The #1 Question to ask a potential Offshoring Partner

Hi everyone, 

You'd think by now Western firms would have figured out offshore outsourcing. The savings are undeniable - often 40-60% compared to local options. Yet year after year, companies keep walking into the same traps. 

The dirty little secret? It's not about finding talent. India has that in spades. The real challenge is finding someone you can trust to deliver what they promise, when they promise it. 

The Trust Gap No One Talks About 

Dig beneath the surface of any failed outsourcing arrangement, and you'll find the same story. Initial excitement fades as missed deadlines pile up. "Minor delays" become major roadblocks. What was sold as a seamless partnership feels more like constant damage control.

A 2023 Deloitte study revealed that 68% of outsourcing failures stem from cultural and communication issues, not technical shortcomings.  

Time zone differences are manageable. What kills partnerships is the avoidable stuff - vague status updates, reluctance to admit mistakes, and treating clients as transactions rather than long-term partners. 

The real cost isn't just in the money, but the lost opportunities and eroded confidence that makes companies hesitant to try again. 

What You're Probably Getting Wrong 

Most procurement teams focus laser-like on two factors: price and technical capabilities. While important, these alone guarantee nothing. The vendors who consistently deliver understand something deeper. 

The best partners don't just execute tasks - they understand context. They know your Q4 deadline connects to your fiscal year. They anticipate how one department's needs affect another. Most importantly, they speak up early when something isn't working rather than hoping problems will magically resolve. 

Ask not just what they can do, but how they handle things going wrong. Their answer will tell you everything. 

How We Built a 92% Retention Rate 

At Samera, we reject the typical vendor-client dynamic. This comes from doing three things differently: 

First, we prioritise trust and transparency over short-term wins. If we see trouble ahead, you'll know immediately - with proposed solutions. Second, we align our success metrics with yours. Delivering on time matters but delivering business impact matters more. 

Finally, we staff teams who truly understand Western business culture. They get why that 9 AM Monday deadline isn't arbitrary - it's tied to your client’s board meeting. This level of alignment transforms outsourcing from a cost center to a competitive advantage. 

The One Question That Reveals Everything 

Want to instantly gauge a vendor's reliability? Ask: "Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a client." 

The best partners will share honest examples of tough conversations they initiated. The rest will give vague answers about minor hiccups. This single question exposes whether they prioritise your success or their comfort. 

Book a call: 

Want to understand in-person how we help Indian firms scale globally the right way?  
Join us at the Samera Global Outsourcing & Offshoring Summit in Mumbai this August. Learn exactly how to build your own offshore team — the right way, from day one.   
Reserve your spot here: 

Until next time, 

Arun