What To Consider When Vetting VR Training Vendors
At this point, all the vendor profiles start to blend together. You’ve looked at so many company bios and reviews. Finally, you’re able to dive into the outsourcing shortlist. What should you look for? More importantly, are there any warning signs to keep on your radar? Shopping around for outsourcing partners should be the easy part, especially after you’ve created a budget and made a successful business case. So, why is the vetting process always so overwhelming? The secret is to create a qualification checklist. This allows you to evaluate VR training solutions one by one, then compare your top choices. Look for these 8 things in vendor landing pages, portfolios, and directory listings.
8 Things To Look For In VR Training Company Websites, Portfolios, And Listings
1. Background Experience
Many organizations focus on VR tech skills and overlook industry know-how. But the vendor should have a broad range of experience in your niche or, at least, sectors with training challenges and requirements similar to yours. For example, they’ve worked with clients in the call center or sales industry. So, they’re good candidates for your retail customer service VR training program. They don’t need to give you the unabridged history of their company. However, vendors should list their background experience and specializations on the landing page and listings.
2. Tech Tools
Which VR training development tools does the vendor use? Is the content compatible with your VR devices? You must also consider other software you need to create immersive VR training job aids. For example, can they help you record, edit, and render 360 videos for your team? Furthermore, will they host the content, or do you need to invest in an LMS that supports VR resources? The vendor should have a list of tech tools at their disposal and possibly a brief explanation of how they’re used.
3. Work Samples
Portfolios give VR training solutions providers the chance to showcase their best work. It typically consists of the sample activity, project scope, and work process. For instance, the desired outcomes and development approach they used to achieve the objectives. Of course, there should be VR training samples that require you to slip on your headset and explore their design skills firsthand, as well as some traditional online training activities that highlight other aspects of training solutions. For example, demos and simulations for JIT support or remote skill-building.
4. Training Solutions
You’re looking for a vendor that specializes in VR training systems. However, you may need tie-in training tools for long-term reinforcement and performance management—even if it’s months down the road. Finding a vendor who meets all your training needs spares you another round of vetting. Plus, you get to build a rapport with this outsourcing partner instead of switching between multiple service providers. So, look for a complete list of their training solutions. Then compare it with your outsourcing wish list.
5. Practical Perks
Organizations hire third-party content providers because it makes financial sense. It’s not about how much experience they have or the tools they use, but how all these factors benefit your bottom line. In other words, the practical perks that every VR training content provider delivers. As such, outsourcing partners should explain how their solutions and services translate into real-world benefits. What can they bring to your training program and what sets them apart from the competition? This is their opportunity to highlight key selling points in terms of real-world outcomes.
6. Contact Info
VR training solutions must provide contact information so that you can reach out with questions or concerns. Some vendors even have team bios. For instance, you should contact their sales rep for questions about RFPs or pricing. But their resident tech expert is the one responsible for VR tool inquiries. Email or live chat also gives you the chance to test out their customer service. Does it take them a week to respond to your message? Is their live chat team knowledgeable about their range of services? Last but not least, look at their social media profiles. Do they engage with the public or are questions left unanswered for months?
7. Client Success Stories
Success stories aren’t the same as testimonials. While testimonials tend to be glowing reviews, stories offer more insight. They might include some brief background info about the client, like their training challenges or gaps. Then they explain how the vendor helped them achieve the objectives. For instance, customer satisfaction rates rose by 25% and compliance violations decreased by 55%. Think of them as next-level case studies. Many VR training vendors also highlight their industry achievements in this section.
8. Pricing
As a general rule, virtual reality training companies won’t include prices in their directory listing or website. This is due to the fact that every project calls for unique tools, timelines, and deliverables. However, there should be free quote requests or RFP information. For example, they invite you to contact them for a detailed proposal and cost estimate. Also, user ratings tell you which vendor offers the best value for money based on your use case.
Conclusion
There may be some VR training solutions that have minimal online presence because they’re new to the industry. In this case, reach out directly and set up a meeting to discuss your specs and budget. You shouldn’t automatically rule them out just because they’re a startup. That said, every vendor needs an online portfolio. Even if it’s work samples they’ve created specifically for their business. Or consider hiring them for a test project for a small-scale deliverable to evaluate their practices and CX.
Are you looking for the perfect outsourcing partner for VR training? Search our online directory to find the right content provider in your price range. There are even ratings and reviews to help you maximize value for money.
Download the eBook Virtual Reality Outsourcing: Your Guide To Finding The Perfect Immersive Learning Partner for insider tips to launch an experiential learning program.
