Customer support is the backbone of any successful business. But when it comes to scaling your team, choosing between hiring in-house or outsourcing to a reliable partner like CheaperTeam can significantly impact your bottom line. In this article, we’ll break down the costs, hidden expenses, and long-term implications of both models to help you make the smartest decision for your business.
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Why Cost Comparison Matters for Customer Support
Customer expectations are growing, and support must be fast, empathetic, and available across multiple channels. But maintaining this standard in-house can quickly eat up your budget. That’s why a thorough cost comparison of in-house vs. outsourced customer support is crucial—not just for startups, but also for growing businesses.
At CheaperTeam, we help companies achieve cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality. Let’s explore how.
In-House Customer Support: A Cost Breakdown
Salary and Benefits
Hiring support agents in the US, UK, or other Western markets often involves:
- Average salary: $35,000–$55,000/year
- Benefits (health insurance, PTO, 401k): +20–30%
- Taxes and payroll processing
⮕ Total estimated cost per agent: $45,000–$70,000/year
Recruitment and Onboarding
Don’t forget the time and money spent on:
- Job ads and recruitment platforms
- Interviews and HR screening
- Onboarding and training
⮕ Estimated cost: $2,000–$5,000 per new hire
Infrastructure and Tools
You’ll need to provide:
- Office space or remote tech setup
- Laptops, monitors, headsets
- Access to support software (e.g. Zendesk, Intercom)
⮕ Estimated annual cost: $3,000–$6,000 per agent
Management and Oversight
You may need an internal team lead or manager to:
- Supervise performance
- Handle scheduling and QA
- Ensure service level compliance
⮕ Estimated cost: $10,000–$15,000/year per team
Outsourced Customer Support: What You Get with CheaperTeam
With CheaperTeam, you get a full-time, trained, English-speaking virtual assistant for just $22,000 USD per year. That includes:
- Salary
- Office-based infrastructure
- Tools and equipment
- Ongoing supervision
- Seamless integration with your systems
We operate in four countries, ensuring global coverage, multilingual support, and 24/7 availability.
No Surprise Fees
Unlike freelancers or BPOs that nickel-and-dime you with hourly surcharges, our pricing is flat and transparent. No hidden costs, no lock-in contracts—just great support at a fraction of the price.
Cost Comparison: In-House vs. Outsourced Customer Support
| Cost Factor | In-House Team | CheaperTeam (Outsourced) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $45,000–$70,000 | $22,000 |
| Benefits | $9,000–$15,000 | Included |
| Tools & Equipment | $3,000–$6,000 | Included |
| Office Space or Remote Setup | Varies | Included |
| Management Overhead | $10,000–$15,000/team | Included |
| Recruitment & Onboarding | $2,000–$5,000 | Included |
| Total Annual Cost per Agent | $69,000–$111,000 | $22,000 |
The numbers speak for themselves. Outsourcing with CheaperTeam saves you up to 70% per agent annually.
Additional Benefits of Outsourcing with CheaperTeam
Faster Time-to-Hire
We provide pre-vetted, experienced professionals—ready to join your team in days, not months.
Scale Without Overhead
Whether you need one support agent or twenty, we scale your team with no added recruitment or real estate costs.
Global Talent, Local Quality
Our VAs are immersed in Western business culture and trained to uphold your brand values in every interaction.
Performance Monitoring
We supervise, train, and QA all agents—so you focus on growth while we ensure excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real cost difference between in-house and outsourced customer support?
Outsourcing with CheaperTeam can save you up to 70% annually per agent, factoring in salary, infrastructure, tools, and management.
How does outsourcing customer support improve cost efficiency?
It eliminates overhead costs like office space, benefits, and hiring while providing skilled full-time agents for a flat annual rate.
Can outsourced support match the quality of in-house teams?
Yes. Our virtual assistants are English-fluent, office-based, and supervised by experienced managers to ensure consistent performance.
Are there any hidden fees with CheaperTeam’s customer support services?
No. Our pricing is transparent and flat. $22,000/year includes everything: tools, infrastructure, onboarding, and management.
Is outsourcing customer support a good option for startups and small businesses?
Absolutely. It lets you scale service without breaking your budget or overwhelming internal teams—ideal for fast-moving businesses.
Partner with CheaperTeam today to reduce support costs and increase service quality. Let us help you grow smart.
CheaperTeam is a European based outsourcing company with headquarters centrally located in the heart of Manhattan, NY. Our objective is to provide high-quality, motivated employees while maintaining cost efficiency for businesses. We offer a boutique style of doing business, allowing flexibility in vetting and sourcing employees for various industries. Our staff comprises data entry specialists, medical billers, interior designers, back-office employees, and virtually any position that can be executed remotely.
