Call Center, a Definition

What exactly is a call center?

According to the Wikipedia, a call centre or call center is a centralized office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a large volume of requests by telephone. A call centre is operated by a company to administer incoming product support or information inquiries from consumers. Outgoing calls for telemarketing, clientele, and debt collection are also made. In addition to a call centre, collective handling of letters, faxes, and emails at one location is known as a contact centre.

But what exactly makes the key difference of between an ordinary office and a call center?

One of these are the shifts wherein most call centers don't follow a 9 to 5 schedule, though recently some BPO offices had started introducing day shifts which (almost) feels like a day job. Some of these companies are the Citigroup Philippines and Acquire Asia.

But I think the biggest factor is that most BPO firms offer above basic salary, allowances, and incentives coupled with benefits that makes the industry one of the sought after job provider in countries worldwide.