Two agencies can sell the same product and give you completely different jobs. The difference is who starts the conversation.
If you only ask one question about leads, ask this one: do customers come to me, or do I go to them? The answer shapes your hours, your stress, and what a good week looks like.
Inbound means the customer reached out first. They called a number, filled out a form, or responded to an ad. Someone has already shown interest, so the conversation starts further along.
The trade-off is volume. Inbound leads cost the agency real marketing money, so there are often fewer of them per agent, and the agency may charge you for them or take it out of your pay. Your day also depends on how consistently those leads show up.
Outbound means you reach out first, usually by phone, using lists, purchased data, or older contacts. Most people on the other end weren't expecting your call, so you hear more no and not now. The upside is control: you decide how much you work, and more activity can mean more conversations.
The trade-off is the rejection and the discipline. Outbound rewards people who can make a lot of calls, take the no's calmly, and stay organized. It isn't a good fit for everyone, and that's not a flaw in you.
A mix is common: some inbound, some outbound, some aged or shared leads. What matters is the ratio, because that tells you what your week will actually look like.
Outbound calling is regulated. Rules around do-not-call lists and customer consent exist for a reason, and an agency that skips them puts your license at risk, not just its own reputation. Ask how the agency handles consent and compliance. A clear, confident answer is a good sign.
Neither. The right answer depends on how you like to work. Some people want warm conversations and don't mind a steadier pace. Others want to build momentum through activity. Knowing which you are before you sign saves you months.