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10 Reasons to Choose the Philippines for Customer Service BPO

10 Reasons to Choose the Philippines for Customer Service BPO

Imagine an around-the-clock customer support team that combines cost-efficiency, top-tier language proficiency, and a cultural affinity for delivering exceptional service to your customers — any time, from anywhere. That’s what companies can unlock when they outsource to the Philippines through trusted business process outsourcing (BPO) partners like Enshored.

With wages up to 80% lower than Western counterparts, companies achieve significant savings without compromising quality. This budget flexibility often leads to reinvestments in growth-driving areas like marketing or innovation.

But it’s not just about savings. The Philippines is home to a 99% literacy rate and a workforce enriched with degrees in communications, IT, and business. This translates to teams that adapt swiftly to your systems and bring a professional edge to every customer interaction.

Coupled with the country’s dedication to privacy via its Data Privacy Act, businesses of any kind can confidently entrust sensitive customer information to their Filipino BPO partners.

These factors — among many others — explain why the Philippines isn’t just another outsourcing destination. It’s the gold standard for businesses like yours that want to elevate their customer service experience while keeping costs manageable.

Let’s explore the top ten business advantages that companies can unlock by tapping into this thriving ecosystem of customer service excellence.

Benefits of Outsourcing Customer Service to The Philippines

Advantage 1: Reduced Business Costs
Outsourcing customer service to a service provider in the Philippines offers significant cost savings, including wages and salaries, operational expenses, and business functions and investments

  • Filipino wages can range from 30% to 80% less than Western wages (which translates to substantial savings if your company depends on customer interaction).
  • Because business partners handle office space, utilities, and technology infrastructure, your budget is freed up for product development, marketing, or capital investments, which empowers a more competitive edge.

To stay ahead, the best BPO companies will likely invest heavily in tech and AI to stay on top and provide the most positive experiences possible. In turn, your company will not be required to make substantial upfront investments in tech. (Also, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network or PDSCN is making the country an attractive destination for increased foreign investments in advanced technologies).

Advantage 2: Scalability
Whether experiencing seasonal peaks or expanding your customer base, outsourcing partners can adjust staffing levels swiftly. BPO companies that have planted outsourcing hubs in the Philippines have sophisticated workforce management systems that facilitate rapid scaling.

These systems allow them to predict staffing needs based on historical data and current performance metrics, ensuring that your customer service team is always well-equipped to handle customer inquiries efficiently.

This helps your business manage expenses effectively. After all, you will pay only for the services you need, when you need them. In the face of sudden changes in customer volume—such as product launches, holiday seasons, or unexpected events—this ability to scale seamlessly helps prevent service disruptions and maintain high customer satisfaction, ultimately reinforcing your brand’s reputation.

Advantage 3: English & Native Language Proficiency
English is a distinct advantage of the Filipino workforce. They begin learning from an early age, and English is a medium of instruction in most schools and universities. As a result, the vast majority of Filipino talent have an exceptional command of the English language, which is essential for customer service roles where effective communication is key.

Customers appreciate the ability to converse with representatives who can articulate solutions clearly, understand their needs, and respond politely and efficiently. Likewise, customers get frustrated easily by agents who don’t have great command of their language.

Also, the cultural context in which English is used in the Philippines—often influenced by Western culture and media—enables Filipino agents to connect with Western customers more personally. This can lead to a more satisfying customer experience, boosting brand loyalty.

Advantage 4: Affinity for Customer Service
Filipinos possess an inherent affinity for customer service, stemming from their cultural values and social interactions. Filipino culture emphasizes hospitality, kindness, a strong community spirit, and a warm and friendly demeanor, all of which make a notable difference in customer interactions. Whether it’s a simple question or a more complex issue, Filipino agents have a way of providing reassurance and support that puts customers at ease.

This natural inclination for service-oriented roles is further supported by specialized employee training that enhances agents’ problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and product knowledge. This continuous development ensures that representatives can handle a wide range of queries effectively and with a smile, ultimately creating a strategic advantage for the brand they represent.

 

Advantage 5: Highly Skilled Talent Pool
The Philippines boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce. With a literacy rate of approximately 99%, the country produces many graduates each year with degrees such as business, communications, and information technology, fields which are all particularly relevant to customer service.

This educational foundation allows employees to quickly adapt to new systems and processes, making onboarding outsourced teams much more efficient. What’s more, the workforce in the Philippines is committed to lifelong learning.

BPOs in the Philippines frequently offer their employees ongoing training programs and professional development opportunities. This focus on training keeps their talented workforce up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which is particularly important in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Advantage 6: Enhanced Privacy & Security
In 2012, the Philippines passed the Data Privacy Act, which upgraded the country’s BPO industry to comply with global safety norms. This legislation laid the groundwork for a robust framework to protect personal information and ensure clients can trust outsourcing partners with sensitive data.

The Philippines takes compliance with the Data Privacy Act seriously. Many outsourcing companies have become certified to ensure clients adhere to these rigorous protections. This includes regular audits, employee training programs focused on data protection, and the use of state-of-the-art technology to safeguard data against breaches.

The commitment to privacy fosters confidence in the relationship between businesses and outsourcing partners and aligns perfectly with the growing global emphasis on data security. It will also reduce your legal liability because privacy issues will be less of a problem.

Advantage 7: Continuous Availability
Due to the enormous talent pool in the Philippines, there is never a shortage of workers willing to work at any hour of the day your business requires. In Western countries, finding a workforce willing to adapt to flexible hours can be difficult.
One key consideration for hiring offshore teams is time zone differences.

The Philippines also excels in this area thanks to its strategic location and robust infrastructure that supports round-the-clock operations.

With a significant time zone advantage, BPOs in the Philippines can cater to international clients across various regions, from North America to Europe and beyond. This ensures that customer inquiries and issues can be addressed promptly, no matter the hour, keeping the Philippines among the top outsourcing locations.

Advantage 8: Tech & Team Infrastructure
Advanced telecommunications infrastructure, complemented by high-speed internet access, ensures seamless communication across different time zones.

This, combined with an influx of skilled call center agents who can work in shifts, means businesses can tap into a highly responsive service environment without disruptions. As a result, the Philippines’ capability to maintain continuous availability sets it apart as a premier location for customer service business process outsourcing.

Advantage 9: Supporting, Stable Government
The Philippine government recognizes the immense potential of the BPO industry and has implemented policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting the growth of outsourcing ventures.

One of the key initiatives is the BOI (Board of Investments) program, which provides various incentives specifically designed for BPO companies, such as tax holidays and exemptions. These incentives significantly reduce the operational costs for foreign businesses, allowing them to allocate more resources toward growth and innovation.

Additionally, the government’s proactive approach to enhancing the business landscape is evident in its continuous investment in education and skill development. Programs tailored to equip individuals with the necessary skills—especially in customer service, IT, and communication—ensure that the BPO sector remains highly competitive.

Finally, the Philippines benefits from political stability, which helps foster a secure environment for international business operations. A predictable political climate, combined with a growing economy, instills confidence in foreign investors, affirming that their ventures will be supported by a reliable government framework.

Advantage 10: BPO Market History & Trends
The Philippines has a rich history in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which dates back to the early 1990s. Over the years, it has transformed into a leading global hub, earning accolades for its robust customer service capabilities. As of 2023, the Philippines has consistently ranked among the top destinations for BPO, trailing only behind India in overall industry size.

The Philippines has seen a steady increase in the diversity of sectors BPO serves. Initially dominated by calls and customer support, the BPO industry has expanded to include technical support, healthcare services, finance and accounting, and even more specialized services like graphic design and software development.

 

This expansion reflects the adaptability of the Filipino workforce and the ability of BPO companies to evolve with global market demands. As businesses worldwide seek cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, the Philippines stands out as a versatile provider of various outsourced services.

First Steps for Partnering with a BPO Firm in the Philippines

Choosing the right BPO partner is vital for enhancing your customer service capabilities and maximizing your return on investment. Here’s a structured approach to ensure you find the best-fit BPO provider in the Philippines:

Step 1: Define Your Needs & Goals. Before searching for a BPO partner, clearly outline your company’s objectives. What are your specific customer service requirements? How does your organization envision the partnership enhancing customer engagement? By understanding your needs, you can effectively communicate them to potential BPO providers, ensuring they align with your goals.

Step 2: Research BPO Providers in the Area. The Philippines boasts numerous BPO firms offering a broad spectrum of services. Start with online research by checking company reviews, client testimonials, and industry ratings.

Platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms can be beneficial in providing insights into reputable BPO firms. Look for companies specializing in your areas of interest, whether chat support, technical assistance, or other outsourced services.

Step 3: Evaluate Their Expertise & Experience. Once you’ve shortlisted potential BPO providers, dig deep into their backgrounds. Consider their years of experience in the industry, the sectors they serve, and their track record of successfully managing customer service operations.

Look for case studies or examples of their past work that illustrate their ability to handle projects similar to yours. This will give you a clearer picture of their competence and whether they have the specialized knowledge necessary for your industry.

Step 4: Interview with Your Top Picks. After you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to engage in direct conversations with your shortlisted BPO partners. Prepare a list of questions that address critical aspects of their operations, such as staff training and development, technology and infrastructure, cultural alignment, and metrics for success.

Step 5: Choose the Right BPO for You. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information from your interviews, it’s time to make an informed decision. Choose a BPO provider that meets your operational requirements and aligns with your company culture and values.

Look for commitment and dedication, as these traits can significantly affect the collaboration’s success. Consider pricing structures, flexibility, and the ability to scale operations as your business grows.

After Choosing a BPO Partner

Once you’ve chosen a BPO partner, there are a few things you need to do.

  • Establish effective, clear communication channels and protocols for regular check-ins. Utilize collaboration tools that facilitate seamless interaction and keep both teams updated on project status, challenges, and achievements. This ensures transparency and fosters a strong working relationship.
  • Invest time in a robust training program. This should encompass your company’s values, product details, customer service standards, and specific protocols. A well-prepared team will ultimately lead to better customer interactions and satisfaction.
  • Monitor performance with key metrics. Establishing clear performance indicators ensures that your outsourced customer service team meets or exceeds expectations. Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include customer satisfaction scores, average handling time, response times, first contact resolution rates, and service level agreements (SLAs). Regularly reviewing these metrics will allow you to assess your BPO partner’s effectiveness and make necessary real-time adjustments. This ongoing evaluation helps maintain a high level of service and ensures that your business objectives are continually being met.

The Philippines + Enshored = Your BPO Blueprint for Best-in- Class, Around-the-Clock Customer Service

As we’ve discussed, outsourcing your customer service operations to the Philippines offers a transformative opportunity for businesses looking to scale efficiently while maintaining exceptional customer experiences.

The country’s unique combination of cost-effective operations, a highly skilled and educated workforce, unparalleled English proficiency, and a cultural inclination for hospitality makes it the best of the best for BPO services.

Add to this robust government support, advanced infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to data privacy, and the Philippines stands out as a strategic partner for businesses aiming to build competitive advantages.

But choosing the right outsourcing partner is just as critical as choosing the right destination.

That’s where Enshored comes in.

With years of experience and a proven track record in helping businesses maximize the advantages of outsourcing to the Philippines, Enshored offers tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

Whether you’re seeking a scalable, round-the-clock customer service team or a partner to help you navigate complex BPO decisions, Enshored combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to delivering measurable results.

Ready to enhance your customer service, cut costs, and drive growth? Contact Enshored today to discover how our team can help you tap into the unparalleled potential of the Philippines. Let’s build a partnership that sets your business apart.

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