The Sales Talent You Need Exists—You\\\'re Just Looking in the Wrong Place | THIENTU BPO Vietnam SDR Solutions

Your SDR team is burning through candidates faster than you can hire them.

Six months to fill a role. Entry-level reps demanding $180K+ compensation packages. And when you finally make a hire, there's a good chance they'll quit within four months or never hit quota consistently.

Sound familiar?

But here's what most sales leaders haven't figured out yet: the talent you need isn't scarce. You're just looking in the wrong market.

At THIENTU BPO, we've helped global enterprises build high-performing sales teams for over 24 years. We've seen firsthand how companies transform their sales operations by expanding their search to Vietnam—achieving better results, lower costs, and stronger retention than they were getting from traditional hiring markets.

Why Sales Leaders Overlook Vietnam for SDR Hiring

There's this assumption that for client-facing roles—especially sales—you need to hire in expensive Western markets. That prospects will only take you seriously if your SDRs are based domestically in the US, UK, or Australia.

We understand why this thinking persists. Sales feels different from other roles. It's relationship-based, requires cultural understanding, and demands strong communication with prospects who might have preconceptions about offshore talent.

But what if those assumptions don't match reality?

Over the past two decades, we've built sales teams that consistently achieve better results than clients were getting from their expensive domestic hires. Not just cost savings—actual performance improvements in activity metrics, meeting conversions, and quota attainment.

What We're Actually Seeing in the Vietnam Market

The companies who partner with THIENTU face similar challenges: escalating salary expectations, entitled candidates who want extensive support before proving themselves, and high attrition rates that make building consistent pipeline nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, the SDRs we recruit from Vietnam's professional workforce bring something that's become increasingly valuable: genuine drive and commitment to results.

They understand that sales is fundamentally a numbers game. They're not afraid to make high call volumes—300+ dials daily when needed. They're motivated by performance-based compensation and see sales as a legitimate career path, not just a temporary stepping stone to another role.

The difference in work ethic is consistent across our placements. Where candidates in saturated markets often want guarantees upfront, Vietnamese sales professionals are ready to prove themselves through measurable results.

The THIENTU Advantage: 20+ Years of Sales Operations Expertise

We don't just recruit SDRs—we've operated high-volume telesales and telemarketing campaigns for over 20 years. This means we understand sales performance from the inside:

• What separates top performers from average reps
• How to structure compensation for motivation without unsustainable costs
• Which metrics actually predict long-term success
• How to build scalable sales operations that deliver consistent results

Our Samsung Top Global Performer in Call/Chat NPS award validates our understanding of what drives excellence in customer-facing roles. When you build your SDR team with THIENTU, you're backed by proven sales operations expertise, not just recruitment capabilities.

The Skills That Actually Matter for SDR Success

When you strip away assumptions about location, what makes an SDR successful?

1. Grit and persistence that can't be taught

You can train someone on your product, your sales process, even your industry. But you can't teach someone to have presence on a call or the persistence to work through constant rejection. These characteristics either exist or they don't.

We've found that Vietnamese professionals consistently demonstrate this resilience. They understand that sales success comes from consistent activity over time, not occasional bursts of effort.

2. Communication skills and confidence

The ability to handle objections, build rapport quickly, and guide conversations toward meetings—these are fundamental sales skills that translate across markets and cultures.

English proficiency is strong across Vietnam's professional workforce, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City where we're headquartered. We conduct rigorous communication screening including role-play scenarios, objection handling, and accent evaluation to ensure your SDRs can engage prospects effectively.

3. Understanding of urgency and quota pressure

SDRs need to know that "call me back in an hour" isn't a suggestion—it's a requirement. They need to understand that quarter-end deadlines matter and that activity metrics exist for good reason.

This sense of urgency and accountability is deeply embedded in Vietnam's professional culture. We consistently see Vietnamese SDRs demonstrate the ownership mentality that drives consistent quota attainment.

4. Coachability and continuous improvement

The best SDRs take feedback well and continuously refine their approach based on what's working. They participate actively in coaching sessions and implement suggestions quickly.

Vietnamese professionals generally demonstrate respect for structure, clear processes, and continuous learning—characteristics that translate directly to sales effectiveness and team development.

At the end of the day, these core skills—not a candidate's location—determine whether an SDR can consistently create pipeline and hit quota.

The Business Case: Why Vietnam Works for Sales Teams

The economics are compelling, but the strategic advantages extend far beyond simple cost arbitrage.

Cost Efficiency That Scales

Skilled SDRs in Vietnam expect fair compensation and performance-based incentives, but total compensation runs 50-70% lower than US markets and 30-40% below India or the Philippines. And because they view the role as a career path rather than a temporary position, average tenure is substantially longer.

Typical compensation comparison:

• US SDR: $60K - $80K base + $100K - $120K OTE = $180K total comp
• Vietnam SDR through THIENTU: $18K - $24K base + performance incentives = $30K - $40K total comp
• Your savings: $140K - $150K per SDR annually (70-80% cost reduction)

With a 10-person SDR team, that's $1.4M - $1.5M in annual savings that can fund additional hiring, marketing programs, or sales technology investments.

Faster Hiring Cycles

Instead of 6-month searches that disrupt your pipeline development, we deliver pre-vetted SDR candidates in 7-14 working days. You can interview qualified professionals and make hiring decisions within 2-3 weeks from initial engagement.

Our 30,000+ candidate database includes sales professionals with relevant experience who are ready to start immediately, not passive candidates who need lengthy notice periods.

Lower Attrition Rates

We see 90%+ retention rates in our Vietnam sales operations. Vietnamese professionals tend to view their roles as career opportunities rather than temporary positions, leading to the kind of tenure that actually lets you build institutional knowledge and consistent pipeline generation.

Compare this to typical US SDR attrition of 30-35% annually, where you're constantly training replacements instead of scaling proven performers.

Cultural Alignment and Business Understanding

Many Vietnamese professionals have experience working with international companies and understand Western business practices and communication styles. Vietnam's education system emphasizes English language training, and Ho Chi Minh City's growing tech and BPO sectors have created a workforce familiar with global business norms.

Operational Scalability

When you need to grow your team quickly—adding 5, 10, or 20 SDRs to capitalize on a market opportunity—Vietnam's talent pool is significantly deeper than saturated domestic markets. We can scale your team rapidly without compromising on quality standards.

Real Results: Vietnam-Based Sales Teams Driving Enterprise Growth

Case Study: E-Commerce Platform SDR Expansion

Challenge: A Singapore-based e-commerce platform needed to scale from 5 to 25 SDRs within 90 days to support their Southeast Asian expansion. Traditional hiring in Singapore or Australia would cost $3M+ annually with lengthy recruitment cycles.

Solution: We built a dedicated 20-person Vietnam-based SDR team in Ho Chi Minh City over 60 days, integrated with their existing sales operations and CRM systems.

Results:

• 20 SDRs deployed in 60 days across three hiring waves
• 1,800+ qualified meetings generated in first quarter of operation
• $2.1M annual cost savings versus Singapore hiring (68% reduction)
• Average ramp time: 6 weeks from start to full productivity
• 92% retention rate after 12 months vs. 65% with previous local hires
• SDR team expanded to 35 members within 18 months based on performance

The company's Head of Sales reported: "We were skeptical about offshore SDRs handling enterprise prospect conversations, but our Vietnam team's meeting conversion rates actually exceed our Singapore-based reps. The combination of work ethic, coachability, and cost efficiency has been transformational."

Case Study: SaaS Company Outbound Prospecting

Challenge: A US-based SaaS company needed high-volume outbound SDR capacity to support product launch in Asia-Pacific markets but couldn't justify $180K+ per-rep compensation packages for a new market test.

Solution: We recruited 8 Vietnam-based SDRs with B2B SaaS experience, supported by our THIENTU Cloud platform for call management and CRM integration.

Results:

• 8 SDRs operational in 21 days
• 3,200+ outbound calls daily (400 per SDR average)
• 12-15 qualified meetings generated daily across the team
• 58% cost reduction versus US-based SDR hiring
• Average tenure: 18+ months vs. 8 months with previous US SDR hires
• Top performer promoted to SDR team lead within 10 months

Case Study: Financial Services Appointment Setting

Challenge: A fintech company needed dedicated appointment setters to support their enterprise sales team but faced intense competition for sales talent in their US headquarters market.

Solution: We built a specialized 12-person appointment setting team in Vietnam with financial services experience, trained on their specific value propositions and ideal customer profiles.

Results:

• 12 appointment setters hired in 28 days
• 450+ qualified appointments delivered monthly to enterprise AEs
• $840K annual cost savings versus US hiring (72% reduction)
• 98% attendance reliability vs. 87% with previous contract staff
• Pipeline contribution: $12M+ in qualified opportunities in first year

How We Build Your Vietnam-Based SDR Team

We combine our 24 years of sales operations expertise with proven recruitment methodologies to deliver pre-qualified SDR candidates who can contribute immediately.

Step 1: Sales-Specific Requirement Analysis (Day 1)

We conduct detailed consultation focused on sales performance criteria:

• Your ideal customer profile and target personas
• Current SDR talk tracks and objection handling approaches
• Activity expectations (calls, emails, meetings booked)
• CRM and sales technology stack
• Compensation structure and performance incentives
• Ramp timeline expectations and training approach

Unlike generalist recruiters, we speak the language of sales operations. We understand what separates top-quartile SDRs from average performers.

Step 2: Targeted Sales Talent Sourcing (Days 2-7)

We leverage our 30,000+ candidate database and active recruitment channels to identify professionals with:

• Proven outbound sales experience in B2B environments
• Strong communication skills verified through recorded role-plays
• Demonstrated activity levels from previous roles (call volumes, meeting conversion)
• Coachability and learning orientation assessed through behavioral interviews
• Cultural fit with your team's working style and values

Step 3: Rigorous Sales-Focused Screening (Days 5-10)

Every SDR candidate undergoes comprehensive evaluation:

• Communication assessment: Live phone role-plays handling common objections, recorded video introductions, accent and clarity evaluation
• Sales aptitude testing: Scenario-based questions testing persistence, urgency, and consultative approach
• Activity orientation: Past performance metrics and references validating high-volume capability
• Technical proficiency: CRM experience (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.), sales tool familiarity
• Cultural alignment: Working style preferences, motivation factors, career aspirations

You receive 3-5 pre-qualified candidates with detailed profiles, performance assessments, and recorded communication samples.

Step 4: Infrastructure and Integration Setup (Days 10-15)

Once you select your SDR team members, we handle complete operational setup:

• THIENTU Cloud platform provisioning for omnichannel communication
• CRM integration and data connectivity
• Headset, workstation, and equipment provision
• VoIP and telephony configuration
• Sales collateral and enablement material access
• Performance monitoring and reporting dashboard setup

Your SDRs launch with enterprise-grade infrastructure from day one—no makeshift home office setups or connectivity issues that undermine performance.

Step 5: Comprehensive Sales Onboarding (Days 15-21)

We support structured onboarding covering:

• Your product/service value propositions and differentiation
• Ideal customer profiles and buying personas
• Talk tracks, objection handling, and qualification frameworks
• CRM workflow and data hygiene requirements
• Activity expectations and performance metrics
• Call recording and coaching cadence
• Team communication protocols and escalation procedures

Most SDRs reach initial productivity within 3-4 weeks and full performance within 6-8 weeks—comparable to US hiring timelines but at 30-70% lower cost.

Step 6: Ongoing Performance Support

Unlike traditional recruiters who disappear after placement, we provide continuous operational support:

• Performance monitoring and metric tracking
• Quality assurance and call coaching consultation
• HR administration and employee relations
• Infrastructure maintenance and IT support
• Team expansion coordination as you scale
• 180-day replacement guarantee for any role

Two Flexible Engagement Models for SDR Operations

Offshore Staffing: You Manage Your Sales Team Directly

Best for: Companies with established SDR processes, experienced sales leadership, and clear coaching methodologies.

You maintain complete control over daily management, performance evaluation, and coaching cadence. We provide recruitment, infrastructure, compliance management, and operational support. Your SDR team members are fully dedicated to your organization.

What's included:

• Customized SDR recruitment to your specifications
• THIENTU Cloud platform and communication infrastructure
• EOR services for employment compliance
• Workspace, equipment, and IT support
• HR administration and performance documentation
• 24/7 operational support

Pricing: Transparent, all-inclusive monthly rate per SDR covering compensation, infrastructure, and support services.

Full-Service BPO: We Manage the Entire Operation

Best for: Companies who want complete sales development capacity without building internal SDR management, or those testing new markets with lower risk.

We design, staff, train, and manage your entire SDR operation based on agreed metrics and SLAs. This model leverages our 20+ years of telesales and telemarketing expertise to deliver results without requiring your sales leadership's time for coaching and management.

What's included:

• Complete SDR team recruitment and training
• Performance management and coaching by experienced sales leaders
• Call quality monitoring and continuous improvement
• Campaign optimization and script refinement
• Technology platform and CRM integration
• Comprehensive reporting on activity and pipeline metrics
• Guaranteed meeting delivery or performance-based pricing options

Pricing: Flexible structures including per-meeting pricing, monthly retainer, or hybrid models aligned with your budget and risk tolerance.

Addressing the Real Concerns About Vietnam-Based SDRs

"Will prospects notice my SDRs aren't in the US?"

The honest answer: Some prospects may notice an accent. But here's what actually matters—can your SDR handle the conversation effectively?

English proficiency is strong across Vietnam's professional workforce. We conduct rigorous communication screening to ensure your SDRs can articulate value propositions clearly, handle objections confidently, and build rapport effectively.

Your prospects care about whether their questions get answered and whether they feel confident about next steps. They don't care whether your SDR is calling from Detroit or Ho Chi Minh City—they care about the quality of the conversation.

We've seen Vietnam-based SDRs consistently achieve meeting conversion rates equal to or exceeding Western-based teams because they bring better preparation, higher activity levels, and stronger follow-through.

"Can they really handle complex B2B sales conversations?"

Absolutely—if you hire experienced professionals.

Vietnam's growing technology sector and expanding BPO industry have created a talent pool with genuine B2B sales experience. Many of our candidates have worked for international companies, sold to Western buyers, and understand enterprise buying processes.

We specifically recruit for consultative selling capability, not just order-taking. Our screening process includes scenario-based questions and role-plays that test objection handling, discovery questioning, and qualification frameworks.

The key is working with a partner who understands sales performance criteria and screens for these capabilities specifically—which is exactly what THIENTU provides.

"What about time zone challenges for US/European prospects?"

This is a legitimate consideration that requires strategic planning.

Vietnam operates in ICT (UTC+7), which creates challenges for real-time US East Coast coverage but opportunities for other scenarios:

Best fit scenarios:

• APAC market focus: Excellent coverage for Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, India
• US West Coast/Mountain time: Reasonable overlap for afternoon calls
• Inbound lead response: Follow-up on marketing qualified leads, inbound inquiries, demo requests
• Email-heavy prospecting: Multi-channel campaigns emphasizing email, LinkedIn, and scheduled calls
• Extended hours coverage: Evening/early morning coverage extending your sales hours

Strategies we've seen work:

• Vietnam SDRs handle morning prospecting, research, and list building; schedule calls for afternoon (their evening)
• Focus on email and LinkedIn outreach with strategic phone follow-up
• Mix Vietnam team with local reps for 24-hour coverage model
• Target international prospects where time zone is advantageous

Be honest about your use case: If you need 9am-5pm EST cold calling capacity exclusively, Vietnam may not be the optimal primary market. But for APAC coverage, mixed-channel prospecting, or extended hours operations, Vietnam offers substantial advantages.

"How do we maintain quality and coaching consistency?"

Quality comes from structure, not proximity.

Many companies with distributed sales teams report equal or better performance from offshore SDRs compared to local hires—because remote operations force the kind of structure and documentation that improves everyone's performance.

We support quality through:

• Clear performance metrics established upfront (calls, conversations, meetings, conversion rates)
• Call recording and monitoring integrated into THIENTU Cloud platform
• Regular coaching cadence you control (daily huddles, weekly 1-on-1s, monthly reviews)
• Performance dashboards providing real-time visibility into activity and results
• Escalation protocols for handling complex situations or senior buyer interactions

If you have established SDR processes and experienced sales leadership, managing Vietnam-based SDRs is no different than managing a distributed US team. If you lack these capabilities, our full-service BPO model provides experienced sales management.

"What about data security and CRM access?"

Data security is fundamental to everything we do.

Our triple ISO certification provides enterprise-grade assurance:

• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security Management
• ISO 27701:2019 – Privacy Information Management
• ISO 27001:2013 – Data Protection & Risk Compliance

We work with financial services clients, healthcare companies, and enterprises with stringent security requirements. We maintain secure CRM access protocols, comprehensive audit trails, and strict confidentiality agreements.

Your Vietnam-based SDRs access the same systems as any distributed team member, with appropriate permissions and security controls you define.

Why THIENTU for Your Vietnam SDR Team?

1. Actual Sales Operations Expertise (20+ Years)

We don't just recruit sales professionals—we've operated high-volume telesales and telemarketing campaigns for over two decades. We understand what drives sales performance because we've built and managed these operations ourselves.

Our Samsung Top Global Performer award validates that we know how to build world-class customer-facing teams.

2. Vietnam Market Leadership (24+ Years)

We've operated in Vietnam since 2000, giving us unmatched market knowledge, candidate networks, and operational expertise. We know where to find top sales talent, what compensation attracts and retains them, and how to build teams that last.

3. Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure from Day One

Your SDR team launches with the same technology and operational support as any enterprise sales organization:

• THIENTU Cloud omnichannel platform for call management and integration
• Enterprise telephony and VoIP infrastructure
• CRM connectivity and data integration
• Call recording, monitoring, and quality assurance
• Performance reporting and analytics
• 24/7 IT support and infrastructure maintenance

4. Fastest Deployment in the Industry

We recruit and deploy SDR teams in 10-15 days from engagement to full operation. Our 30,000+ candidate database and proven processes eliminate the lengthy ramp times that plague traditional hiring.

5. Proven Results with Major Enterprises

Companies like Samsung and Shopee trust THIENTU for mission-critical customer-facing operations. When you build your SDR team with us, you're backed by relationships with Vietnam's top employers and a track record of delivering results at scale.

6. True Partnership, Not Transactional Recruitment

We succeed when your SDR team succeeds. Our operational support, performance consultation, and 180-day replacement guarantee demonstrate that we're invested in your long-term success, not just placement fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the minimum SDR team size you work with?

We work with companies building teams of any size—from a single SDR testing the Vietnam model to complete sales development operations with 50+ members. Many clients start with 2-3 SDRs to validate the approach before scaling.

Q: How do you evaluate sales capability specifically?

We conduct comprehensive sales-focused assessment including:

• Recorded phone role-plays handling objections and qualification scenarios
• Past performance metrics (calls, meetings, conversion rates) from previous roles
• Behavioral interviews testing persistence, urgency, and consultative approach
• References validating activity levels and coaching responsiveness
• Communication clarity assessment through multiple channels

You only see candidates who demonstrate genuine sales capability, not just general communication skills.

Q: Can we use our own interview process and evaluation criteria?

Absolutely. While we provide pre-screening and assessment, you maintain complete control over final evaluation. Many clients use their standard SDR interview process—we coordinate scheduling and provide guidance on effective remote interviewing.

Q: What CRM and sales tools do your SDRs have experience with?

Our candidate pool includes professionals experienced with major platforms including Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, SalesLoft, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Gong, and Chorus. We specifically match candidates based on your technology stack.

Q: How do you structure compensation for Vietnam SDRs?

We provide market intelligence on competitive structures including:

• Base salary benchmarks by experience level ($18K-$30K annually typical)
• Commission structures that motivate without creating unsustainable costs
• Quota and accelerator frameworks
• Bonus programs for consistent over-achievement

You offer packages that attract top talent while maintaining your 50-70% cost advantage versus Western hiring.

Q: What happens if an SDR doesn't perform?

We provide a 180-day replacement guarantee—twice the industry standard. If any SDR doesn't meet performance expectations during this period, we find a replacement at no additional cost.

That said, our rigorous screening process means underperformance is rare. Most performance issues stem from inadequate coaching or unclear expectations rather than candidate capability.

Q: Can Vietnam SDRs work US hours?

Some flexibility is possible, but requiring full US East Coast hours (which would be midnight-8am Vietnam time) is neither sustainable nor recommended.

Sustainable approaches:

• Afternoon US hours (morning Vietnam time) for West Coast coverage
• Mixed shift models with some extended hours
• Email-heavy campaigns with strategic phone timing
• APAC market focus where time zone is advantageous

We'll be honest about what's realistic versus what creates burnout and attrition.

Q: How long does it take SDRs to reach full productivity?

Most Vietnam-based SDRs reach initial productivity within 3-4 weeks as they learn your product, ICP, and talk tracks. Full productivity typically takes 6-8 weeks—comparable to US hiring timelines but at dramatically lower cost.

SDRs with direct industry experience may ramp faster (4-6 weeks), while those learning a new domain may need the full 8-10 weeks.

Q: Do you only work with tech/SaaS companies?

No. While we serve many technology companies, we also build SDR teams for e-commerce, financial services, professional services, education, healthcare, and other industries. Our 20+ years in telesales means we understand sales across multiple sectors.

Q: How does THIENTU compare to traditional outsourced call centers?

Fundamentally different models:

• Traditional call centers: High-volume, script-reading operations with high turnover and limited customization
• THIENTU offshore staffing: Dedicated SDR teams you control, integrated with your processes, with career-oriented professionals who stay long-term

We build sustainable sales capacity, not transactional call center operations.

Q: What's included in your infrastructure and operational support?

Complete operational infrastructure including:

• THIENTU Cloud platform for call management and omnichannel communication
• Enterprise workspace and equipment (headsets, computers, connectivity)
• 24/7 IT support and infrastructure maintenance
• Call recording and quality monitoring tools
• CRM integration and data connectivity
• HR administration and employee support
• Performance reporting and analytics dashboards

Final Thoughts: Stop Looking Where Everyone Else Is Looking

The question isn't whether Vietnam-based SDRs can perform—we've seen consistent evidence across hundreds of placements that they often outperform expensive domestic hires in key metrics: activity levels, coachability, retention, and cost efficiency.

The real question is whether you're willing to expand your search beyond traditional boundaries to find the talent you actually need.

Your prospects care about getting their questions answered and feeling confident about next steps. They don't care whether your SDR is calling from Detroit or Ho Chi Minh City—they care about the quality of the conversation and whether your solution addresses their challenges.

If you're spending months trying to fill SDR roles, dealing with entitled candidates who want guarantees before proving themselves, or watching new hires underperform or quit within months, it's time to consider that the talent you need isn't scarce. You're just looking in the wrong market.

The companies we've worked with consistently tell us the same thing: they wish they had discovered Vietnam talent sooner. The work ethic exists. The sales capability is real. The cost advantage is substantial. And the retention rates make sustainable growth actually possible.

We've helped enterprises like Samsung and Shopee build world-class sales operations in Vietnam over 24+ years. We deliver 50-70% cost savings with performance that matches or exceeds expensive Western hires. And we deploy complete SDR teams in 10-15 days, not months.

Stop competing for overpriced, entitled candidates in saturated markets. Build a Vietnam-based SDR team that brings genuine drive, coachability, and commitment to your growth.

Let's discuss whether Vietnam SDR hiring makes sense for your specific situation. 👉 Contact THIENTU BPO to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation.

📧 info@thientu.vn | 🌐 thientu.vn | 📍 145B Nguyen Dinh Chinh Street, Ho Chi Minh City