Guide to Finding and Using a Call Center

Consider: Outsource to a call center or do inhouse call center training

It may be time to outsource call handling if you expect a new product launch or expansion to dramatically increase your volume of customer calls, or if handling your growing number of calls will require you to invest in a new phone system or in new employees.

I recommend: BuyerZone's Call Center Buyer's Guide can help you determine if your business would benefit from hiring a call center. You'll find step-by-step help, including factors to consider, offshore call centers, buying tips and pricing. If you go the route of keeping your customer service inhouse, find call center training firms listed at Business.com.

Start your call center search online

Before you begin looking for vendors, decide what types of calls your vendor will need to handle and develop an estimate of call volume and costs.

I recommend: Browse the Call Center Directory or Call Center Guide to locate a call center near you — or one across the globe.

Compare call center costs with free online quotes

Get quotes from a variety of call centers to determine a reasonable price for the services you need. Some companies charge per minute, while others charge per dedicated customer service rep. Consider call center training and set-up costs, too.

I recommend: Solicit free quotes from a variety of vendors online at either VendorSeek.com or BuyerZone.com.

Evaluate call center services

Choose a call center that understands your industry and offers the services you need, which might include more than call management, such as responding to service-oriented e-mails or participating in Web chats with customers.

I recommend: Compare vendors, such as Talk 2 Rep, MAP Communications and 24-7 INtouch, to find out what call center services are available for companies of your size and in your industry.  For some expert help, find a call center consultant at Business.com.

Select a call center and seal the deal

Once you've decided on a vendor, make a site visit to seal the deal if possible. Learn how the call center training will be customized to your needs. Observe employees, read sample call scripts and conduct interviews with existing agents. Request references and be sure to sign an appropriate service contract.

I recommend: Find a sample call center services contract online courtesy of FindLaw.

Track performance with call center software

After your call center operation has begun, be sure to collect frequent reports from your vendor to evaluate its performance. Important metrics include call duration, conflict resolution, cost per call and average speed of answer. Buy call center software to track help tickets and other customer contact.

I recommend: BenchmarkPortal is home to the world's largest database of call center metrics, which it uses to develop best practices for call center management and reporting.  Find out what call center software can do for you at Business.com.