In the race to scale outbound sales, many companies are experimenting with AI-powered sales prospecting tools that can not only research and personalize, but also book meetings automatically. But the big question remains: can AI actually book better meetings than human SDRs?
We ran multiple A/B tests comparing AI booking bots vs. trained SDRs across different campaigns, and the results might surprise you.
1. Open Rate
- AI outreach: High volume, often templated → 42–55% open rate
- Human SDRs: Lower volume, but more tailored subject lines → 48–62% open rate
📌 Takeaway: AI generates reach, but humans win on quality personalization.
2. Reply Rate
- AI bots: Automated follow-ups → ~7–10% reply rate
- Human SDRs: Customized tone and context → 12–18% reply rate
📌 Takeaway: SDRs are better at crafting outreach aligned with APAC go-to-market strategies and cultural nuance.
3. Meeting Booked Rate
- AI-only: 2–4% booked meetings
- SDRs: 6–10% booked meetings (with a focus on ICP fit)
📌 Takeaway: AI can book more sales meetings APAC, but quality control is low. Many meetings aren’t with true decision-makers.
4. No-Show Rate
- AI bots: 30–40% no-shows
- Human SDRs: 10–18% no-shows
📌 Takeaway: AI often “books the wrong meetings” because it lacks context. SDRs qualify better and set expectations.
The Hybrid Model: AI + Human SDRs
Instead of choosing between AI and people, the winning approach is a hybrid sales team AI and human.
✅ AI handles scale – prospect research, automated follow-ups, and initial outreach.
✅ SDRs add judgment – evaluating ICP fit, objection handling, and building trust.
✅ Together – higher conversion rates, fewer no-shows, stronger pipeline.
This model works especially well for:
- Companies investing in APAC sales expansion services
- SMBs exploring outsourced sales development
- SaaS firms needing sales development outsourcing for SaaS companies
- Enterprises looking for outsourced SDR services Singapore
The Takeaway
AI can help generate volume, but it still struggles to understand context and opportunity quality. That’s why the best results come from SDRs who know when to challenge, when to nurture, and when a meeting is worth booking.
At SDR.sg, we combine AI-powered sales prospecting tools with trained SDRs to deliver sales pipeline building solutions that create real opportunities – not just calendar slots.
👉 Want to scale outbound with smarter, higher-quality meetings? Talk to SDR.sg today and let’s build a pipeline that truly converts.