> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tabbly.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Outbound Calls > Make outbound calls, set up campaigns, and manage outbound calling operations ## Overview Tabbly enables you to make outbound calls at scale, reaching customers proactively with personalized voice AI agents. This guide covers everything you need to know about outbound calling. ## How to Make Outbound Calls ### Making Individual Calls **Quick Call** 1. Navigate to **Calls > Make Call** 2. Enter phone number 3. Select agent 4. Click **Call Now** 5. Monitor call in real-time ### Making Calls via API ```bash theme={null} POST https://api.tabbly.io/v1/calls/outbound Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY Content-Type: application/json { "phone_number": "+1234567890", "agent_id": "agent_123", "contact_data": { "name": "John Doe", "email": "john@example.com" } } ``` ## Setting Up Outbound Campaigns ### Campaign Creation **Step 1: Create Campaign** * Name your campaign * Select target agent * Define campaign goals * Set start/end dates **Step 2: Add Contacts** * Upload contact list * Import from CRM * Manual entry * Filter existing contacts **Step 3: Configure Settings** * Call timing rules * Retry logic * Compliance settings * Success criteria **Step 4: Launch Campaign** * Review settings * Start campaign * Monitor progress * Adjust as needed ## Upload Contact Lists (CSV, Excel) ### Supported Formats **CSV Files** * Comma-separated values * UTF-8 encoding * Headers in first row * Standard format **Excel Files** * .xlsx format * Multiple sheets supported * Formatted data accepted ### Required Columns **Minimum Required** * Phone number (required) * Contact name (optional but recommended) **Optional Columns** * Email address * Company name * Custom fields * Variable data ### Upload Process 1. Navigate to **Campaigns > Upload Contacts** 2. Select file 3. Map columns to fields 4. Preview data 5. Validate phone numbers 6. Import contacts ### Data Validation **Phone Number Validation** * Format validation * Country code verification * Duplicate detection * Invalid number removal **Data Cleaning** * Remove duplicates * Standardize formats * Validate email addresses * Clean phone numbers ## Call Scheduling and Timing ### Scheduling Options **Immediate Calls** * Start calling immediately * No delay * Best for urgent campaigns **Scheduled Start** * Set specific start time * Date and time selection * Time zone aware **Recurring Campaigns** * Daily, weekly, monthly * Set recurrence pattern * Automatic execution ### Time Zone Management **Automatic Detection** * Detect contact time zone * Adjust call times accordingly * Respect local business hours **Manual Configuration** * Set specific time zones * Override automatic detection * Custom time zone rules ## Time Zone Management for Outbound Calls ### Best Practices **Respect Business Hours** * Only call during business hours * Configure per time zone * Avoid early morning/late night **Optimal Calling Times** * Research shows best times vary * Test different times * Analyze response rates * Optimize based on data **Holiday Handling** * Skip holidays * Configure holiday calendar * Respect local holidays * Custom holiday lists ## Call Pacing and Throttling ### Pacing Controls **Calls Per Hour** * Set maximum calls per hour * Prevent overwhelming systems * Maintain quality **Calls Per Minute** * Fine-grained control * Smooth call distribution * Avoid spikes **Dynamic Pacing** * Adjust based on performance * Slow down if issues detected * Speed up if all going well ### Throttling Benefits * Prevents system overload * Maintains call quality * Reduces costs * Improves success rates ## Retry Logic for Failed Calls ### Retry Configuration **Retry Attempts** * Set maximum retries * Configure retry intervals * Define retry conditions **Retry Conditions** * Busy signals * No answer * Voicemail * Network errors **Retry Intervals** * Immediate retry * Wait 1 hour * Wait 24 hours * Custom intervals ### Smart Retry Logic * Learn from previous attempts * Adjust retry timing * Skip numbers that won't answer * Optimize retry strategy ## Voicemail Detection and Handling ### Voicemail Detection **Automatic Detection** * AI-powered detection * High accuracy * Real-time identification **Voicemail Responses** * Leave custom message * Hang up immediately * Schedule callback * Send follow-up SMS ### Voicemail Messages **Custom Messages** * Personalized voicemails * Include contact information * Call-to-action * Professional tone **Message Length** * Keep it concise * 30-60 seconds ideal * Include key information * Clear next steps ## Do Not Call (DNC) List Management ### DNC Compliance **Automatic Scrubbing** * Check against DNC lists * Skip DNC numbers * Maintain compliance * Legal protection **DNC List Management** * Upload DNC lists * Maintain internal DNC * Respect opt-outs * Regular updates ### Opt-Out Handling **During Calls** * Honor opt-out requests * Add to DNC immediately * Confirm opt-out * Document properly **Opt-Out Management** * Central DNC database * Sync across campaigns * Export DNC lists * Compliance reporting ## Compliance with Calling Regulations (TCPA, GDPR) ### TCPA Compliance (US) **Requirements** * Prior express consent * Identify caller * Provide opt-out mechanism * Maintain records **Tabbly Features** * Consent tracking * Caller ID configuration * Opt-out handling * Record keeping ### GDPR Compliance (EU) **Requirements** * Consent for calls * Right to object * Data protection * Privacy by design **Tabbly Features** * Consent management * Data minimization * Privacy controls * Right to erasure ### Best Practices * Always obtain consent * Honor opt-outs immediately * Maintain detailed records * Regular compliance audits * Stay updated on regulations ## Best Practices Begin with small test campaigns. Learn what works before scaling up. Always respect local time zones and business hours. Calling at wrong times hurts results. Watch campaigns closely, especially when starting. Adjust quickly based on results. Test your agent's messages and responses. Ensure they sound natural and effective. Always prioritize compliance. It's not optional and protects your business. ## Next Steps * Learn about call batching: [Call Batching](/phone-calls/batching/call-batching) * Configure inbound calls: [Inbound Calls](/phone-calls/inbound/inbound-calls)