In short, inbound and outbound call centers are opposites. As the name suggests, inbound call centers receive calls from customers or interested consumers, while outbound call centers make calls to leads or prospects in an attempt to make a sale. As a result, inbound call centers generally focus on building customer loyalty, improving customer retention and providing excellent customer service in response to any customer questions or concerns. Outbound call centers, on the other hand, look to build or deepen interest for potential customers to move them further along the purchase funnel.