If you ask how many types of call centers there are a lot of people will say two inbound and outbound. Some people however will say that is more complicated and may give you as many as six not to mention the subgroups.

First let us start with inbound call centers. These obviously are ones that take calls instead of calling people. All the contracts I have worked at have been inbound. Many diferent industries use inbound call centers.  Here are some of the subtypes of an inbound call center.

Technical Support

General information

Sales

Dispatch

Answering service

Reservations

The other type of call center that most people think of is the outbound call center. Some people have a bad view of outbound call centers because these are the ones that have telemarketers and collection agents.

Telemarketer

Lead Generation

Surveys

Data Mining

Announcements

Fundraising

Reservations

Virtual call centers are call centers without a common physical location. They can be inbound or outbound.