What are the basics of a call center?

Types of Call Centers

Types of Call Centers

There are two main types of call centers:

  • Inbound call centers, which receive calls from customers needing support, inquiries, or assistance.

  • Outbound call centers, which focus on making calls for sales, surveys, or follow-ups.

Some call centers are blended, meaning they handle both incoming and outgoing calls. Depending on business needs, call centers can be on-site, remote, or outsourced to a third-party provider

🔸 Call Center Deployment Models

Apart from types, call centers are also categorized based on their deployment:

  • On-site call centers operate from a dedicated physical office.

  • Remote call centers allow agents to work from home or other locations using cloud-based software.

  • Outsourced call centers are managed by third-party service providers, often offering 24/7 multilingual support at reduced operational costs.

Core Functions of a Call Center

Call centers perform several vital functions for businesses:

  • Customer support for handling queries and complaints.

  • Order processing and appointment scheduling.

  • Sales and lead generation through outbound calls.

  • Technical support for product or service issues.

  • Surveys and feedback collection to improve service quality.

A well-run call center improves brand image, increases customer satisfaction, and helps organizations stay competitive.

 

Core Functions of a Call Center