The B2B world has seen a surge in outsourcing in 2024 – from off-shore accountants to remote Virtual Assistants (VAs). Outsourcing has allowed many companies to reduce their overhead costs, increase efficiency, and even strike a better work-life balance for their employees.
But what about outsourcing Sales – a responsibility left to the only most skilled of professionals? Afterall, your Sales team is the engine that keeps the new leads coming in, driving revenue for your business.
In fact, you don’t need to hire Sales representatives in-house to see amazing results. With outsourced SDRs, you might even BETTER results (more quality leads) at a fraction of the cost!
Learn more about outsourcing SDRs, the benefits of outsourcing versus hiring, and where to find reliable SDR professionals.
What is an “Outsourced SDR”?
Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) are tasked with generating and qualifying leads for an organization. While SDRs can be hired in-house (as part- or full-time employees), they can also be contracted outside the organization. An “outsourced SDR”, therefore, is a freelancer, contractor, or third-party service that offers the sales capabilities that an in-house employee might typically offer.
SDRs play a crucial role in the early stages of the sales process, helping to identify potential customers and determine whether they are a good fit for the company’s products or services. However, hiring full-time SDRs can be expensive, with the average full-time salary ranging from $35,000 to $166,000 per year!
The high cost to the business for hiring full-time employees is a main reason why many organizations decide to outsource SDRs instead.
Reasons to Outsource Your SDRs vs Hire In-House
The significant cost difference between hiring a full-time SDR versus outsourcing is a huge reason why many B2Bs decide to outsource their sales team. But there are many other reasons and benefits to hiring an outsourced SDR.
1. Scalability
Outsourcing allows you to scale your sales efforts up or down based on demand – without the lengthy process of hiring and training new employees.
You can easily adjust the size of the outsourced SDR team based on seasonal demands, market changes, or specific campaign needs. This flexibility helps in managing resources more efficiently without the commitment to long-term employment contracts.
2. Reduced Overhead Costs
In addition to saving on salaries and benefits, outsourcing can reduce the costs related to office space, technology, and training.
Also, outsourced SDR services often come with flexible pricing models, allowing you to pay only for the services you need, when you need them, rather than committing to fixed salaries.
3. Faster Ramp-Up Time
Outsourced SDR teams are typically already trained and have established processes in place. This allows for a quicker start compared to hiring, onboarding, and training new employees.
4. Flexibility
Outsourced SDRs can quickly adapt to changes in your market, product offering, or sales strategy, given that they have experience with many types of businesses. They are likely to be more adaptable than sales representatives that have only worked with a few organizations.
5. Risk Mitigation
Outsourcing can reduce the risk associated with hiring, such as turnover or underperformance, as the outsourced provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the quality of their team.
Overall, outsourced SDR providers have established teams and processes that can be deployed immediately. They are also typically more affordable than a full-time hire. This means you can start your sales campaigns faster, gaining a competitive edge in your market.
Where to Find Outsourced Sales Representatives
Say you’re interested in hiring an outsourced SDR. Where do you look? Well, there are many places you can find outsourced SDRs advertising their services. However, not all of these sources are created equal. If you truly want to get your money’s worth, and find SDRs you can trust, check out these places…
Sales Outsourcing Companies
Google is often one of the first places people go to search for “outsourced SDRs”. However, don’t immediately go to freelancer sites like Fiverr. Instead, look for companies that specialize in sales outsourcing. You’re looking for specialists, not generalists.
Sales outsourcing firms have trained and experienced sales teams, ready to deploy whenever you need the service. Some work on a subscription basis, while others charge a per-hour or per-project rate.
You can further look for firms that specialize in a particular industry, like tech sales, legal, or medical equipment sales. One of the top sales outsourcing companies is Superhuman Prospecting, which offers high-quality, US-based SDR’s at a low starting cost.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Companies
Large BPO companies like Accenture, Concentrix, and Teleperformance offer a wide range of outsourcing services, including sales. They combine digital tools with manual efforts to optimize your sales pipeline, generate new leads, set appointments, and a variety of perks, depending on the provider.
These companies might also offer more personalized services, tailored to your specific needs. Even with a customized solution, they tend to be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house SDR.
Professional Networks
The best hires are often referrals, and the same can be said for outsourced “hires”. Whenever possible, it’s ideal to get a referral from someone in your network who has had a positive experience with an outsourced SDR in the past. They will be able to vouch for their skills, level of service, and communication.
You can use LinkedIn to search for outsourcing firms or individual sales professionals. Ask other business owners or colleagues in your industry for recommendations based on their experiences. You can also join groups related to sales outsourcing to get recommendations and insights.
Also, organizations like Emblaze (previously, the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals) or the Sales Enablement Society can provide leads on reputable outsourcing firms.
Online Directories and Marketplaces
There are online directories and marketplaces that provide reviews of B2B service providers, including sales outsourcing companies, sales software, and more. These can be a great source of outsourced SDRs.
Some reliable directory sites include Clutch, G2, and GoodFirms. These sites provide listings and reviews of top outsourcing companies across different industries.
Offshore and Nearshore Providers
“Offshore” or international companies can be great sources of reliable, affordable sales service providers. Companies in regions like Eastern Europe, India, and the Philippines offer cost-effective solutions, whether by connecting you with an independent SDR or an outsourced sales team. Just be sure to look for firms with a strong track record and positive client reviews.
Alternatively, you might consider “nearshore” solutions that still bring cost benefits, but can more easily accommodate your working timezone. For example, if you are based in the United States, you might consider SDRs based in Latin America or Canada.
Simply conduct a Google search for “international SDR” service or similar, and check out the client reviews of various companies.
Freelance Platforms
As a last resort, you can use freelancer sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find independent SDRs. However, the quality of freelancers on these platforms can vary widely, and they aren’t always professionally trained. They may or may not have a refined sales process, so training them might be needed.
If you do decide to use these sites, be sure to spend some time interviewing prospective SDRs. Ask about their depth of sales experience, the types of organizations they have worked with, and performance stats, if they have them. They should be able to speak to their experience and results with confidence. A clear communicator is key.
Reliable Outsourced SDR Services
Outsourced SDR teams often bring specialized expertise and experience, having worked with a variety of clients and industries. The most reliable firms have a finely-tuned process, ensuring great results and massive cost savings.
If you are looking for a dependable outsourced SDR partner, Superhuman Prospecting is your best choice. We provide a team of professional SDRs with refined techniques to identify and qualify leads, resulting in higher quality leads being passed on to your sales team!
We also use the latest sales technologies and tools, providing our clients with a cutting-edge experience without the need for additional investment.
Contact us for a free quote for lead generation, appointment setting, and SDR services today!
