Today, outsourcing services continues its proven track record in delivering ROI. There are hundreds of industry specific outsource providers throughout North America in areas such as Experimental Marketing, promotion, merchandising, sales, training services and installation services. Many are excellent organizations that have in-house core competencies in various areas of marketing services. Their services result in notably improved productivity, speed to market, reduced cost of sales, consumer awareness, trial and measurable ROI. Growth and expanded service capabilities continue within these sectors due in part to the rapid consolidation of industry experts and capital funding.

With the growth of these outsourcing services has also come the advent of virtual companies. They present themselves as experts in channels where they have limited knowledge or service capabilities. The results include over promising and under delivering expectations.

Companies looking to outsource thier marketing, merchandising and sales services are making outsource decisions that will have an impact on the growth of their products and services. Determining the most effective provider of service is a major undertaking that requires time, expertise and industry knowledge. While there's quality outsource service companies that focus on key service expertise, the questions become:

• Who are these quality companies?
• Who are they associated with?
• What are their core competencies within your industry?
• Is all work done in-house or partially outsourced and up-charged?
• Who will delivery your specific needs and services with excellence?
• Will they provide services that reflect your company’s image and professionalism?
• Do they have the internal technology to provide ROI analysis and real time reporting?
• Are they looking out for your best interests?
• Can you view them as an extension of your sales and marketing team?