How to Choose a BPO Vendor
Whether you have decided to switch to a new BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) vendor or you have decided that you are ready to outsource a BPO vendor, the most challenging decision bottles down to selecting the right provider.
Yes, outsourcing could be a game-changer for your business, but some that are new to outsourcing overshoots the mark that can break their business.
Take note that not all BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) are created equally, and there are factors you need to consider when picking the right one for your business. Here are some tips on choosing the right vendor and harnessing long-lasting relationships with your outsourced partner.
1. Define what you need and want to achieve.
Identifying your desired end-result is more than identifying the tasks to be outsourced. It would help if you clearly defined the scope and your intended outcome. Most businesses focus only on the benefits of outsourcing—such as saving time, increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and more. They often forget the real objectives of why they considered outsourcing.
2. Look at their experience.
Once you have identified your objectives as to why you are outsourcing, investigate the vendor’s delivery success. Delivery success may include the number of successful projects, types of clients, employee qualifications, and more. You may also seek client references and speak with them to better grasp the vendor’s ability to perform such services. That way, you know whether there is a fit or not between your requirement and their expertise.
3. Ask about their communication process.
Achieving efficient collaboration should be one of your objectives before picking out a BPO partner. You need to understand your partner’s communication practices and processes to ensure that there is no flaw once you get the ball rolling. Here are some critical questions to ask your future BPO vendor:
- What is their process or way to communicate?
- Is the team using standard communication channels like chat, e-mail, phone, etc.?
- Do you speak a common language (usually English)?
- Will there be a single point of contact?
- What is the response time to concerns?
- Do they operate in the same time zone as you?
- If they do not, what is the degree of overlap in your and their working hours?
These communication questions are essential because some vendors are open 24 hours while others follow a regular 9-5 schedule. It is highly recommended that you go with a BPO vendor with a similar working as you for a more smooth and convenient communication.
4. Ask about their technology.
With everything going digital, technology plays a significant role in outsourcing. This is the lifeblood of the BPO vendor and your company, especially in communication and work management. Thus, you must choose an outsourcing vendor updated with the latest technology to help address your needs quickly and effectively. It would be best if you asked questions about their software and hardware, devices available, operating systems, bandwidth speed, and more. Assessing these will help identify the turnaround time of tasks and deliverables.
5. Learn about their employee turnover rate
Be cautious of vendors that have a high turnover rate. Remember that the way a company treats its workers may also reflect how it deals with clients. A high turnover rate can disrupt your efficiency and productivity since there is a possibility that you will be dealing with more adjustments and training.
Large outsourcing companies are likely to meet all the above criteria. So, if you are a large firm looking to outsource, going for a large vendor might do the job.
But if you are a small organization merely looking to control costs and increase productivity, then smaller BPO companies may fit the bill.
Hiring a BPO has its fair share of benefits and risks. All these factors may not apply to all types of outsourcing vendors, but most of these will help you zero-in on the right partner. If you do your research and pick one out carefully, you will eventually find the perfect partner to propel your business forward. If you want to explore your options at vTeam Philippines, contact us for more information.