Quick answer
Subcontracting lets a BPO or staffing agency pass part of its workload to a trusted partner when demand is higher than its own team can handle. The partner supplies trained staff, and you keep the client contract. It helps you say yes to new accounts without hiring in a rush.
Key takeaways
- Use subcontracting for overflow, new accounts, or skills you don't have in-house.
- You keep the client contract and set quality standards.
- Agree on reporting, KPIs and data handling before work starts.
- Terms are customizable and scale with volume.
When subcontracting makes sense
- A new client needs a team faster than you can hire
- Seasonal peaks push your team past capacity
- A client asks for a skill your team doesn't have
- You want to test a new service before hiring for it
How to set up a subcontracting partnership
- 1
Define the scope
List the roles, hours, tools and KPIs the work requires.
- 2
Agree on terms
Cover confidentiality, data security, non-solicitation and replacement.
- 3
Run a pilot
Start with a small team, review the results, then scale.
- 4
Report together
Share weekly KPIs so you can report to your client with confidence.
Subcontracting vs hiring in-house
| Subcontract | Hire in-house | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to start | Usually weeks | Often months |
| Recruiting effort | Handled by partner | Handled by you |
| Flexibility | Scale up or down by volume | Fixed headcount |
| Client relationship | Stays with you | Stays with you |
Frequently asked questions
You do. We work behind your contract and never contact your clients directly.
Shortlists usually arrive in one to two weeks, depending on the role.
Virtual assistants, customer support, appointment setters, sales reps, lead researchers and SEO specialists.
Talk to a Philippines outsourcing specialist
Tell us the role you need and we will send a shortlist of pre-vetted Filipino talent, a cost comparison against local hiring, and a 30-day onboarding plan.