Compare Price Quotes from Phone Systems Providers

Phone Systems Intro

Getting the right phone system for your business can be a challenge. Sure, it may seem like there are a number of digital phone systems to choose from, but there are specific business phone systems designed for any sized company. To choose the most helpful and cost-efficient system, you will want to determine how many employees you have now that will be using the phone system and how large you expect to see your company grow, if applicable. This number will not only help you determine how many actual phones and extensions you will need, but also narrow down your search as to which system is most suitable. Other things to consider when talking with phone system suppliers, such as how many employees you have, how many lines you will need, future growth, compatibility with your current systems, how much you can afford, and many other factors. Because of these considerations you should prepare before starting the search for a business phone system.

Different Types of Telephone Systems

KSU-less Systems - These phone systems are generally for businesses with less than 10 employees. These systems will require a lower initial investment and may be the perfect option for your small business phone system. These systems are not permanently wired into your office, which means they can be easily moved. However, these telephone systems are not expandable...so if you plan on growing, then you may want to consider another option.

Key Systems - Also known as KSU (key system unit). These systems are typically for companies with between 5 and 40 employees.

PBX Systems - Also known as Private Branch Exchange (PBX). These phone systems are for companies with more than 40 employees. PBX systems will give your company advanced functionality. These telephone systems are completely programmable and can support complex implementation. These are also fairly expensive systems; the price differences between these systems and the other systems my be minor, but the functionality is superior.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) - VoIP phone systems can offer significant cost savings as well as many other benefits. VoIP runs over Internet lines and routes your calls over a data network. The downside is that sometimes you may experience network outages and/or limited bandwidth.

Tips for Finding the Right Telephone System

Get extra wiring installed - Always get extra wiring. Generally speaking, decide on how many lines you will need and then double the wiring. This will save you lots of money in the long run.

Test the system - Always ask to demo the system you're considering buying. Evaluate the phone and speakerphone quality, evaluate the ease of access to voicemail, and check the ease of accessibility to other extensions.

Voicemail compatibility - Many companies have third party voicemail systems. You should always ensure that your telephone system is compatible with not only your current voicemail system, but also with a wide range of voicemail systems in anticipation of future changes.

Buy at the end of a quarter - This is when sales targets need to be met and companies are more willing to bargain. Phone systems sales people will go to bat for you and your company and get you a good price in order to make their sales quota.

How to Compare Digital Phone Systems Quotes

Read more about how to choose a VoIP provider from our Buyer Guide.

While doing your preliminary research on business phone systems, you may feel overwhelmed with how many companies look qualified enough to carry out your phone system needs. In order to find the most qualified candidate, you may want to conduct some extra background information seeking to find a company that offers the best services and has the positive feedback to back it up.

When you come across an attractive candidate, ask them if you can try out digital phone systems that you are interested in using in your office. Not only will you get a hands-on feel of the product, compare phone systems and their features, but also gauge the trust level that the company has with their clients. Ask the vendor candidates about how they manage clients that need upgrades and additions later down the road. Ask the vendor for information on their former clients to see how well the company worked with others and how efficiently they completed their tasks. Lastly, determine which features your system will need such as call forwarding, caller ID and phone conferencing. Various companies will be more than willing to offer their phone system quotes and you should use your best knowledge to determine which company will work the best to offer their services to meet your needs.