What is Customer Service BPO?

Part of becoming an effective business is looking for ways to cut costs, free up time, and focus on core aspects of the business. This is why so many business leaders turn to business process outsourcing (BPO). Outsourcing allows businesses to expand their teams and improve their customer satisfaction faster than they thought possible. 

BPO is the practice or delegation of outsourcing entire business functions to be handled by a third-party service provider. 

It’s evident that if a company has poor customer service, it will negatively impact the company’s success. Businesses grow through customer loyalty, making solid customer service essential. It helps improve satisfaction, meet customers’ expectations, and reduce friction. Additionally, providing great customer service allows companies to retain talent, recover customer acquisition costs, and foster brand loyalty. 

A survey by Bain & Co found that a 10 percent increase in customer retention can lead to a 30 percent increase in the company’s value. It goes without saying that organizations prioritizing customer service are successful.

Understanding Customer Service Outsourcing

Customer service outsourcing has great advantages but also comes with risks and challenges. If you have the right components in place, outsourcing can save money, increase revenue, reduce workloads, provide access to best-in-class technology, and more. To make certain your outsourcing efforts succeed, here are some outsourcing customer service channels that can help:

1. Call center outsourcing lets businesses focus on their core products and services. It provides more productive time for business operations like product development, marketing, and sales.
2. Help desk outsourcing is a valuable service wherein a provider manages the resolution of user issues and technical issues concerning IT infrastructure and applications. This outsourcing solution offers several advantages to organizations, including the avoidance of staffing challenges, enhanced user satisfaction, and decreased support expenses.
3. Social media outsourcing holds significance as well. It focuses on providing quick responses and the number of people spending their spare time on various social media platforms.
4. Live chat and email support boost the confidence of clients to do business with you knowing they can get immediate help if needed. They also help reach your target customers.

As reported by Forbes, achieving exemplary customer service begins with having core values and a clear mission to share with your customer service teams. 

Benefits of Customer Service Outsourcing

Customer service outsourcing offers several benefits to businesses. One significant advantage is cost savings and improved efficiency, which reduce overhead expenses such as infrastructure costs. Outsourcing providers often have specialized technology and infrastructure in place. This allows businesses to access advanced tools and systems without significant investments.

Another advantage is scalability and flexibility. When customer demands vary, outsourcing allows companies to meet fluctuating needs effectively. During peak seasons or high-demand periods, outsourcing providers can quickly scale up operations. They can then efficiently address customer inquiries and provide prompt support. During slower periods, businesses can scale down operations to cut costs.

Outsourcing customer service enhances the customer’s journey. With outsourced teams, businesses can offer 24/7 availability and support from dedicated teams of high-quality agents. Additionally, outsourcing providers often offer multichannel support options, including phone, email, chat, and social media. From here, customers can choose their preferred communication method. Outsourcing providers also have expertise in handling customer inquiries and complaints, resulting in efficient and satisfactory resolution of issues.

Types of BPO 

While both BPO and customer service outsourcing involves delegating business processes to third-party agencies, BPO encompasses a broader range of functions beyond customer service. These might include finance and human resources, for example. Customer service outsourcing, on the other hand, specifically focuses on outsourcing customer support and related activities.

There are three main types of BPO:

1. Nearshore outsourcing involves delegating processes to a nearby country, offering geographic proximity and cultural alignment. 
2. Offshore outsourcing involves outsourcing to a distant country for cost savings and access to specialized skills. 
3. Onshore outsourcing refers to domestic outsourcing, providing local expertise and control. 

Organizations must carefully evaluate their unique business needs and priorities to select the most suitable outsourcing approach. The choice depends on factors such as cost, expertise, and a company’s needs.

BPO Call Centers

A BPO call center is a centralized facility or outsourced service provider. It handles a company’s inbound and outbound customer interactions via telephone. It serves as a primary point of contact for customers. It provides support, resolves queries, and assists with various service-related matters. Call centers are typically equipped with advanced communication technologies. These include phone systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and other tools. All of them aim to efficiently manage high volumes of inbound and outbound calls.

Types and structures of BPO call centers

1. Inbound Call Centers: These call centers primarily handle incoming customer calls. They focus on addressing inquiries, processing orders, and handling complaints. Inbound call centers often require call center agents with strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
2. Outbound Call Centers: Outbound call centers focus on making outgoing calls to customers or potential leads. They are commonly used for telemarketing, sales campaigns, customer surveys, appointment scheduling, and debt collection. Outbound call centers typically require call center agents with persuasive communication skills.
3. Blended Call Centers: Blended call centers combine both inbound and outbound call center functions. Agents in blended call centers handle both incoming and outgoing calls. This allows for flexibility and efficient use of resources. This type of call center is suitable for organizations with fluctuating call volumes and varying customer service needs.

Call Center Structures

Call center structures can vary based on location and organizational preferences:

1. Onshore Call Centers: Onshore call centers are located within the same country as the company they serve. This structure offers advantages such as minimal language and cultural barriers, similar time zones, and potential cost savings compared to in-house operations.
2. Offshore Call Centers: Offshore call centers are located in a different country than the company they serve. This structure allows for cost savings through labor arbitrage and access to a global talent pool. It offers the potential 24/7 customer service coverage due to time zone differences.
3. Nearshore Call Centers: Nearshore call centers are situated in neighboring or nearby countries. This structure offers benefits like geographic proximity, cultural affinity, and potentially lower costs compared to offshore options. It enables companies to maintain closer collaboration and similar time zones while benefiting from cost-effective outsourcing.

Overall, BPO call centers play a pivotal role in delivering efficient and effective customer service, regardless of their specific type or structure. Businesses have the opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and focus on core competencies while outsourcing customer interactions to specialized service providers. As with everything, there are pros and cons to consider.

Disadvantages of BPO

Business Process Outsourcing has gained popularity in recent years as a means for businesses to streamline their operations and reduce costs. Despite its advantages, BPO comes with its fair share of disadvantages that business owners should consider. If not managed effectively, these disadvantages can significantly impact businesses and their customer base. Let’s take a look at some of the current drawbacks.

Public Backlash

When outsourcing companies hire full-time employees from other countries, it can lead to negative public and brand perception. Unfortunately, existing clients may view international outsourcing as sacrificing domestic jobs. They might associate nondomestic talent with lower-quality services or products.

Communication Breakdowns

Without careful management, BPO can lead to a more siloed company structure. This refers to a structure where business divisions operate independently and avoid sharing information. This lack of fluid communication and other possible communication barriers can result in breakdowns in information flow. That, in turn, might hinder a team’s ability to deliver what’s needed. To mitigate this, a scalable plan should be implemented to facilitate seamless communication between internal and outsourced teams.

A Learning Curve

When a BPO company is hired, there’s a learning curve in understanding the client company, its customers, and its customers’ needs. This learning process can disrupt the client company’s product or service quality, causing concerns among stakeholders. It’s important to start outsourcing gradually and ask potential BPO companies how they plan to address this issue.

Loss of Control

When business functions are handled internally, managers can provide oversight to maintain consistency and quality control. However, when these functions are outsourced, companies relinquish direct control over this oversight. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully select a reputable BPO company and support staff that can be trusted to safeguard your company’s reputation. Interviewing previous customers of the third-party company can provide insights into their quality-control processes and help secure a reliable partnership.

Security Breaches and IP Protection

Sharing sensitive information about your IT systems with external vendors inherently reduces security. While this risk is often necessary, it is crucial to carefully consider the implications before engaging with vendors. Damage can be done if your intellectual property (IP) rights or data security are violated. Plan to do a regular security risk evaluation, document your security practices and expectations, and hold outsourcing vendors accountable.

Shared Reputational Risks

To avoid potentially putting their reputations at risk, businesses should thoroughly vet the business practices of potential BPO companies before hiring them. Including a commitment to moral practices in mutually signed contracts is also helpful in steering clear of any mishaps.

Hidden Costs in Contractual Agreements

Signing contracts with BPO companies entails dealing with extensive fine print, including contingencies and associated fees for specific circumstances or actions. These fees can accumulate rapidly, leading to unexpected costs. To prevent future problems, thoroughly review contracts, preferably with legal expertise, to identify and avoid any potential issues.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Customer Service Outsourcing Partner

When choosing a customer service outsourcing partner, it is essential to consider various factors.

1. Expertise and Experience: Assess whether they have relevant knowledge and experience in your industry, as this can greatly impact their ability to understand your customers’ needs, answer your customers’ questions and provide effective support.
2. Reputation and Track Record: Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge their performance and customer satisfaction levels. A reputable partner with dedicated agents and a proven track record of delivering high-quality customer service is more likely to meet your expectations.
3. Language and Cultural Compatibility: This cannot be overlooked, especially if the outsourcing partner will interact directly with your customers. Confirm that their customer service agents are proficient in the languages your customers speak and possess cultural awareness to provide a seamless and personalized experience.
4. Technological Capabilities and Security Measures: Evaluate the partner’s technology infrastructure, including their customer relationship management (CRM) systems, communication tools, and data security protocols. They should have robust measures in place to protect customer information and secure handling of data.
5. Cost Considerations and Contract Flexibility: Assess the pricing models offered by the outsourcing partner and determine if they align with your budget and expected ROI. Additionally, evaluate their contract terms to verify flexibility in scaling operations, adapting to changing needs, and accommodating any future modifications or expansions.

Considering these factors when choosing a customer service outsourcing partner will help you make an informed decision and select a partner that can effectively meet your business requirements and deliver exceptional customer service, states Forbes.

Best Practices for Successful Customer Service Outsourcing

To establish successful customer service outsourcing, follow these best practices:

1. Employ Effective Communication and Collaboration: Establish clear channels of communication with the outsourcing provider and maintain regular contact to address any issues promptly.
2. Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Clearly define desired outcomes, performance metrics, and service-level agreements to ensure alignment between both parties.
3. Perform Continuous Monitoring and Quality Assurance: Implement mechanisms to regularly track and evaluate the outsourced customer service operations. This includes monitoring call recordings, conducting customer satisfaction surveys, and performing quality checks.
4. Conduct Regular Feedback and Performance Evaluations: Provide constructive feedback to enhance the outsourcing provider’s performance and maintain a strong working relationship. Conduct regular evaluations and share insights to drive improvement.
5. Build a Strong Partnership: Foster a collaborative and trusting relationship with the outsourcing provider. Encourage open communication and work together to enhance customer service strategies.

By following best practices, you’ll increase your outsourcing success and achieve your desired outcomes.

Business process outsourcing has emerged as a valuable solution for growing businesses seeking to optimize their operations and focus on core aspects of their business. By entrusting administrative tasks to external partners, companies can focus on cost reduction, saving time and enhancing their overall efficiency. 

One specific area where this proves vital is in maintaining excellent rapport with their existing clients. Recognizing the significance of customer satisfaction, businesses can leverage BPO to improve customer experiences, meet expectations, reduce friction, retain talent, recoup acquisition costs, and foster long-term brand loyalty. By embracing BPO, companies can unlock new growth strategies and success.