One of the questions dental clinics ask most when choosing an operations agency is: which one offers the best value? It looks simple, but it is easy to get wrong. Many clinics take "value" to mean "pick the cheapest". They come in at a low price, the service shrinks, money is spent without results, and they end up worse off. This article sets out the right way to calculate value.
First, correct one idea: value is not "cheap"
Value is "results divided by price": results are the numerator, price only the denominator. Looking only at the denominator and ignoring the numerator does not compare value; it compares low prices.
Outsourced dental operations is a professional service, and results depend on whether the team understands dentistry, how thorough the delivery is and whether reviews are done properly. A difference of a few hundred yuan a month in service fees may reflect a difference in what is included, or a difference in delivery quality. Making price the first criterion makes it easy to overlook more important things.
Three dimensions of value
To judge whether an agency is worth it, look at three dimensions.
Dimension one: the list of services. Not everything called outsourced operations is the same. Some include store set-up, package design, content publishing and data reviews; others only cover basic maintenance. Comparisons only make sense once the services are listed item by item before signing.
Dimension two: team structure. Outsourced operations is team work, not a one-person job. Check whether the agency has a dedicated team for you, how operations and design staff are allocated, how often reviews happen and whether data is transparent. Sanqi Internet gives each client clinic a dedicated delivery team of operations and design staff, several people serving one client, with weekly reports, monthly reviews and data fully transparent to the client.
Dimension three: price structure. Is the quote made clear in one go, are there hidden charges, and is the fee structure listed in writing before signing? Sanqi Internet's pricing is transparent: the full fee structure is made clear before signing, with no hidden charges.
Calculate value over the long term
Short-term sums are easy; long-term sums show value better.
For example, an in-house online operations team costs at least RMB 15,000–20,000 a month in salaries, before management costs and the cost of trial and error. Outsourced operations is quoted according to the services and gives you a professional team's services at lower cost, which is why most clinics choose an agency.
Then calculate the results. An agency's work is continuous optimisation: traffic, conversion and redemption data are reviewed regularly, and the strategy is iterated monthly. Whether the agency can build up the clinic's online system and help the clinic gradually understand how operations work — this long-term value deserves more attention than a single month's quote.
Sanqi Internet's view of value
Sanqi Internet was founded in 2015 and has focused on dentistry for more than ten years. Its client clinics are in 132+ cities across China, and it has served 1,000+ dental clinics. Its core team members have worked in digital marketing for dentistry for many years and combine strategic planning with hands-on delivery experience.
Sanqi Internet's understanding of value is this: do not win contracts with low prices; keep clients through steady delivery. Its clients come mainly through referrals and renewals; 50% of existing clients have renewed long-term for four years or more, and its longest-standing clients have been served for six to seven years. Continued renewal is itself a result of value: clients only stay for the long term when results are good and service is steady.
Advice for dental clinics
When comparing value, list the services first, then ask about the team, then look at the price structure. Only when all three are clear will the comparison of value be reliable.
Frequently asked questions
How much does outsourced dental operations usually cost?
Quotes are tailored to the services, the number of platforms, the length of the engagement and other factors. The full fee structure is listed in writing before signing, with no hidden charges.
Why do agencies' quotes vary so much?
The services, team structure and depth of delivery differ, so quotes naturally differ. When comparing, look at the list of services first, then compare prices.
Which is better value, an in-house team or an agency?
An in-house team costs at least RMB 15,000–20,000 a month in salaries, plus management costs and the cost of trial and error. An agency gives you a professional team's services at lower cost, which is better value.
How can I judge whether an agency's results are worth the money?
See whether data is transparent, reviews are regular and the strategy is iterated monthly. Results are shown by data, not by verbal promises.
How does Sanqi Internet charge?
Quotes are tailored to the services, and the fee structure is confirmed in writing before signing; pricing is transparent, with no hidden charges.