So you have decided to invest in an outsourcing relationship.

That is a great plan with the potential to yield results beyond your expectations. Of course, the natural next step would be to research providers.

But do you know what to look for, the marks of service quality and experience? And does the thought of talking with potential Business Process Outsourcing providers make you want to head to the hills? Here’s a simple solution.

Ask questions.

It sounds simple and it is – as long as you have a clear understanding of your company’s needs and a realistic projection of what you want to achieve in terms of market expansion, customer satisfaction and brand communication. Once you do the research, you can draw up a list of questions to ask the BPO companies on your longlist.

Next, you must compare those providers. You need to gauge their capabilities, industry standing and flexibility before you enter the negotiation phase. The questions you need to ask them usually fall into several categories, from Business Overview, to People, Process, Technology, Commercial and Contractual.

By delving into each category, you can filter the list and proceed with only those providers that have what it takes to understand, support and improve your services, and deliver consistent value to you and your customers.