subject: Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Outsourcing Partner [print this page] Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Outsourcing Partner
While hiring an outsourcing partner might seem attractive, it is always best to do a background check before acquiring their services. Outsourcing partnerships are all about a common understanding that your goals are as clear to them as they are to you. Before making any arrangements, here is a guide to asking the right questions when hiring an outsourcing partner:
1. Do they have the business model you need? Knowing where your product sells best will be a good way to start. If your customers are online, then make sure they provide online lead generation. Otherwise, you can focus on telemarketing.
2. Is the contract long or short-term? Sometimes long term contracts can bring disappointment. If the outsourcing partnership is no longer going as smoothly as you had hoped, then long-term contracts may give you a run for your money. Ask them if they offer short-term, monthly trials to help you gauge if they are the company that is worth your investment.
3. Who are their clients? A good way to understand the expertise of Business Process Outsourcing firms is to ask for their list of clients. Find out what they have to say about the company first hand. If there is not a single company on their list that caters to your needs, then you know their level of expertise.
4. Can they integrate their systems with yours? In order to increase effectiveness, you want your systems to be in sync. If their technology is a match, then you will not have to worry about any extra step or extra cost.
5. How soon can they begin? When hiring an outsourcing partner, you need quick solutions. If they're designed for the job that you need, then you should not have to worry about having to wait.
6. Can they present a proposal? Before agreeing to any arrangements, make sure that your outsourcing partner understands your needs. By creating a proposal you will be able to determine their plan for generating leads.
7. Do they have client interaction in place? Client interaction with an outsourcing partner means that they are open to your feedback. This is a great determinant of the partner you are pursuing. Client interaction shows potential for improvement and being able to get the job done in the best way possible.
If you have your doubts, be sure to ask us how we do our business.
