Can you outsource recruiting appointment setting to overseas callers?

Can you outsource recruiting appointment setting to overseas callers?

This is a common question, and for good reason.

Hiring overseas callers can be significantly cheaper—often costing less than one-third of what U.S.-based callers charge. Many also have a strong command of English and experience with cold calling.

So yes, you can outsource recruiting appointment setting to overseas callers.

But should you?

There are three key reasons why hiring overseas callers might end up costing more in the long run than hiring U.S.-based callers.

1. The Accent Barrier

Even the most fluent non-native English speakers will have an accent.

For many real estate agents, receiving an unsolicited call from someone with an accent immediately raises red flags—they assume it's a sales call or even a scam and may hang up without listening to the message.

Even if they stay on the line, an accent can sometimes make communication harder, leading to misunderstandings. As a result, the conversion rate for overseas callers is often significantly lower than that of U.S.-based callers.

2. Lack of Familiarity with U.S. Slang and Idioms

Language proficiency doesn’t always translate to cultural fluency.

Certain phrases commonly used in the U.S., such as "bite the bullet," "under the weather," or "go sideways," might confuse overseas callers. If a prospect uses slang during a conversation, the caller might not understand, leading to awkward pauses or the need for clarification.

These small moments of confusion disrupt the flow of the call and can frustrate the prospect, reducing the likelihood of securing an appointment.

3. Connection Issues and Background Noise

Overseas callers may not always have access to high-speed internet or high-quality headsets, leading to poor call quality and frequent misunderstandings.

Additionally, background noise can be a problem. Callers working from home may have pets, farm animals, or other household distractions in the background. Even in call centers, multiple agents speaking at once can create noticeable background chatter, making it harder for the prospect to focus.

These distractions can make the conversation feel unprofessional and decrease the likelihood of setting an appointment.

The Bottom Line

While outsourcing recruiting appointment setting to overseas callers might seem like a cost-effective solution, the potential drawbacks—lower conversion rates, cultural misunderstandings, and call quality issues—can make it more expensive in the long run.

For the best results, hiring U.S.-based callers is the smarter investment.