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How to Outsource to the Philippines: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Outsourcing to the Philippines has become one of the smartest moves for small and mid-sized businesses looking to scale without blowing up costs. From customer support and IT services to back-office operations and virtual assistants, the Philippines offers a rare mix of affordability, skill, and cultural compatibility.

If you’re new to outsourcing and wondering where to start, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about outsourcing to the Philippines step by step, jargon-free, and beginner-friendly.

Why Outsource to the Philippines?

The Philippines is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top outsourcing destinations and for good reason.

  1. Highly Skilled, English-Proficient Workforce

English is an official language of the Philippines, and it’s used in education, business, and government. Filipino professionals are known for clear communication, neutral accents, and strong customer service skills especially when supporting US, UK, and Australian clients.

  1. Significant Cost Savings

Businesses can typically save 40–70% on labor costs compared to hiring locally in Western markets without sacrificing quality.

  1. Cultural Compatibility

Filipino work culture aligns closely with Western values: professionalism, adaptability, and a strong service mindset. This makes collaboration smoother and reduces friction in remote teams.

  1. Time Zone Advantage

With proper scheduling, Philippine-based teams can provide overnight coverage or extended business hours for US and European companies.

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What Services Can You Outsource to the Philippines?

One of the biggest advantages of outsourcing to the Philippines is flexibility. Businesses outsource a wide range of roles, including:

  • Customer service and call center support
  • Technical support and IT helpdesk
  • Virtual assistants and executive support
  • Data entry and back-office processing
  • Finance and accounting support
  • Marketing, SEO, and content services
  • Sales support and lead generation

If a role can be done remotely, there’s a strong chance it can be outsourced successfully.

Step-by-Step: How to Outsource to the Philippines

Step 1: Identify What to Outsource

Start with tasks that are:

  • Repetitive or time-consuming
  • Outside your core expertise
  • Preventing you from focusing on growth

Common beginner-friendly roles include customer support, admin tasks, and data management.

Step 2: Decide Between Freelancers, VAs, or a BPO

You have three main outsourcing models:

  • Freelancers – Best for short-term or project-based work
  • Virtual Assistants (VAs) – Ideal for ongoing admin or support tasks
  • BPO Companies – Best for scalable, managed teams with structured processes

For beginners, working with an established Philippines BPO company often reduces risk and speeds up onboarding.

Step 3: Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner

When evaluating outsourcing providers, look for:

  • Proven experience in your industry
  • Transparent pricing
  • Strong recruitment and training processes
  • Clear communication and escalation paths
  • Data security and compliance standards

Avoid providers that promise unrealistically low prices or can’t explain how they manage quality.

Step 4: Define Roles, KPIs, and Expectations

Clarity is critical. Before onboarding, document:

  • Job responsibilities
  • Performance metrics (KPIs)
  • Working hours and time zone overlap
  • Communication tools and reporting cadence

Clear expectations upfront prevent misunderstandings later.

Step 5: Onboard and Train Your Team

Even experienced Filipino professionals need context about your business.

Best practices include:

  • Structured onboarding plans
  • SOPs and process documentation
  • Shadowing and trial periods
  • Regular check-ins during the first 30–60 days

Step 6: Manage, Measure, and Optimize

Successful outsourcing is not “set it and forget it.”

Use tools like:

  • Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication
  • Asana, ClickUp, or Trello for task management
  • Time tracking and QA systems where needed

Track performance, gather feedback, and continuously improve processes.

How Much Does It Cost to Outsource to the Philippines?

Costs vary by role and experience, but typical monthly ranges include:

  • Virtual Assistants: $600–$1,200
  • Customer Support Agents: $800–$1,500
  • IT Support Specialists: $1,200–$2,000

Working with a BPO may include additional management fees, but this often results in better retention, quality control, and scalability.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Choosing Price Over Quality

The cheapest option often leads to high turnover and poor results. Focus on value, not just cost.

❌ Lack of Documentation

If your processes live only in your head, outsourcing will fail. Document everything.

❌ Poor Communication

Set regular meetings and feedback loops early.

❌ Unrealistic Expectations

Outsourcing supports your business it doesn’t replace leadership or strategy.

Is Outsourcing to the Philippines Right for Your Business?

Outsourcing to the Philippines is ideal if you:

  • Want to scale without increasing overhead
  • Need reliable, English-speaking talent
  • Are open to building remote teams
  • Value long-term partnerships

If done right, outsourcing becomes a competitive advantage, not just a cost-cutting tactic.

Real-World Impact: What Smarter Outsourcing Looks Like

Canadian small businesses working with AlliedFusionBPO report:

  • Faster response times for customers
  • Lower operational costs with higher consistency
  • Improved sales conversion through trained telesales teams
  • Reduced burnout among in-house staff

Outsourcing stops being a risk and starts becoming a growth engine.

Final Thoughts

For beginners, outsourcing to the Philippines may feel intimidating but with the right strategy and partner, it’s one of the most effective ways to grow sustainably.

Start small, stay intentional, and focus on building systems not just hiring people.

If you’re ready to explore outsourcing solutions tailored to your business needs, working with a trusted Philippines BPO partner can make all the difference.

Looking to outsource customer support, IT services, or back-office operations? Allied Fusion BPO helps businesses build reliable, high-performing offshore teams in the Philippines without the usual outsourcing headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is outsourcing to the Philippines good for small businesses?

    Yes. Outsourcing to the Philippines is especially well-suited for small and mid-sized businesses because it allows them to access skilled talent, reduce operational costs, and scale teams without long-term local hiring commitments.

    How much can I save by outsourcing to the Philippines?

    Most businesses save between 40% and 70% compared to hiring locally in the US, UK, or Australia, depending on the role and outsourcing model.

    What roles are most commonly outsourced to the Philippines?

    Customer support, technical support, virtual assistants, back-office processing, finance and accounting, marketing, SEO, and IT services are among the most commonly outsourced roles.

    Is English proficiency really strong in the Philippines?

    Yes. English is an official language and widely used in education and business. Filipino professionals are known for strong communication skills and neutral accents.

    What is the difference between hiring a VA and working with a BPO?

    A virtual assistant typically supports individuals or small teams, while a BPO provides managed services, structured processes, backups, quality assurance, and scalability making BPOs ideal for growing businesses.

    Are there risks to outsourcing overseas?

    Like any business decision, outsourcing has risks, including communication gaps and quality issues. These risks are minimized by choosing the right partner, setting clear expectations, and maintaining regular communication.

    How long does it take to get started with outsourcing?

    With a BPO partner, businesses can usually onboard talent within 2–4 weeks, depending on role complexity and hiring requirements.

    Is data security a concern when outsourcing to the Philippines?

    Reputable BPOs follow strict data protection protocols, NDAs, and compliance standards. Always ask potential partners about their security measures before engaging.

Picture of Yuko Tsushima

Yuko Tsushima

Yuko Tsushima is the Chief Executive Officer of Allied Fusion BPO, where she leads the company’s mission to deliver reliable, people-centered outsourcing solutions for global businesses. With deep experience in operations, client success, and workforce development, Yuko is passionate about building high-performing teams and creating sustainable partnerships that drive long-term growth. She regularly shares insights on outsourcing strategy, customer experience, and the evolving BPO landscape.

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