The Ultimate Guide to Buying Aged Solar Leads: What You Need to Know
In the world of solar lead generation, one of the smartest and most cost-effective strategies is to purchase aged solar leads. If you're not already doing this, you're missing out on a valuable opportunity to acquire high-intent leads at a fraction of the cost. This approach isn't just for beginners; even the most seasoned call center operators—some spending between $5,000 to $10,000 per week—are making the most of aged leads. In this article, we'll break down the different types of aged leads available and how to choose the best ones for your specific needs.
The Two Main Types of Aged Solar Leads
When it comes to aged solar leads, there are two main categories to consider:
Standard Leads: These leads are more affordable, typically ranging from $0.05 to $0.33 per record. While inexpensive, they’re still a viable option depending on how they’re utilized.
Premium Leads: On the other end, premium leads cost between $0.99 to $3.99 per record. Though they’re more expensive, they offer higher accuracy and quality.
But how do you determine which type of lead is right for your operation? The answer largely depends on who will be making the calls—whether it's an overseas call center or U.S.-based agents.
Matching Leads with Your Call Center
The first thing to consider is who will be calling these leads. Are you working with overseas agents, or do you have U.S.-based agents? The answer to this question will guide your lead purchasing decisions.
For Overseas Call Centers:
Go for Standard Leads: Overseas agents are typically accustomed to working with cheaper, lower-quality data. They’re trained to sift through large volumes of leads to find the right prospects. If you’re using a predictive dialer, overseas agents can easily handle the volume, making standard leads a cost-effective choice.
For U.S.-Based Call Centers:
Opt for Premium Leads: U.S.-based agents generally work better with higher-quality leads. Since they’re more difficult to replace, it’s essential to protect their time by providing them with accurate, premium data. Even if you’re using a predictive dialer, lower-quality leads can result in too much time spent on dead-end calls, reducing overall productivity.
Which Age Groups Are Best?
Aged solar leads are typically categorized by age, and this is another critical factor in your purchasing decision. Here’s how they are usually broken down:
7-30 Days
31-90 Days
91-180 Days
180-365 Days
So, which group should you focus on? It depends on whether you’re buying standard or premium leads.
If You're Buying Premium Leads:
Avoid the Newest and Oldest Leads: The 7-30 day leads may seem like the best option, but they’re often over-saturated because many rookies believe they’re the most valuable. As a result, these leads are heavily called, which can lead to frustration and price competition. On the other end, leads that are 180-365 days old might be too outdated to yield significant results.
Best Bet?: The sweet spot lies in the 31-90 day or 91-180 day ranges. By this point, the initial rush of calls has died down, and these prospects are likely better educated and more prepared to make a decision.
If You're Buying Standard Leads for Overseas Call Centers:
Consider the Oldest Leads (180-365 Days): These leads are often the best option for overseas call centers using predictive dialers. We strongly urge everyone to use a predictive dialer as they’re affordable, easy to manage, and drastically improve your output. We generally recommend ReadyMode for most applications. Many sophisticated operators prefer these because, despite their age, they can still produce good results when handled by trained agents.
A Final Thought on Lead Purchasing Strategies
Interestingly, the most experienced call center operators often buy a wide range of leads—both standard and premium, new and old. Why? Because they’ve discovered that their cost per appointment tends to level out over time, regardless of the lead type. Whether they’re buying cheaper, lower-quality data and employing more resources to process it, or investing in premium data that requires fewer resources, the end result is often the same.
Conclusion
If you’re running an overseas call center, start with the cheaper, older leads and scale from there. On the other hand, if you’re a U.S.-based company, invest in premium leads within the 31-180 day range to maximize productivity and protect your valuable agents.
Remember, the key to success is understanding your operation's unique needs and matching them with the right type of aged solar leads. By doing so, you can significantly lower your costs and increase your chances of converting leads into successful solar appointments.
-Peter Roth, CEO
Solar Wise