposit requirement. This makes it one of the most competitively priced EOR providers in the market.
  4. Who is Remote best suited for?
    Remote is best suited for businesses with small to medium-sized global operations that prioritize cost-efficiency and IP protections. It may not be the best fit for businesses needing extensive global coverage or in-country advisory services.
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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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