All about
Outsourced
Call Centers
What is an
Outsourced
Call Center
An outsourced call center is a third-party service provider that handles incoming and outgoing calls for other companies, offering a range of services, including customer service, technical support, sales, telemarketing, lead generation, and more. It allows businesses to access experienced staff, advanced technology, and other resources, without investing in their own infrastructure or staff training, providing cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. Outsourcing call center services improves overall operations, access to advanced tech and skilled staff, while also allowing companies to focus on their core competencies.
History of Outsourced Call Centers
The history of outsourced call centers dates to the 1960s when automated call routing technology was first introduced. This technology allowed businesses to handle calls more efficiently and quickly, but it also required significant investments in infrastructure and staff training.
In the 1980s, because of these high costs, companies began outsourcing their call center functions to specialized providers. The first outsourced call centers were primarily located in India and the Philippines, where labor costs were significantly lower than in Western countries.
Over time, outsourced call centers became more sophisticated, offering a range of services beyond just call handling. These services include customer service, technical support, sales, telemarketing, lead generation, and more, with an increasing focus on providing high-quality service and support.
Throughout the years, call centers have faced significant changes due to consumer complaints and government regulations. In 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) set limits on call center activity, including when calls could be made and requirements to honor the National Do Not Call Registry. The law also prohibited the use of pre-recorded messages for sales calls, shifting pressure onto agents to connect with customers personally.
As technology advanced, predictive dialers became the norm in call center operations. However, in 2013, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) updated the law to require written consent before a pre-recorded call, including those made with predictive dialers.
The call center industry now faces strict consequences for violating these laws, leading to a focus on quality management and compliance. Consumers also continue to struggle with spam calls, leading to the adoption of STIR/SHAKEN guidelines to prevent fraudulent and unwanted calls.
Specific regulations have been created to ensure fair treatment of consumers in the debt collection industry. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced final rules interpreting the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) in 2020, requiring agencies to adjust communication practices to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.
The rise of the internet and new technologies have also had a significant impact on outsourced call centers. Today, call centers can use advanced software and tools to manage inbound and outbound calls, track metrics, and analyze data to provide insights into performance. They can also leverage other channels, such as email and social media, to interact with customers.
The global outsourcing industry has become a significant driver of economic growth in many countries, especially those with a highly educated workforce and a low cost of living. India, the Philippines, and other developing countries have seen a significant rise in outsourced call centers, with many large multinational corporations setting up operations there.
Inbound Vs Outbound
An inbound call center is a customer service organization that provides support to customers via telephone, email, and other digital channels. It is often outsourced to an external company (outsourced call center) that specializes in providing such services. The primary goal of an inbound call center is to handle customer inquiries quickly and efficiently while ensuring customer satisfaction. To accomplish this, the call centers utilize various technologies such as automated voice recognition systems, interactive voice response systems, computer-telephony integration and customer relationship management tools.
Additionally, they employ customer service professionals who are trained to provide solutions to customer queries. An inbound call center is a valuable component of any organization’s overall customer service strategy as it enables businesses to effectively manage their customers’ inquiries and improve their overall satisfaction levels. By outsourcing their inbound customer service functions, businesses can reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their customer experience. In this way, an inbound call center serves as a critical link between businesses and their customers. It provides the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with customers while helping to ensure long-term success for any organization.
Outbound call centers differ from inbound call centers in that they prioritize making calls rather than receiving them. Their primary objective is to contact customers and prospects, promote business, and increase sales. Agents in these centers utilize customer lists to facilitate sales, initiate cold calls, and aid customers in taking advantage of upgraded services.
Outbound call centers typically prioritize efficiency and productivity, utilizing metrics to measure success. In addition, agents in these centers may be required to use software and tracking tools to stay organized, making sure that all calls are recorded, and follow-up tasks completed. Although agents in outbound call centers typically have sales-driven goals, they must also be knowledgeable about the company’s products and services to adequately answer customer questions.
Difference Between Inbound and Outbound Call Centers
Inbound and outbound call centers represent two opposite approaches to customer interactions. The former receives calls from existing or prospective customers, with a strong emphasis on fostering loyalty, enhancing retention, and providing prompt solutions to customer inquiries or issues. The latter outbound call centers, in contrast, actively reach out to potential leads or prospects, striving to raise interest and move them closer toward a purchasing decision. Both approaches have their unique advantages and challenges, but understanding their distinctive features can help companies design more effective customer engagement strategies.
Types of Inbound Calls
Despite their variety, inbound calls tend to fall into four categories.
Customer Service
Customer Service
Client inquiries and account issues typically fall under inbound calls. These calls involve customer feedback, returns, payments, and updating mailing addresses. Inbound call centers utilize pre-recorded messages while on hold to guide clients to the relevant online resources in most cases.
Technical Support
Technical Support
Customers often call in when faced with technical issues. Technical support inbound centers require staff with calmness, patience, and the ability to deal with negative feedback and customer demands. The right team can mitigate concerns, alleviate customer frustrations, and ultimately restore brand confidence, leading to customer loyalty.
Inbound Sales
Inbound Sales
Some call centers receive inbound calls from prospective buyers instead of existing clients. Inbound sales calls are a great opportunity for skilled staff to impress the caller and potentially convert them. Being polite and welcoming while exhibiting tact and salesmanship can be critical to success.
Upgrade & Renewal Inquiry Calls
Upgrade & Renewal Inquiry Calls
This type of inbound call is aimed at established clients who are interested in renewing, upgrading, or consolidating their subscription packages. These customers tend to be content with the level of service they receive from the enterprise and thus choose to maintain the relationship.
Two Categories of Outbound Calls
Outbound call centers typically prioritize sales, with exceptions being political organizations conducting polls, companies gathering service and product quality feedback, or market research initiatives. In general, the calls can be separated into two distinct categories.
A cold call in contrast is typically made to a customer who submitted an online request several weeks or even a month earlier. Some customers may not have been ready to move forward at the time of their initial request, but are ready when the follow up call arrives. Additionally, a cold call may be a call to a customer who submitted a request for a related service to the one the call is regarding, but provided their permission to be called by additional companies. For these types of calls, it is especially important to follow all federal and state guidelines related to calling as there are additional restrictions. Cold Calls have strict regulatory compliance requirements for DNC, disclosures when calling, and further requirements if automated dialing technologies are used. Additionally it is helpful to reference the customers initial request in the opening part of the call, so they understand how their information was obtained.
Most outbound calls involve calling a customer who has expressed an interest in a service by completing an online form, requesting contact. Warm calls are calls to customers who have recently completed this type of request, with the first call typically happening within seconds of the request being completed. If the first attempt to reach the customer is unsuccessful, a cadence of subsequent calls will be made over a few days or even weeks to reach the prospect.
Questions to Ask Outsourced Call Center
The capacity of an outsourced call center to handle day-to-day calls depends on the size of the company. For smaller businesses that are still growing, it is not necessary to opt for a facility that is equipped to manage large call volumes. Doing so may lead to increased costs and inefficiencies. On the other hand, if a business has many customers and requires higher daily call volume, then it becomes essential to outsource the operations to a larger call center that can provide this level of service. In any case, it is important to ensure that the outsourced call center meets all your customer service requirements while keeping costs under control.
Each business has unique requirements when it comes to call center services, based on the nature of its operations. While some may need basic telephonic communication with customers, others might require additional services beyond standard calls. To ensure that your business needs are fully met, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of customized services from the call center provider, should they be necessary in the future.
For businesses requiring more specialized services than what is already available on the market, custom call center solutions can be developed by providers who have the right expertise for it. By harnessing the latest technologies available, these custom solutions can be tailored to fit the exact needs of the business. This would enable call centers to provide exceptional customer service that meets the highest standards of quality.
Certain call centers function around the clock for added convenience to businesses with constant service needs. Alternatively, some centers may operate on a fixed hourly schedule and close on holidays and weekends. The selection of a call center largely depends on the nature of a company’s business operations. If a business necessitates consistent offerings year-round, it is pivotal to opt for a 24/7 call center to ensure seamless, hassle-free assistance.
When working with an outsourced call center, it is critical to prioritize your company’s security. All shared customer information must be kept secure and must not be disclosed to any third party. It is essential to verify that the call center company has protective measures in place to safeguard clients’ data. Furthermore, it is prudent to inquire about the hiring process and the criteria used to select staff members to ensure services of quality and dependability. It is advisable to partner with a transparent and trustworthy company.
A reputable call center will have various protocols in place to protect your data. These include 128-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, strict access control policies, and regular security audits. The call center should also provide you with a comprehensive data protection policy detailing how it ensures the safety of your company’s information. Additionally, the company should be transparent about its hiring process and be able to provide proof that all staff members go through rigorous background checks before being hired.
When considering outsourcing, it’s crucial to address the intricate issues of privacy and data security. This includes both physical and data security. As sharing confidential information, inquire about the following measures:
- Facility intrusion protection
- Data protection
- Customer data protection
It is also essential to ask about their data encryption strategies and safeguards. Inquire into the types of authentication methods they use for both their personnel and customers, such as two-factor authentication or biometrics. Ask them to outline the access control measures that are in place both at their office and remotely. It’s important to be aware of any vendors or third parties they work with and ensure those entities adhere to strict security standards as well. Be sure that all the necessary governing regulations are met, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Finally, make sure to understand the company’s policy on liability if a breach were to occur.
Outsourcing a call center can be an effective way to provide customers with high-quality, cost-efficient services. Depending on the needs of your organization, there are various prices and models available. Dedicated Representatives can be assigned exclusively to service your program; however, this option is often more expensive due to the need for coverage during low volume periods. Pooled or shared Representatives offer an alternative as you may be able to optimize your spending through cost per minute or cost per call models. There is also the option of a hybrid model that allows dedicated team members to roll off during extended busy periods while still maintaining quality customer service levels. Ultimately, when considering outsourcing a call center it’s important to consider budget constraints and business objectives before deciding. By assessing your needs and researching the various options, you can ensure that you select the right model to meet both budget and customer expectations.
If you are looking for advice on selecting the best option for your organization, an expert in outsourced call centers can provide guidance. They can help assess the needs of your business and recommend the most cost-effective model to suit both budget and customer requirements. In addition, they can help identify potential opportunities for further savings or efficiency improvements that would result in improved outcomes. Ultimately, outsourcing a call center is a great way to achieve high-quality service at a reasonable cost while helping to meet organizational objectives. With careful consideration of all available options, you can ensure that you select the right solution for successful operations in the future.
To get the best value for your company, it is important to compare different call center services on their pricing, service packages, and customer feedback. Researching reviews from past customers can give you an idea of how well the service has performed in the past. Checking with the Better Business Bureau or other industry associations may also help you identify any potential issues and ensure the reliability of your chosen call center provider. Finally, it is essential to understand all terms of service before signing any contracts so that you are aware of all fees associated with using the service.
Call center compliance should refer to the standards that a call center must follow to protect its customers and the sensitive data shared during their interactions with call center agents. These standards are defined by specific laws and regulatory agencies such as the following: PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, DNC, TCPA, etc. These contain just some of the many rules call centers must comply with. They can be hard to keep track of, especially if they also have to comply with the standards set by other countries.
What is the Onboarding Process?
The onboarding process reveals your partnership’s blueprint when outsourcing call center services. Each center may have its own approach, but make sure to understand the fundamental steps.
Contract & Timelines
Get a draft of the contract as soon as possible so you can identify any potential issues. Before deciding on a service, ask about the estimated timeline, which includes the start date, reporting timeline, and service completion.
Training
How will your provider’s agents learn about your company’s specific needs, and what do you need to prepare?
Security
An outsourcing partnership entails shared risks, as agents will have access to key customer data and other sensitive information. Ensure you understand the potential security challenges and inquire about how your provider plans to address them.
Targets
Learn how your provider will help you achieve your unique business goals, objectives, and targets. Likewise, inquire about how results will be assessed and presented to your organization.
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
Provided to Track Success
Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to stay on top of your agents and the overall performance of your call center such as speed to call, time to connect, abandon rates, contact rates, etc. Identification of appropriate KPIs varies based on your specific objectives. Your outsourcer can keep track of metrics such as resolution time, customer satisfaction, and average wait times to measure their productivity.
Furthermore, ensure the level of reporting you receive from your provider. Some offer only basic metrics like total call volume for a certain time frame. Dependable outsourcing partners offer detailed reporting, data analytics, and complete transparency regarding your account.
Customer Service With Outsourcing
Your chosen outsourcing provider serves as the representative of your esteemed business entity. It is therefore critical to ensure that your call center solutions remain seamlessly integrated with your brand image, and undetectable to your clients. This crucial aspect hinges on cultivating trust through an unwavering demonstration of value for your customers and their feedback. Dissatisfaction or disregard is the leading factor prompting customers to defect from a brand. To guarantee that your clients receive an exceptional, bespoke experience, providers must offer tailored scripting, comprehensive agent training, and rigorous quality assurance protocols.
Call Center Availability
When considering outsourcing a call center, it is essential to inquire about your service provider’s availability. If your business operations demand 24/7 services, it is vital to partner with a provider that offers such solutions. It would be best if you also considered holidays and weekends, depending on your business’s nature. Most call center workers expect to work holidays. Another crucial factor to consider is your business’s call volume. Some providers require a specific minimum volume before committing to a partnership; therefore, it is fundamental to find a provider that caters to your company’s call volume requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best countries to outsource functions involving customer or prospect interactions?
Several countries are known for being popular destinations to outsource functions that involve customer or prospect interactions. Here are the top countries that are commonly considered:
Philippines
The Philippines is one of the top destinations for customer interaction outsourcing. The country has a large English-speaking population with a neutral accent and a high level of cultural compatibility with Western countries, particularly the United States. The Philippines has established itself as a leader in customer service outsourcing, offering a skilled workforce, strong English language proficiency, and a customer-centric culture. With up to 20% global call center market share, the Philippines has overtaken India to emerge as the world’s largest BPO destination and industry leader in contact center outsourcing. 60% of all US companies that use BPO services do so with Philippine-based offshore contact centers. (Entrepreneur, 2019)
India
India is another prominent destination for customer interaction outsourcing. It has a vast pool of English-speaking talent and a well-developed outsourcing industry. Indian outsourcing providers are known for their technical expertise and ability to handle complex customer interactions. India offers a cost-effective solution, particularly for voice-based customer support, and has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality customer service.
Malaysia
Malaysia has emerged as a competitive destination for customer interaction outsourcing. It offers a diverse workforce proficient in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and various Indian languages. Malaysia has a strategic location and a favorable business environment. The country provides a blend of cost-effectiveness, cultural compatibility, and language proficiency, making it an attractive option for customer interaction outsourcing.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has gained popularity as a destination for customer interaction outsourcing, particularly for companies targeting the North American market. The country offers a bilingual workforce proficient in English and Spanish, cultural affinity with the Western hemisphere, and a stable political environment. Costa Rica is known for its high-quality customer service and has a growing outsourcing industry.
Mexico
Mexico has become an attractive option for customer interaction outsourcing, especially for companies serving the North American market. It offers proximity to the United States, cultural affinity, and a large bilingual workforce proficient in English and Spanish. Mexico provides cost advantages, reduced language barriers, and similar time zones, making it an appealing choice for companies seeking nearshore outsourcing solutions.
Poland
Poland is gaining recognition as a destination for customer interaction outsourcing, particularly for European companies. The country offers a highly educated workforce, excellent language skills in multiple European languages, and cultural affinity with many European countries. Poland provides competitive pricing, strong customer service capabilities, and a favorable business environment.
South Africa
South Africa has emerged as a destination for customer interaction outsourcing, primarily for English-speaking markets. The country offers a skilled workforce with a neutral accent, strong English language proficiency, and cultural compatibility with Western countries. South Africa provides cost advantages, time zone alignment with European markets, and a growing outsourcing industry.
It’s important to note that the choice of outsourcing destination should consider factors such as language proficiency, cultural compatibility, cost-effectiveness, talent availability, infrastructure, data security, and the specific requirements of the company and its target market. Each country has its strengths and considerations, so companies should conduct a thorough assessment based on their unique needs before making a decision.
What are the hiring benefits of outsourcing?
Outsourcing, the practice of delegating specific tasks or functions to external third-party providers, can offer several hiring benefits for organizations. Here are some of the advantages:
Cost Savings
Outsourcing allows companies to reduce their operational costs significantly. By hiring external vendors or contractors, businesses can avoid expenses associated with recruitment, training, employee benefits, office space, equipment, and other overhead costs. Outsourcing also provides access to skilled professionals at a lower cost, particularly in countries with lower labor costs.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Outsourcing enables organizations to tap into specialized knowledge and expertise that may not be available internally. By partnering with external service providers who specialize in a particular field or industry, companies can benefit from their experience, best practices, and cutting-edge technology. This expertise can enhance the quality of work and bring innovation to the organization.
Focus on Core Competencies
Outsourcing non-core functions allows businesses to concentrate their internal resources, time, and energy on core activities that directly contribute to their competitive advantage. By offloading tasks like payroll, IT support, customer service, or HR administration, organizations can prioritize strategic initiatives and core business activities that align with their goals.
Flexibility and Scalability
Outsourcing offers flexibility and scalability in workforce management. Companies can adjust the level of outsourcing based on their changing needs and demands. During peak periods or project-based work, organizations can quickly scale up their workforce by leveraging external resources. Conversely, they can scale down during slower periods without the need for layoffs or long-term commitments.
Faster Recruitment and Onboarding
Hiring new employees internally can be a time-consuming process, involving advertising, screening, interviewing, and onboarding. Outsourcing allows businesses to bypass these steps and quickly engage experienced professionals who are already trained and ready to perform the required tasks. This can result in faster project implementation and reduced time-to-market.
Risk Mitigation
Outsourcing can help mitigate certain risks associated with specific functions or projects. External service providers often have established processes, quality controls, and compliance measures in place. They may also have experience dealing with regulatory requirements or industry-specific challenges, reducing the risk of errors, non-compliance, or operational disruptions.
Global Talent Pool
Outsourcing enables access to a global talent pool. With advancements in communication technology, organizations can work with skilled professionals or teams from different parts of the world. This opens up opportunities to leverage diverse perspectives, cultural insights, and 24/7 support for businesses operating across multiple time zones.
It’s important to note that while outsourcing offers these benefits, it also requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure successful implementation. Organizations need to assess the specific needs, risks, and compatibility with their business model before deciding to outsource any functions or processes.
Which US industries are outsourcing to other countries?
Various types of companies in the United States are utilizing outsourcing functions to other countries. While the specific industries and functions outsourced can vary, here are some common examples:
Information Technology (IT) Companies
Many IT companies outsource software development, maintenance, technical support, and other IT-related functions to countries like India, the Philippines, and Eastern European countries. Outsourcing IT tasks allows companies to access a global talent pool of skilled programmers, engineers, and IT professionals while reducing costs.
Customer Service and Call Centers
Companies across industries, such as telecommunications, e-commerce, banking, and healthcare, often outsource customer service and call center operations to countries like the Philippines, India, and Costa Rica. Outsourcing customer support functions can provide cost savings and access to multilingual agents who can handle customer inquiries and support services.
Manufacturing and Production
Many manufacturing companies outsource production activities to countries with lower labor costs, such as China, Mexico, and Vietnam. This allows companies to take advantage of cost savings, specialized manufacturing expertise, and economies of scale.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
BPO companies handle various non-core business functions on behalf of other companies. These functions can include finance and accounting, human resources, payroll processing, data entry, and back-office operations. BPO services are commonly outsourced to countries like India, the Philippines, and Eastern European countries.
Healthcare Services
Healthcare organizations, including hospitals, medical billing companies, and pharmaceutical companies, may outsource tasks like medical transcription, medical coding, medical billing, and radiology services to countries like India and the Philippines. Outsourcing these functions allows companies to streamline processes, reduce costs, and leverage specialized medical expertise.
Content Development and Digital Marketing
Companies in sectors such as media, publishing, advertising, and digital marketing often outsource content creation, content moderation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, and other digital marketing services. Outsourcing to countries like India, the Philippines, and Eastern European countries can provide access to skilled writers, editors, SEO specialists, and digital marketers.
Financial Services
Financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, may outsource certain financial services functions like data analysis, risk assessment, compliance, and back-office operations. Outsourcing these functions can offer cost savings, specialized expertise, and scalability to handle fluctuating workloads.
It’s important to note that the decision to outsource varies based on each company’s specific needs, industry, and strategic goals. Not all companies choose to outsource, and the extent and nature of outsourcing can differ significantly among organizations within the same industry.
What factors should a company consider when outsourcing a function?
When considering outsourcing a function, companies should take several factors into account to ensure a successful outsourcing arrangement. Here are key factors to consider:
Cost and Financial Impact
Assess the cost implications of outsourcing compared to keeping the function in-house. Consider factors such as labor costs, infrastructure, equipment, training, and potential savings or additional expenses associated with outsourcing. A comprehensive cost analysis should include short-term and long-term financial considerations.
Vendor Selection
Choose a reputable and reliable outsourcing vendor. Evaluate their expertise, track record, experience, and the quality of their services. Conduct due diligence by reviewing client testimonials, case studies, and references. Consider factors such as the vendor’s location, cultural compatibility, language proficiency, and understanding of your industry or specific function.
Quality and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Clearly define the expected quality standards and service level agreements with the outsourcing vendor. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure and monitor the vendor’s performance. Ensure that the vendor has robust quality control processes, certifications, and a commitment to meeting agreed-upon service levels.
Data Security and Intellectual Property Protection
Assess the vendor’s data security measures, confidentiality protocols, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Understand how they handle sensitive information, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure data privacy. Implement appropriate contractual safeguards and non-disclosure agreements to protect your company’s data and intellectual property.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is crucial for successful outsourcing. Consider the vendor’s communication channels, availability, and responsiveness. Evaluate their ability to understand your business requirements, provide regular progress updates, and collaborate seamlessly. Establish clear lines of communication, project management processes, and reporting mechanisms to facilitate effective collaboration.
Cultural and Time Zone Considerations
Evaluate the cultural compatibility and time zone differences between your company and the outsourcing vendor. Cultural alignment can impact communication, work practices, and understanding of business objectives. Consider whether the vendor’s working hours overlap with your business hours, ensuring real-time collaboration and support when needed.
Transition and Change Management
Plan for a smooth transition from in-house to outsourced operations. Define a clear transition plan, allocate responsibilities, and provide adequate support during the transition period. Address potential challenges such as knowledge transfer, change management, and employee morale. Develop a comprehensive training program to ensure the outsourcing vendor understands your business processes and requirements.
Risk Mitigation
Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with outsourcing. Consider factors such as political stability, legal and regulatory compliance, vendor financial stability, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity measures. Have contingency plans in place to address unforeseen circumstances or service disruptions.
Long-Term Strategy
Align outsourcing decisions with your company’s long-term strategic goals. Evaluate how outsourcing supports your core competencies, scalability requirements, and growth objectives. Consider whether outsourcing is a short-term tactical solution or a long-term strategic partnership.
By carefully considering these factors, companies can make informed decisions regarding outsourcing, maximize the benefits, mitigate risks, and establish successful partnerships with outsourcing vendors.
What are the keys to success when outsourcing a function?
When outsourcing a function, several key factors contribute to the success of the outsourcing arrangement. Here are some important keys to success:
Clear and Detailed Requirements
Clearly define and communicate your requirements to the outsourcing vendor. Provide comprehensive documentation, specifications, and guidelines to ensure a shared understanding of expectations. Regularly communicate and clarify any ambiguities or changes to requirements throughout the outsourcing engagement.
Effective Communication and Collaboration
Establish open and effective communication channels with the outsourcing vendor. Foster regular and transparent communication to address any issues, provide feedback, and ensure alignment. Promote a collaborative approach that encourages the vendor’s involvement in problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Strong Partnership and Relationship Management
Treat the outsourcing vendor as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider. Cultivate a strong working relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and shared goals. Foster a collaborative and win-win mindset that promotes long-term success for both parties.
Robust Governance and Performance Monitoring
Implement a governance framework to oversee the outsourcing engagement. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the vendor’s performance. Regularly review and assess the vendor’s adherence to service level agreements (SLAs) and quality standards. Conduct periodic performance reviews and address any gaps or issues proactively.
Knowledge Transfer and Training
Facilitate effective knowledge transfer from your organization to the outsourcing vendor. Provide comprehensive training and documentation to ensure the vendor’s understanding of your business processes, requirements, and quality expectations. Encourage knowledge sharing and cross-training between your internal team and the vendor’s team to foster a collaborative and skilled workforce.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the outsourcing relationship. Encourage the outsourcing vendor to suggest process enhancements, efficiency improvements, and innovative solutions. Regularly evaluate the outsourcing engagement to identify opportunities for optimization, cost savings, and value-added services.
Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Implement effective risk management strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with outsourcing. Identify and address potential risks proactively, including security breaches, service disruptions, or vendor-related risks. Have contingency plans in place to minimize the impact of any unforeseen events or disruptions.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Recognize that outsourcing arrangements may require flexibility and adaptability. Business needs and circumstances can change over time, and the outsourcing engagement should be able to accommodate such changes. Maintain open lines of communication to discuss and adjust the outsourcing arrangement as necessary to align with evolving business requirements.
Regular Performance Reviews and Feedback
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely feedback to the outsourcing vendor. Recognize and appreciate their contributions and achievements. Address any concerns or areas for improvement constructively. Establish a feedback loop to foster continuous learning, collaboration, and growth.
Regular Contract and Relationship Reviews
Periodically review the outsourcing contract and the overall relationship. Ensure that the contract remains relevant and aligned with changing business needs. Assess the value delivered by the outsourcing vendor and explore opportunities for optimization, cost savings, or renegotiation of terms if required.
By focusing on these keys to success, companies can maximize the benefits of outsourcing, foster a productive and collaborative relationship with the outsourcing vendor, and achieve the desired outcomes from the outsourced function.
Many US companies are turning to outsource solutions in the Philippines for customer relationship functions. But why?
There are several reasons why many US companies choose to outsource customer relationship functions to the Philippines:
English Proficiency
The Philippines has a large English-speaking population and a high level of English proficiency. This makes it easier for US companies to communicate effectively with customer service representatives and ensures a smooth customer experience. The ability to provide customer support in English is a critical factor for companies serving English-speaking markets.
Cultural Compatibility
The cultural compatibility between the Philippines and the US is another significant advantage. Filipinos have a Westernized culture, which helps them understand and relate to US customers more easily. Similar cultural values and customer service expectations contribute to positive customer interactions and effective problem resolution.
Cost Savings
The cost of labor in the Philippines is generally lower compared to the US. US companies can benefit from cost savings by outsourcing customer relationship functions to the Philippines. Lower labor costs allow companies to maintain profitability, offer competitive pricing, or allocate resources to other areas of their business.
Skilled Workforce
The Philippines has a large pool of skilled workers with experience in customer service and related roles. Outsourcing companies in the Philippines invest in training and development programs to ensure their employees possess the necessary skills to deliver quality customer service. This pool of skilled workers provides US companies with access to a competent and adaptable workforce.
Time Zone Compatibility
The time zone in the Philippines, particularly for night shift operations, aligns well with US working hours. This enables companies to offer extended customer service hours or round-the-clock support. Customers in the US can receive assistance at convenient times, including evenings and weekends, which enhances the overall customer experience.
Government Support
The Philippine government actively promotes the outsourcing industry and provides support through initiatives, tax incentives, and infrastructure development. This support has helped establish a robust outsourcing ecosystem and fostered the growth of outsourcing companies, making the Philippines an attractive destination for customer relationship outsourcing.
Established Outsourcing Industry
The Philippines has a well-established outsourcing industry with a proven track record of serving global clients. Many US companies have successfully outsourced customer relationship functions to reputable outsourcing providers in the Philippines, which builds confidence in the country as an outsourcing destination.
Scalability and Flexibility
By carefully considering these factors, companies can make informed decisions regarding outsourcing, maximize the benefits, mitigate risks, and establish successful partnerships with outsourcing vendors.
What are the trends related to US companies using outsourcing?
Several trends related to companies in the US outsourcing functions have emerged in recent years. Here are some notable trends:
Focus on Core Competencies
Companies are increasingly outsourcing non-core functions to focus on their core competencies. By delegating non-essential tasks to outsourcing partners, companies can concentrate on activities that directly contribute to their competitive advantage and strategic goals. This trend allows organizations to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and drive innovation in their core areas.
Emphasis on Customer Experience
Customer experience has become a top priority for many companies. Outsourcing customer-facing functions, such as customer service and technical support, to specialized service providers allows companies to leverage their expertise and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Outsourcing partners often have the infrastructure, technology, and skilled workforce to provide high-quality customer interactions.
Adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation has gained traction in the outsourcing industry. RPA involves the use of software robots to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks. Companies are utilizing RPA to improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in functions such as data entry, invoice processing, and report generation. RPA enables organizations to streamline processes, reduce manual errors, and free up human resources for more strategic work.
Blended Outsourcing Models
Blended outsourcing models, also known as multisourcing, are becoming more prevalent. Rather than relying on a single outsourcing vendor for all functions, companies are adopting a mix of outsourcing partners based on their specialized expertise and geographic locations. This approach allows companies to access a broader range of skills, mitigate risks, and optimize costs by choosing the most suitable vendors for specific functions.
Nearshoring and Onshoring
While offshoring to countries with lower labor costs remains popular, there is a growing trend toward nearshoring and onshoring. Nearshoring involves outsourcing to neighboring countries or regions with cultural and geographical proximity, such as US companies outsourcing to Mexico or Canada. Onshoring refers to outsourcing to domestic service providers within the same country. Nearshoring and onshoring offer benefits like reduced language barriers, closer time zones, and increased control over operations.
Data Security and Compliance
With increasing concerns around data security and privacy, companies are placing greater emphasis on selecting outsourcing partners that demonstrate strong data security measures and compliance with relevant regulations. This includes implementing robust data protection protocols, adhering to privacy regulations like GDPR or CCPA, and maintaining secure IT infrastructure. Companies are conducting thorough due diligence to ensure their outsourcing partners meet the necessary security and compliance standards.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI technologies, such as natural language processing, chatbots, and machine learning, are being integrated into outsourcing functions. AI-powered chatbots are being used for customer support, virtual assistants, and self-service applications, providing 24/7 availability and quick response times. AI can also be applied to data analytics, allowing companies to derive actionable insights from large volumes of data.
Focus on Sustainability and Social Responsibility
There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility in outsourcing decisions. Companies are considering the environmental impact, labor practices, and ethical standards of potential outsourcing partners. They are seeking partners that align with their values and demonstrate responsible business practices, such as reducing carbon footprint, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring fair labor practices.
These trends reflect the evolving landscape of outsourcing as companies seek to leverage specialized expertise, optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and adapt to changing business requirements in a globally connected marketplace.
How has the labor shortage in the US contributed to companies decisions to outsource?
The labor shortage in the US has influenced companies’ decisions to outsource functions in several ways:
Access to Skilled Talent
The labor shortage in certain industries or specialized skill sets can make it challenging for companies to find and hire qualified employees domestically. By outsourcing functions, companies can tap into a global talent pool and gain access to skilled professionals in countries where those skills are more readily available. Outsourcing provides an alternative solution to address the talent gap and acquire the expertise needed to fulfill specific functions.
Cost-Effective Solution
The labor shortage in the US often leads to increased competition for available talent, driving up labor costs. Companies may find it more cost-effective to outsource certain functions to countries with lower labor costs, where skilled professionals can be hired at a more competitive rate. Outsourcing allows companies to leverage cost advantages and achieve cost savings compared to hiring and retaining employees locally.
Scalability and Flexibility
The labor shortage can limit a company’s ability to scale its operations quickly or adjust staffing levels based on fluctuating business demands. By outsourcing functions, companies gain the flexibility to scale resources up or down as needed, without being constrained by local labor market conditions. Outsourcing provides a scalable solution that allows companies to adapt to changing business needs more effectively.
Focus on Core Business Functions
With a labor shortage, companies may choose to concentrate their limited internal resources on core business functions that require specialized expertise or a deep understanding of their industry. By outsourcing non-core functions, companies can offload administrative tasks or functions that are not directly tied to their core competencies. This allows them to allocate their limited internal resources to strategic initiatives and critical areas of their business.
Mitigation of Hiring Challenges
The labor shortage can make it difficult for companies to attract and retain qualified employees, leading to longer recruitment cycles and increased turnover. Outsourcing functions can help alleviate the challenges associated with hiring and retaining skilled employees. Companies can rely on the expertise and capabilities of outsourcing partners, avoiding the complexities and costs associated with talent acquisition and retention.
Focus on Innovation
The labor shortage may limit a company’s ability to allocate resources to research and development or innovation initiatives. By outsourcing certain functions, companies can free up internal resources and budget to invest in innovation, product development, or strategic growth initiatives. Outsourcing allows companies to tap into external expertise while maintaining focus on driving innovation and competitive advantage.
It’s important to note that while the labor shortage can be a contributing factor, the decision to outsource functions involves multiple considerations, including cost-effectiveness, access to talent, strategic priorities, and long-term business objectives. The labor shortage serves as one of the factors that companies evaluate when making outsourcing decisions.
How has the challenge of managing employees influenced companies’ decisions to outsource?
The challenge of managing employees has influenced companies’ decisions to outsource functions in several ways:
Reduced Administrative Burden
Managing a large workforce comes with various administrative tasks, including payroll, benefits administration, training, performance management, and compliance with labor laws. By outsourcing certain functions, companies can offload these administrative burdens to the outsourcing provider. This allows companies to focus their internal resources on core business activities and strategic initiatives, rather than spending significant time and effort on employee management tasks.
Expertise in Employee Management
Outsourcing providers often specialize in specific functions and have extensive experience in managing employees within those areas. They have well-established processes and systems for employee recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management. By leveraging the expertise of outsourcing providers, companies can ensure efficient and effective employee management without the need to build and maintain those capabilities in-house.
Mitigation of HR Challenges
Managing a workforce comes with various human resources (HR) challenges, such as recruitment, retention, performance issues, employee relations, and legal compliance. These challenges can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized HR knowledge and resources. By outsourcing functions, companies can transfer the HR responsibilities and associated challenges to the outsourcing provider, who assumes responsibility for managing the employees within the outsourced function.
Access to Specialized HR Support
Outsourcing providers often have dedicated HR teams that specialize in managing employees within their respective functions. These HR teams possess expertise in areas such as recruitment strategies, employee training and development, performance management, and HR compliance. By outsourcing functions, companies can tap into this specialized HR support without investing in building and maintaining the same level of HR capabilities internally.
Mitigation of Legal and Compliance Risks
Employment laws and regulations can be complex and constantly evolving. Non-compliance with labor laws can result in legal liabilities, fines, and reputational damage. By outsourcing functions, companies can transfer the legal and compliance risks associated with employee management to the outsourcing provider. The outsourcing provider assumes responsibility for ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, reducing the burden on the company to stay updated on changing legal requirements.
Flexibility in Workforce Management:
Outsourcing functions provide companies with flexibility in managing their workforce. Companies can easily scale the workforce up or down based on business needs without the constraints of managing a large internal workforce. Outsourcing allows companies to respond quickly to changes in demand, market conditions, or project requirements, as the outsourcing provider typically has the resources and capabilities to adjust the workforce size as needed.
It’s important to note that while outsourcing can alleviate the challenges of managing employees, it also requires effective vendor management and clear communication to ensure alignment with the company’s goals, values, and standards. Outsourcing does not completely eliminate the need for employee management but rather shifts certain responsibilities to the outsourcing provider, allowing companies to focus on core competencies and strategic initiatives.
What are some of the issues and challenges to reaching interested customers?
Companies are finding it difficult to reach interested customers. Despite following all the correct procedures and guidelines and obtaining authentic leads, marketers’ contact rates are falling because calls are being blocked at individual phone or carrier level. This challenge is brought about by the complex web of regulations and guidelines at state, federal, carrier and handset level.
On the regulatory front, the telemarketing industry has long been bound by the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by the FTC and FCC, respectively. However, the rise of technology has enabled bad actors to exploit these regulations to reach consumers through spoofing numbers and prerecorded voices, culminating in robocalls. The TCPA has, therefore, been updated to include the key elements of the TSR with legal remedies, imposing penalties and personal liability on calling companies’ officers.The FCC has also implemented STIR/SHAKEN, a mandatory carrier framework, to authenticate the origination point of each call comprehensively. In addition, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act was passed by Congress, which imposes harsher penalties and requirements for telephone carriers to monitor and block illegal traffic on their networks. Nonetheless, some of the the regulatory scope’s definitions are vague, making it easy for good players to be caught up in complex litigation with enormous penalties.
State legislators have also heard their constituents’ complaints and concerns and responded with laws that clarify federal regulations on solicited and unsolicited calls, extending prior state telemarketing laws’ regulation of the days, times, and months calls can legally be made. However, individual states have specific restrictions on calling with prerecorded voices, leaving voicemails, caller ID usage within the state, and certain opt-out requirements. These restrictions create ample room for litigation, and penalties are imposed in state courts.
Telephone carriers are increasingly shouldering the responsibility to monitor and actively block illegal traffic from robocallers. Prior to the TRACED Act, carriers relied on third-party analytics firms to flag suspicious calls. Through the carriers’ partnerships with major handset providers, consumers can now see labels like ‘Suspected Fraud’ and ‘Spam Likely’ on their phone screens. Nonetheless, the analytics algorithms used by carriers are not perfect, making it challenging to correctly identify certain callers as good or bad.
Abandoned call
An abandoned call in inbound call centers is initiated by a user but dropped before an agent answers it, typically due to agent unavailability or technical issues. In outbound call centers, predictive dialers initiate calls, reaching customers with too few operators to handle the calls.
Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)
Automatic Call Distribution is a telephony system that forwards inbound calls to the right agent based on preset handling instructions.
Afterwork
The time an agent uses to finish administration work, such as ticketing, filling in forms, registering calls and call-related information needed, after a call has finished.
Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
A Business Continuity Plan is a document outlining threats and guidelines for continued operation in the event of negative impacts to a company’s operations.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
BPO involves delegating business processes and responsibilities to a third-party provider to optimize internal operational costs. It increases company flexibility and optimizes cost and time efficiency. BPO companies handle back-office functions like payroll, billing, and IT services as well as front-office activities like customer service and marketing.
Call Routing
Inbound Call Routing refers to the ability to route calls to different people and locations depending on a variety of factors, for example call volume, time of day, language preference of the caller, or specific department requested. In terms of Outbound activities, it means the ability to perform calls via various providers’ networks, for example as a cost-efficiency tool.
Callback
A telephone call initiated by a call center agent to contact a previously contacted customer again. Callbacks are used to contact customers who have been promised further information, have requested an appointment, or simply requested contact at another time. Callbacks can only be handled by the agent who handled the original phone call.
Call Detail Record (CDR)
A Call Detail Record is a file or document produced by a telecommunications system or equipment used in a call center that contains detailed information about executed calls, such as source and destination numbers, IDs, call duration, completion status, scheduled follow up actions and call transcripts.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Customer Relationship Management is an approach that companies use to interact with customers. It consists of practices that help companies retain customers and grow their network and sales. To achieve this, CRM uses different systems to collect and analyze data regarding communication and relationships with their customers, as well as their preferred communication channels.
Disposition
A status that describes the outcome of a call, specifying whether it was reached or not, was finished successfully business-wise, is closed, or needs a callback, etc.
Document Management System (DMS)
A Document Management System is a computer system designed to track, process, manage, and store documents, aiming to reduce paper usage and make document processing faster and easier. It also helps to track changes and version updates of the documents.
Handled Call
A call that has been connected or transferred to an agent who carries out the needed tasks to resolve it.
Manual Dialer
Manual dialers require agents, once they are ready to make a call, to manually choose records and dial phone numbers. This type of dialer gives agents time to prepare for a conversation and allows them to get acquainted with a customer’s case and details, but provides lower efficiency results, due to subjective time management and the need for agent presence at every stage of a call, from record selection, through dialing, ringing, conversation and afterwork.
Omnichannel Customer Service
Customer service providing customer support via multiple communication channels such as phone, email, chat, and social media.
Power Dialer
A power dialer is an automatic dialer that works based on initiating as many calls as there are free agents in a project. Once an agent closes a call and becomes available, the power dialer automatically dials a new contact for them.
Predictive Dialer (PPD)
A predictive dialer is an automatic dialer that works based on dialing more calls than the number of free agents in a project. Dialing starts while agents are still handling other active calls. By the time an agent finishes their call, the predictive dialer has already dialed the next number and has the next call ringing and ready to handle, saving agents time and providing highly efficient results.
Recurring Payment
Recurring payment refers to the process of making automatic payments on a recurring basis. After an initial successful payment, recurring transactions take place based on a defined schedule.
SaaS
Software As a Service is a cloud computing service in which a software solution is hosted centrally but is made available to license or subscription fee-paying clients over the internet.
Shared Callback
Shared callback is a type of disposition which means the dialed number was not reached or was reached but a conversation did not take place and the number needs to be dialed again later. A shared callback means that the number will be set as a callback for a group of agents, and the first available agent at the scheduled time will receive and process it.
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Service Level Agreement is the percentage of calls answered by an agent within a previously agreed Customer Waiting Time. It is usually specified in percentages.
Talk Time
Time spent actively communicating with customers within a given time period (usually measured per hour) while logged into a project.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires user verification on two levels before access to a file or system is allowed. The process usually consists of login and password, and a second additional authentication, such as an SMS or e-mail code.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Methodology and group of technologies for voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. VoIP uses packet-switching rather than circuit switching, meaning that voice transmissions are divided into different packets that are transmitted to the receiving party at the other end of the telephone line using different paths over the internet.
Wrap-up Time
Time an agent uses to finish administration work needed after a call.
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